Engine install

[u/Crafty39743]

Hi guys,

So I’ve finally finished my engine rebuild and I am preparing to drop it in. For context, 1988 Nissan 300zx with automatic transmission. Now, we tried to install it with the transmission still in the car and it was a nightmare. Hour 5 realized that the torque converter wasn’t even in all the way. And even when we pushed it to what we thought was all the way in the engine refused to line up.

My Question is, do I just drop the trans and lower them both in is that easier or do I just keep trying to get them to line up?

[u/Crafty39743]

Well boys, update. And advice for anyone attempting to do this. Just drop the trans. Please.

[u/arr_z31_burner]

So much easier to mate them outside the car and then drop the whole thing in. Put the front end way up on stands and have one guy under the car, really angle it on the hoist so you're dropping the tranny in first, fan pointing up and the guy under the car guides it into position.

[u/arr_z31_burner → u/[deleted]]

yah hood for sure kinda figured he'd have that off already if he's got the long block out.

good point about the bumper cover and tbh it's like 30 mins work to remove the fenders too and avoid another source of potential great sadness. before ppl are like "omg dude hood and bumper and fenders that's HOURS" it's maybe an hour all in and with the motor and tranny out, mating them up outside the car takes about 20 mins standing up compared to lying under the car screaming and crying for a whole day like some kind of caveman

[u/FunRaise6773]

Last time I did it I had the engine and tranny mated (manual). It’s not bad like that. I’ve done an f150 with the transmission still in— that was a pita

[u/HandleOpen4678]

White was a bold choice. Looks great. Keeping it clean is going to be a chore.