Reinstalling motor, any pointers on the sequence of events?

[UATahoe]

About to start hooking everything back up on a motor install. Any suggestions on the order to tackle things? Gotta get headers installed, plugs, plug wires, distributor(need to prime the motor as well), and all of the wiring of course.
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[J Knight]

Double and triple check everything before start up and dont forget the oil and coolant. Ive seen guys get to exited to get it running and over look these things.
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[UATahoe]

Lol I am almost to that point. I was thinking headers first, then distributor and spark plugs, and then everything else.
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[Shyguy]

It is easier to prime the oil when the motor is out. We usually put the distributor in before installing the motor. Sometimes we leave the cap off and sometimes we don't.

It depends on which headers you have, sometimes the motor has to be setting in the frame before installing headers. On one of the trucks we did we had to lift the motor up some to get the headers in. When we put the same motor in a different truck with the same headers we did not have to lift the motor.

Take your time and check for interferences as you lower the motor into the frame.

If you have a mechanical oil pressure gauge don't forget to hook it up before you start the motor.

The plugs go in after the headers are installed, that way you won't break a plug.

[UATahoe]

The motor is actually already back in the truck. Now I have to do all the other stuff. I test fit the drivers side header and it went right ini, no issues.
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[Rufton]

Some things I like to do on older engines; not practical on newer engines because VC not accessible.
Double check important bolt torques before start and after heat cycle.
Cardboard shed to eliminate smokey start.
Manually oil valve train w/ oil can for a few minutes.
Use 2 stroke fuel for starting fluid.

[Tx Firefighter]

You asked about sequence of events.

I like to drop the engine in and get all of the underneath stuff done first. Bellhousing bolts, torque converter bolts, dust shield, starter and wiring, engine mounts exhaust.

Then drop the truck off the jack stands and do the top stuff.

That way you truck sits lower when you're bending over the fenders doing the topside stuff. I hate standing on stools and reaching so far over to monkey with plug wires, carb linkage, and front bracketry.

[UATahoe]

Thanks for the tips! I got everything on the bottom done minus the starter wiring. Need to pass it down. I will try to attack the headers next and then plugs and wires.
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