Engine and gearbox change

[silverfox]

Well, after 3 years of stag ownership and 3 years of temperature gauge watching and 3 years of wondering whether the jack shaft is going to wreck the the engine I've decided to swap the Tv8 and gearbox for a Rover SD1 3500cc engine and auto BMW 4 speed gearbox. I know the Rv8 has its own problems but I believe I will be able to deal with them easier as opposed to struggling with the head removal problems of the Triumph. I just want enjoy driving the car without the paranoia I've had over the last 3 years. I don't want to start an argument/discussion on which engine is the best, I just want to do what I feel is the best for me.
I've already got the engine and gearbox and I've been talking to Ian from monarch who's been really helpful. Ive got an engine crane and some hydraulic wheel ramps. I've never removed the engine and gearbox before so I'd like a little advice from any one who's done it. The manual says its best to remove engine and gearbox together and the front of the car needs to be lifted as high as 14". I personally though that it would be best to raise the rear of the car so that there is less clearance at the front to pull the engine and gearbox out. I've got so many questions going through my head that I would appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance, Terry

[staginhiding]

Sensible move Terry if its getting you down..

Why don't you PM your number and I can give you a call if that helps..

Get a list together of what you need to ask and there are more than plenty on here who have done the job before..some many times..

Sam

[Goldstar]

Hi terry,

It isn't a difficult job to extract engine and gearbox together. I did one on my own but easier if you have a friend to help (I don't....). You will need decent headroom to get the crane high enough to clear the engine bay and the front top panel. As you say get the back up as high as you can, I think Steve (Stagdad) has some pics in his album of that technique.

Good luck

Paul

[Bandit1200]

Hi terry,

It isn't a difficult job to extract engine and gearbox together. I did one on my own but easier if you have a friend to help (I don't....). You will need decent headroom to get the crane high enough to clear the engine bay and the front top panel. As you say get the back up as high as you can, I think Steve (Stagdad) has some pics in his album of that technique.

Good luck

Paul

Hi Paul

Can you please advise how one Member can visit another's album?

Thanks in advance
Steve

[bullstarz]

One engine to look at is the 1uzfe, one of the best engines ever built. What better the are cheap, http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...tchlink:top:en


You need to lift the front of the car to get the clearance for the unit to slide out. The rover unit will do the same. The engine comes out at a very steep angle, so it will clear everything. Just have some one watching to check the clearance and that everything has definitely been removed.


Then all you need to do is put some spacers on the cross member to get the clearance, new parts in, fill with coolant, oil, turn the key and away you go years of trouble free motoring.

Its that easy, honest.

[staginhiding]

Steve
Just click on the persons username which will take you their profile.Then if they have any pics stored it will show as an album..I think thats it..
Sorry Paul's a bit slow...

Sam

Hi Paul

Can you please advise how one Member can visit another's album?

Thanks in advance
Steve

[silverfox]

Thanks Sam and Paul for the advice. Sam, I will get a list together. I intend to start the job next week so I'd sooner get stuck into it and make a list when I get into the job rather ask my questions now. I will PM you my number when I get a decent list together, thanks Terry

[Stagdad]

Hi PaulCan you please advise how one Member can visit another's album?Thanks in advanceSteve

It's not my album but the way to view is click on thier username select "view profile"and scroll down to their album.Cheers Steve

[silverfox]

Bullstarz, if you lift the front end how high do you have to lift the engine and gearbox, will i have to take the roof off the garage ? I'm a bit worried about how much height I've got if I lift the front end.

[bullstarz]

Its one of those slowly slowly catchy monkey, things. You need the hight to clear the transmission tunnel. As you lift the engine you slowly move the hoist out. The engine can almost come out near vertical. Then when the sump is almost out and nearly on the front of the car get some one to lift the box end up and clear. Its a slow process but ideally you need two people. You don't have to but it helps, its less nerve racking and damaging. ( Both to the car and health)

My present engine/gear box goes in at a scary angle. Everything, even though it looks like it wont, holds out.

[Stagdad]

Don't lift the front, lift the back then the engine stays much nearer horizontal .if you lift the front it has to go in almost vertical.
cheers Steve
<-------- see here

[staginhiding]

After loosening everything that was necessary I used to take the front wheels off and support the car very low to the ground,made removal and refitting much easier.a bit drastic I know but it does help.make sure you have a trolley jack or similar to allow the box to slide.

Sam

[bullstarz]

All very true, I did have the use of a 5 Ton crane and a 30 foot high work shop though.

[silverfox]

Thanks for all the info lads, I've got one of those engine cranes, 2 tonnes max, I hope thats enough. I understand that you lift using the 2 front engine lifting brackets, they just don't look substantial enough, particularly the left hand one that fastens with just 2 studs.

[edd]

After loosening everything that was necessary I used to take the front wheels off and support the car very low to the ground,made removal and refitting much easier.a bit drastic I know but it does help.make sure you have a trolley jack or similar to allow the box to slide.

Sam

I like this idea Sam , I,m going to hold off fitting my cross member and use my dolly temp cross member that will remove easily and then suport as you say lowering the front to where i want it . I would use the spit but it gets in the way of the crane legs .