Pull an engine out the top or out the bottom?

[NigelStu]

I am completely stripping a car, engine/trans are next up. All accessories are off, radiator/hood off the car, steering rack already removed. Suspension is still on the car, but needs to come off the car eventually.

Which is easier/quicker?
-Pull the motor with trans (A/T) attached out the top?
-Separate motor from trans and pull the motor out the top?
-Or drop the FR subframe and lift the now barren chassis and roll the assembly out?

I have the tools/hoist required to do it either way. I have experience pulling motors out the top and the bottom, but not with E30s. Just looking for experience in both methods to figure out which would be easiest/quickest with minimal headaches.

Thanks

[Sagaris]

In my limited experience, it is convenient to drop the subframe on a fwd car with transaxle, then lift the car over the engine+subframe. Seeing the extreme angles required to extract an M20 out of the bay of an e30 makes me think that it could be done with much more ease if the cylinder head and intake manifold are removed first, then pulling the engine + trans through the engine bay in a traditional manner.

Just my thoughts

[nando]

if you have a lift, do it from below - or if the chassis is stripped enough that you and a friend can lift/roll it out of the way.

if you have a load leveler, pull it out in one peice from above.

if you don't have either of those, then you'll have to take it out in peices.

[slammin.e28]

Or drop the FR subframe and lift the now barren chassis and roll the assembly out?

This x1000

I am buying a lift solely for this purpose. Unbolt the subfram, trand mounts, etc and lift the car off the motor. Done. Like 20 bolts. Cake.

[NigelStu]

Sweet - thanks guys. Heck - maybe I'll even take some pics and post up the steps here.

[E30Gus]

Since you are stripping the whole car, I would drop it out the bottom.

[jlevie]

if you have a lift, do it from below - or if the chassis is stripped enough that you and a friend can lift/roll it out of the way.

if you have a load leveler, pull it out in one peice from above.

if you don't have either of those, then you'll have to take it out in peices.

I'd say that covers the subject very nicely.

[riceh8r]

yeah, bottom. plus you don't want to fool with seperating trans while in car, it is a real PITA.

[MR 325]

I do them from the top with trans connected pretty quickly. Pulled one yesterday, one today, and dropped one back in today.

No load leveler either.

[diggity_1031]

I did my first one the other day. I pulled it in all in 1 piece with radiator out hood off and fan clutch removed. It was pretty smooth. Put it back in two pieces with the motor mount loose and a screw stand with a wood block under the oil pan to mate the tranny. That was smooth too.

[matias88e30]

I pulled the engine with the trans attached out the top.. didnt have a lift.. im poor lol

[NigelStu]

Got it done yesterday :)

Other than the front sub-frame guide pins sticking a bit and the bolts on the guibo NOT cooperating, it went easier that I thought. Pics and a step-by-step of what I did will be posted soon.

[plmichal]

It's simple to pull the m20+tranny out together with everything from the top. Did it by myself without a load leveler.

[Philo]

It's simple to pull the m20+tranny out together with everything from the top. Did it by myself without a load leveler.

Maybe, but it is much easier to lift the car off of the front subframe.

[CHIF8008]

waiting for pics. . .