Author Topic: Engine install  (Read 1035 times)

Offline ddonzella

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 167
Engine install
« on: June 20, 2020, 10:18:41 PM »
Not sure if this is in the correct area. When installing the 351W engine back in my 69 Shelby GT350  car is it easy enough to install it with the bellhousing and the alternator and power steering pump installed? 4 speed will be separate.

Offline Bob Gaines

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 9362
Re: Engine install
« Reply #1 on: June 20, 2020, 11:33:56 PM »
Not sure if this is in the correct area. When installing the 351W engine back in my 69 Shelby GT350  car is it easy enough to install it with the bellhousing and the alternator and power steering pump installed? 4 speed will be separate.
I have done it both ways. Works ether way. Way more room then with a GT500 engine.
Bob Gaines,Shelby enthusiast, Shelby collector , Shelby concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

Offline J_Speegle

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 24627
Re: Engine install
« Reply #2 on: June 21, 2020, 04:04:39 PM »
Never thought to have them on the engine during install unless I had assembled everything for photos before hand. But have done them both ways. Alternator only requires two bolts to install and the power steering pump can is too easy to dent or bend so I'ld rather not have it attached so I don't run the risk of creating more work for myself. Also how and with what tools your using to install the engine assembly. If you have a good tilter attachment and a fair number of helpers it will make a difference.

All about choices
Jeff Speegle

Anything worth doing is worth doing concours ;)

Offline ddonzella

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 167
Re: Engine install
« Reply #3 on: June 25, 2020, 11:45:11 PM »
I was going to use the factory engine lifting brackets that are attached to the exhaust manifolds to accomplish the install. Hydraulic cherry picker and straps not chains.

Offline 1967FEGT

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 96
Re: Engine install
« Reply #4 on: June 25, 2020, 11:53:03 PM »
You can do the install complete with transmission. It's easier to put the accessories on after it's sitting on the mounts. It does take an extreme angle to get it in with the transmission. I dropped my Fe in and had it bolted down to the mounts in less than 30 minutes.

Offline J_Speegle

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 24627
Re: Engine install
« Reply #5 on: June 26, 2020, 12:02:02 AM »
I was going to use the factory engine lifting brackets that are attached to the exhaust manifolds to accomplish the install. Hydraulic cherry picker and straps not chains.

Hard to get the angle need to insert and then level out as you ease it into place. Jacking up the rear of the car can help also with the angle. In my younger years I would have to stand on the transmission to make this work with both attached. Of course then you run the risk of tipping over the cherry picker if not careful


Moving this over to the general Processes, Products & Techniques area since it has little to do with specifically Shelby issues
« Last Edit: June 26, 2020, 12:04:05 AM by J_Speegle »
Jeff Speegle

Anything worth doing is worth doing concours ;)

Offline 1967FEGT

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 96
Re: Engine install
« Reply #6 on: June 26, 2020, 12:47:25 AM »
I used a carburetor mount for the lift. The rear end put up on jack stands and slide the floor jack just under the side of the car where the transmission will be, but not far enough in to interfere with the trans when you lower it.  Get a packing blanket and put it over the core support and also cover the inner fenders.
You can cant the engine and lift the tail shaft over the core support. Even at the extreme angle you'll have to be careful with the tail housing and contact with the firewall.
When you get it over and back you can position the engine over the mounts, position the floor jack under the end of the tail and raise it and lower the engine down on the saddles slowly.  You can pass the bolts through and then jack up the transmission and put the cross member and mount in.