Install Engine with Transmission Attached?

[txleadfoot]

I learned the hard way last time that it's a real PITA to align a fresh engine with a transmission that is already in place.  I ended up having to drop the transmission to get the engine mounted.

Has anyone installed the engine & transmission already mated together?

Thanks,
Shaun
'92 E30 318ic

[rob_e30]

Yes, and it seems easier than attaching the tranny once the engine is in the car.  You need an engine leveler to make it work and you'll need to jack up the car.  Adjust the leveler to allow a great deal of incline for the engine, not with the leveler in the middle.  You won't be having the engine past level (crankshaft parallel to the ground) so start with the leveler so that it's level when adjusted all the way to one end.  When you need to get it to dive into the engine bay, begin cranking.  It may also be easier to remove the power steering pump as that can create a challenge in getting over the radiator support.  Make sure you pull the radiator.

GL!

[Wise Old Dog]

+1 on the leveler

[AcSchnitzer318is]

Did this with some experienced buddies and all went fairly smoothly.  Must remove radiator, and we removed power steering pump as well I believe.

[txleadfoot]

Sounds good, thanks guys.

[kenika65]

Every time I drop an e30s engine I do it still attached to the front sub frame with transmission and all.

It is very easy the only lifting you have to do is lift the body up and roll back then set on jack stands.

unbolt the six upper strut bolts, four calipers botls, four sub frame bolts, four control arm bolts and trany bolts and up the body goes and easy work from there.

Of course support everything and un-hook this and that.

Im building a entire front and rear drive train that I can swap right in when ready.

[AcSchnitzer318is]

^Might do that next time... sounds easier than the lift.  Will definitely do that if I am swapping to 5 lug at the same time I remove the motor.