BuckyFD3

Quick question for people that have done this.

I have 2 options here regarding the clutch:

1. Botl the clutch to the flywheel and try and line the input shaft up to the clutch as I put the motor back in. I am thinking this is going to be a pain in the ***

2. Put the clutch into the bellhousing and install the engine then bolt the clutch to the flywheel when the engine is bolted to the gearbox. easier but still a pain in the ***.

Which is the best way to do it from peoples experience??

amp

iTrader: (50)

id probably just take the tranny out and bolt it to the motor...
then put it all back in...

alexdimen

iTrader: (13)

dropping the transmission is your best bet, but you haven't considered that. however, #1 is the best of the two options you gave.

how are you going to get the clutch disc lined up correctly when you can't get an alignment tool in there? #2 would be hell and you'd probably never pull it off.

before you mate the trans and engine, the clutch disc needs to be centered on the pressure plate and aligned with the pilot bearing hole in the e-shaft.

BuckyFD3

I cant be bothered to drop the tranny since it needs all unbolting and the tranny oil gets all over the place.

Making sure the clutch disc is centered isn't to bad, its just making sure it goes in square when putting the engine in.

alexdimen

iTrader: (13)

then drain the oil. you're going to be doing plenty of wrenching putting that engine back in anyways.

i assure you, #2 will not work. i've never heard of anyone putting in a clutch like that.

matt g

Options 1 is the best i think ...just line everything up and turn the input shaft and it will push itself in. That is what i did.

matt g

You can turn the input shaft by turning the drive shaft by hand.

ALNY93R1

iTrader: (12)

I agree, I did the same.

mono4lamar

iTrader: (32)

i would just drop the tranny and bolt it up to the motor... its going to be easier to align everything out of the car! plus its an excuse to change the fluid. goodluck!

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

There is absolutely no need to remove the transmission. I have done many many motor jobs, and every single time the tranny stayed in the car .

Just jack the tranny up until it's as high as it will go, then guide the motor in (with the clutch and flywheel installed on the motor). It'll all mate up, you just have to play with it a bit.

CantGoStraight

^^^^ did mine the same way as Goodfellows....the only thing I'll add is I found it near impossible to get the motor mounts ober the sub frame so on the second attempt i had removed the motor mounts from the engine and placed them on the receses of the subframe them the motor went straight in witout any binding and no excess pressure on the pilot bearing. I did't have any problems bolting up the motor mounts to the engine and have no leaks from this area. Jack

cblake3

iTrader: (2)

I did the same. Removing the motor mounts from the engine is definitely the way to go too.

Juan

iTrader: (28)

Ive left the tranny in the car as well. I've always done it this way with FCs and never had any problems putting it back in. FDs shouldnt be that much harder but I'll find out when I put my engine back in.

amp

iTrader: (50)

ive only done a handful and yer right rich.. just a preference on my part..
id rather work sittin on a stool than be on my back tryin to align..

MakoRacing

iTrader: (12)

Agree'd, Ive done it this way several times since theres no need to remove the tranny many times, its not as hard as you think.

BuckyFD3

I dont have standard mounts so I can take the nylon part of it off which will make it easier.

I'll give it a try. Cheers lads.

CantGoStraight

Just make sure to drop the isolators into the MM pocket as it's doubtful there will be enough room to put them in the pocket after the motor is in.

BuckyFD3

Yea never though of that, will do cheers