Disassembly before engine install - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kevinc · 10-30-2012, 10:08 AM

Been looking at pictures for swapping in a 5.3l Vortec and it seems like every time, the front clip is gone. Is it necessary to disassemble the front of the truck to install an engine and transmission? I really don't feel like doing that, but I will if its necessary.

Thank you,
Kevin C

tincan1966 · 10-30-2012, 10:32 AM

Considering it's only about a dozen or so bolts to remove it, taking the front clip off sure makes for alot of room to work. Also, alot of us do other cleanup/modifications while apart.

Just my 2 cents worth.

1963c-10 · 10-30-2012, 10:36 AM

It does make it easier, but you can install w/front clip in place.

Blessed66 · 10-30-2012, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tincan1966

Considering it's only about a dozen or so bolts to remove it, taking the front clip off sure makes for alot of room to work. Also, alot of us do other cleanup/modifications while apart.Just my 2 cents worth.

This.

Especially when working on a Gen II or Gen III install. From pulling and stabbing an LT1 in my '94 Z28 years ago, trust me, all the extra room you can get is a great thing.

kevinc · 10-30-2012, 01:00 PM

Just looked up how to remove the clip and it doesn't look too bad. My only concern now if revealing all the ugliness that is probably buried underneath the paint that the P.O. covered up. Right now I'm ignorant to what's under there and I don't want to know the truth!

Thanks,
Kevin C

jimmydean · 10-30-2012, 01:31 PM

There will be some pine needles, I'm sure of it. But well worth it if fo nothing else but to remove and clean everything.

kevinc · 10-30-2012, 03:03 PM

The dirt and pine needles won't bother me. Its the possibility if I find a bondo filled hole that I could fit a bowling ball thru. That's what's making me nervous now.

bryankichler · 10-30-2012, 09:58 PM

I left my front clip on but one thing I did do was cut the center out of my core support the 5.3 seems taller than a small block. dont take much though to chop that center out and i went back with a torch and welded it back in you would never know the difference.

10-30-2012, 10:08 AM	#1
kevinc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waxahachie, TX Posts: 195	Disassembly before engine install Been looking at pictures for swapping in a 5.3l Vortec and it seems like every time, the front clip is gone. Is it necessary to disassemble the front of the truck to install an engine and transmission? I really don't feel like doing that, but I will if its necessary. Thank you, Kevin C __________________ 1988 C1500 Regular Cab, Long Bed, 2WD.

10-30-2012, 10:32 AM	#2
tincan1966 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Independence,KS Posts: 1,477	Re: Disassembly before engine install Considering it's only about a dozen or so bolts to remove it, taking the front clip off sure makes for alot of room to work. Also, alot of us do other cleanup/modifications while apart. Just my 2 cents worth.

10-30-2012, 10:36 AM	#3
1963c-10 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: fayetteville nc Posts: 10,338	Re: Disassembly before engine install It does make it easier, but you can install w/front clip in place. __________________ 1963 Short bed step side SBW 427 big block and borg warner T-16 HD 3 speed manual http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=519869 1963 Short bed fleetside BBW 348 1st gen big block w/Powerglide http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=619024 1964 Short bed trailer

10-30-2012, 01:00 PM	#5
kevinc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waxahachie, TX Posts: 195	Re: Disassembly before engine install Just looked up how to remove the clip and it doesn't look too bad. My only concern now if revealing all the ugliness that is probably buried underneath the paint that the P.O. covered up. Right now I'm ignorant to what's under there and I don't want to know the truth! Thanks, Kevin C __________________ 1988 C1500 Regular Cab, Long Bed, 2WD.

10-30-2012, 01:31 PM	#6
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: Disassembly before engine install There will be some pine needles, I'm sure of it. But well worth it if fo nothing else but to remove and clean everything. __________________ New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210

10-30-2012, 03:03 PM	#7
kevinc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waxahachie, TX Posts: 195	Re: Disassembly before engine install The dirt and pine needles won't bother me. Its the possibility if I find a bondo filled hole that I could fit a bowling ball thru. That's what's making me nervous now. __________________ 1988 C1500 Regular Cab, Long Bed, 2WD.

10-30-2012, 09:58 PM	#8
bryankichler Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pittsburg, KS Posts: 54	Re: Disassembly before engine install I left my front clip on but one thing I did do was cut the center out of my core support the 5.3 seems taller than a small block. dont take much though to chop that center out and i went back with a torch and welded it back in you would never know the difference.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.