Q: how to hoist S52?

[funcrew]

I have a crashed shell that I'm selling the S52 out of. I didn't do the swap and in fact have never pulled an engine. Question is - What is the best way to connect the hoist to the engine to avoid damaging anything? I'm planning to disconnect everything, then pull the engine and trans as a unit with the shifter still installed. There's maybe 14 inches clear from the bottom of the unibody to the garage floor, and I don't mind sawzalling the radiator support off the shell so the engine can come straight out the front. I can drop the subframe if you folks say that's the best way. Will be pulling the engine/trans and immediately placing in the buyer's pickup.



Any and all advice would be much appreciated.

[F34R]

Cut the core support right off, then connect one long chain from one mount to the other(This is if you do not own a load leveler), place a block of wood between the chain and engine. Get it all free and slowly jack it up enough to put another chain from the jack to the transmission or rear of block. Then just lift it up enough to guide it out.

*Best suggestion*
I personally always just drop it from the bottom connected to the sub-frame, onto a roller dolly(or just pull it out with friends). Then I lift the car up with two jack stands and pull it out. That does not even matter for you, just cut the front away and pull it out.

When you go to drop it, LEAVE THE SUSPENSION CONNECTED! Unbolt the sub-frame and let it drop to being supported by the suspension. Then go up top and unbolt the three nuts and let it drop the final distance(Put a tire under the transmission). I have been doing this for many years on every single engine I have pulled(In the junk yard). I use a lift at home, so I just raise the car from the sub-frame, with engine attached.

[funcrew]

F34R, great information - many thanks. Suspension is already gone, so will have to lower everything onto a dolly I'm borrowing. How many feet of chain would you say is needed? Any problem using a strap instead?

Alternatively, since the suspension is gone and the oil pan is the lowest part of the car, could I just position the dolly under the engine and lower the front end of the car until the pan is resting on the dolly, then disconnect the subframe and jack the car back up? Then I would only need the hoist to lift the engine into the buyer's truck. Sorry if I'm belaboring the obvious - I'm a virgin to this and don't want to crack the intake etc. And I have an almost infinite ability to screw up easy jobs.

[F34R]

Yeah, just lower it on the dolly and remove the sub-frame bolts. Then raise it back up and roll it out, if you have a heavy strap, sure no worries. Be careful! I use one that is 3"x1/4" thick it is a beast.

[matthugie]

F34R, it looks like you dropped that M20 on a cat...

[F34R]

It was a basket of raspberries....

[matthugie]

Named Mittens?