OK guys, I have a brand new 383 ready to go in my 69. Also the M20 is going back in. I am looking for opinions on the installation sequence. Should I put the engine and trans together and try and install as one unit? Or should I install just the motor with the bellhousing on it and then the trans? I have the shifter and linkage off the trans and the trans crossmember is currently out. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Kurt

I'd recommend installing it as a complete unit - this is simplified if you have an "engine tilter" for your hoist - just turn the crank to change the angle of the engine/transmission unit. Have removed/installed many this way by myself without a helper. "Tilters" are available from lots of places, like Summit, Jeg's, Harbor Freight, etc. for $50-$70.

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JohnZ
'69 Z28 Fathom Green

I agree with JohnZ, install them as a unit.
It is much easier this way and especially
with a "tilter" to get the proper install
angle, it will just slip right in.....good luck

Assembly. Do it once and you will never go back to balancing that silly tranny on your belly again.

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Click here to see see my car and hear 5-speeds. http://www.geocities.com/casanoc

Definately do it as one unit. I've had mine in and out a couple times on my 67. If you don't have a tilter (I do but just haven't used it) just use a floor jack under the tranny. I've been doing it this way, just using a carb plate as the lift point.

Mark M.

CarlC, I am happy to read I am not the only one who has done "transmission bench-presses!" lol.
Add my vote to installing as one unit. Also, scroll down and read about filling the coolant so your engine is cool and you don't get antifreeze spit all over the place.

Thanks guys! I see it's pretty unamamous about which way to do this. I don't have a tilter but I think I'll check into renting one. If I can't rent one I can get lots of bodys for help. Thanks again. Kurt

kurt, if you have already put lubricant in the tranny, you will need a plug of some type to put in the rear of the tranny or you will make a mess.

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Leo Paugh
MCC #017
www.clark.net/pub/chevelle/mcc.htm (http://www.clark.net/pub/chevelle/mcc.htm)
There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't met.

A friend of mine lent me a front driveshaft yoke for it along with his clutch alignment tool, which was made from an original input shaft. Makes life a lot easier.

Check the U-joint end of the yoke before using it as a plug for the back of the tranny - some have a small vent hole in them, and trans lube will dribble out.

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JohnZ
'69 Z28 Fathom Green