Team Camaro Tech banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Best way to remove chevy auto transmission?

Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
P

PA Camaro Guy

· Registered
Joined
·
653 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have a 69 camaro with a 350 turbo and 350 Small block. I want to swap the motor and have to decide how to deal with the transmission. Factory recommends taking them out combined as a unit. Ok, that could be a lot of awkwardly balanced weight and I'm hesitant. Is there any other way? Looks like the connecting bolts along the top of the housing are completely hidden under the cowl and inaccessible!!!

If you fellas have seen a good thread that deals with this- just let me know where to go read it.
 
#2 ·
If I am doing just a motor swap I leave the trans in the car. I was a professional mechinic for over ten years so I might have a few trick tools not found in the average do it yourself tool box. Those top two bolts on the bell housing are definatly a PITA in a Camaro. I pull the distributor before attacking them.

Jeff
 
#4 ·
Welcome to Team Camaro!

Like Jim said, the leveler on the hoist is the easiest way to pull everything in a controlled manner. That way, all you have to do is remove the distributor, plug the tailshaft and cooler line fittings, unbolt everything, and remove it with a minimum of mess.

If you want to leave the trans in place, you can usually get to the bellhousing bolts with everything still in the car; yes, it it tight quarters, but if you can get underneath and reach up over the bell, you can usually get them all. If you then can turn the flexplate and unbolt the torque converter, you can leave the converter on the trans to reduce the mess you're going to make.

I will see if I can find some good discussion here.
 
#5 ·
Welcome to Team Camaro -- I'm sure you'll get a lot of opinions, but I like to take the motor and tranny out together. The bell housing bolts are somewhat of a pain to get to, and I think its easier when the motor and tranny are together to drop them back in the car.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Thanks Fellas. We were originally going to take this motor out with a fork lift. I guess I'll have to consider reverting to the more traditional pulling rig given that I'll have to compensate for the balance point shifting as it angles out. That's what makes separating the transmission while still in the car a bit attractive- I can pull the motor very fast given the method available. Will have to mull it over!
 
#7 ·
With an auto trans I leave it. Support the front of the trans, unbolt the flex plate from the converter, unbolt the bell housing and you're good to go. If you pull the trans you'll have to remove drive shaft, cross member, speedo cable, shift cable, and cooling lines.

Those top two bolts aren't too bad with the hood off you can get them from the top with a ratchet wrench pretty easy.

Edit: I guess I repeated some of the above info, call it confirmation of information.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#8 ·
i left the trans in the car

the bolts arent that hard to get at.. there was 6 IIRC, i just put a jack stand under the trans to hold it in place

after i removed the engine i just jacked the trans up, pushed the crossmember out of the way and lower the trans down and pushed it out from under the car

and this is all on jack stands too, not a lift or anything
 
#10 ·
Maybe i can give you a hand, how far from Pittsburgh are you?
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#11 ·
With the crossmember out and trans supported with a floor jack you can lower the rear of the trans to make those 2 bolts easier to get at with some extensions. It works for me.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#19 ·
Image


Sorry about the huge file size......If anyone can help me with the thumbnail type of picture posting that would be appreciated..........

8ball
 
#20 ·
I found those top bolts can best be reached from under the car with a swivel socket and a long extension. Having those tools greatly increased my efficiency and greatly reduced my frustration.
 
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
About this Discussion
21 Replies
14 Participants
Last post:
tgifford5
Team Camaro Tech
posts
2.4M
members
90K
Since
1998
A forum community dedicated to 1st generation Chevy Camaros owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Bench Racing Engine Body Shop Performance Brakes, Suspension & Steering