Engine Removal with Automatic Transmission
 

I know autos are everyone favorite topic(to trash). I searched but didn't(for some strange reason, don't tell me) find a lot on the topic. Is it easier to leave the trans in or take it out with the engine. If I do this I want to make it as easy as possible. Any help would be appreciated.



Thanks,

I have dropped 5 auto transmissions from my FDs and each time I left the trans in the car, braced up ( except for the last three time when I trashed the units for a manual ). The problem I see with the auto unit is the weight and bulk. The manual trans is light and skinny and easy to snake up thru the engine compartment. The auto trans would probably do the same but I know it would be harder to get out. What I mean is scrapping up again the firewall ( paint issue ), commanding more things to be removed, etc.

Now lining the auto trans back up was a nightmare - it's shear bulk and weight does not allow one to just pick and poke underneath that car .

My vote goes for leaving it in place and dropping it out the bottom if you are to perform work on it too.

It is much easier working with a Manual trans in these cars and a LOT more exciting ! Good luck.

Later

Thanks Tom,

Any other replys and how to get the engine out with an Auto? I imagine Trans shops have to remove the Transmission by itself to replace or work on it. I don't really want to do a conversion to a manaul but I guess this is the time to consider it.

I took my engine out leaving the auto tranny in place. I feel it is the easiest, even though like Tom said above it was a bit of a bitch to get the engine lined back up and bolted to the tranny. Once I got help and basically had a person on the jack the tranny was supported with to raise/lower as needed as I was lowering in the engine off the hoist, it went MUCH easier. There IS one bolt that you have to have a 24" extension with a 14mm flex socket to get to, it is on the bell housing at about the 11 o'clock position as viewed from sitting in the car. You get to this by going in underneath the car, makes it simple as shit. Otherwise...I imagine it would be a total bitch to get this one bolt.
The Bruce Turrentino video is well worth it to watch.

I pulled an auto and motor out in one part a month ago and put it in my GSL-SE body . Every thing still attached ,acc, turbos intake ect . It was no harder than doing a 5 speed .No I do not have a lift .