Engine and Trans Install

[my67c20]

Getting ready to put my 383 back in. I intend to install the trans (SM465) first and slip the whole beast back in. I plan on raising up the cab to allow for the clearance to do this.

For all you crate engine guys out there what did you use to put the engine back in?

Was looking at one of the 4 chain levelers and botling to the back of the heads. Concern is the clearance between the back of the heads and the firewall.

I have an aluminum intake and really do not want to use one of those plates that bolt to the carb flange.

I have an engine hoist available.

All help is appreciated thanks.

[Sinister]

I removed the hood and hooked up some chain to the heads and put her in. I already had the transmission in though. Those load levelers would probably help some. Bump for you.

[cparman]

I just did this in my Blazer. Chain to the cylinder heads, and a simple cherry picker.

[Sammy]

I never had any luck installing the eng/ tranny together with the core support installed. But haven't tried it with a load leveler. But that may work.

[hayhauler71]

I used a intake lifting plate [aluminum intake] and left the hood on, no trans on engine.

[mr48chev]

I don't see why anyone would advocate raising the cab for an engine install on anything except an S 10 where it is required.

Unless you are using one of the name brand high quality engine levelers I'd trust a good plate lift bolted to the intake before the leveler. There has been a lot of talk on the net about failures in cheap levelers like Harbor Freight and others sell.

I have used a chain from corner to corner for the past 46 years but don't trust bolts in shear as much as I did years ago.

On that unit, I would probably stab the engine and bellhouising first and get them bolted down and then put the trans in from the bottom with a floor jack. It does weigh 187 lbs so it isn't going to be a walk in the park to get it in.
I am assuming that you are putting the trans in the 67 C 20 and not a K20.

[rick0312]

I installed my 350 and trans using a load leveler purchased from harbor freight. worked well. motor and trans went in without any major problems. Sorry, had a picture of the set up, but it seems I can't attach pics to post anymore??? whats up with that? have things changed recently?
Installed by myself...Load leveler was a big help.

[big_al_71]

we used the plate on the intake with an engine hoist, however we had the core support and the hood off the truck. The motor and tranny were attached....

[my67c20]

Thanks for all the input and the pic's big_al. Puts a bit more confidence in the carb plate.

The only reason i need to raise the cab is the shift tower for the trans would be a tight fit between the rear engine mount and the front of the tunnel.

[unclewatts]

Chain corner to corner on heads, engine bolted to tranny and no need to remove core support. Be sure to use grade 8 bolts for the chains. Go slow. That's pretty much it.