Engine Removal

[Avetiso]

Going to start the process of pulling the engine from my parts car. I could probably figure it out as I go, but, considering that I'll be on my back against cold concrete for a lot of the time, I'd like to know what to do before I go in.

Can anybody write out the steps to removing the engine with transmission as one piece from the car? Just a list of things that need to be done and anything I need to know ahead of time.

Thanks.

[Hermes]

Make sure to disconnect the exhaust manifold, it's impossible to get it out with the rear 3 still installed

Oh wait, you wanna take them out together? We did it with the trans removed...

Take the core support off, that will help big time, drop the subframe and lift the front end of the car. Let the subframe w/engine go down to the floor. Roll car back and support frame rails

[Avetiso]

Make sure to disconnect the exhaust manifold, it's impossible to get it out with the rear 3 still installed

Oh wait, you wanna take them out together? We did it with the trans removed...

Take the core support off, that will help big time, drop the subframe and lift the front end of the car. Let the subframe w/engine go down to the floor. Roll car back and support frame rails

I need to pull it from the top. Lower suspension is all mangled from the accident.

[Hermes]

Well definitely take the core support off so you can pull it out straight. I recommend disconnecting the trans from the engine but that is up to you

Core support should be held to fenders and frame rail, easy to remove (the two things in the left bottom of the attached diagram)



edit:
take all this off


edit2:
make your car look like this

[SoarinZHP]

Now THAT'S an awesome picture.

[LivesNearCostco]

Seeing an angle grinder in the picture scares me!

[Hermes]

Seeing an angle grinder in the picture scares me!

Dario shouldn't need it. I have a feeling the guy who posted that pic I found was an idiot and doesn't understand how to take things apart correctly

Edit: that pic is an E36, but you get the idea

[cakM3]

It's funny looking at that picture because you can see the broken hammer by the angle grinder. The guy probably tried using that hammer until the head snapped off, hence the angle grinder...

[Vas]

I would remove the engine and trans as one piece.

[Hermes]

If you pull it straight out, then yes you can leave everything installed. I'm just saying that if you are to lift and remove by trying to clear the core support it's a huge PITA with the exhaust and trans installed (if you can even manage to do it).

We did it with 3 guys, trans removed already, and about 30 minutes of yelling at the car before we decided to remove the exhaust. After that point it took 30 seconds. I can't imagine how long it would take (if even possible) without those items removed. You hit both the trans tunnel and subframe when you try to lift/angle it up, so something has to go

edit: Dario, make sure to purge the AC system before you start taking core support stuff apart