M20 engine install - intake manifold on or off? tranny on or off?

[mike87]

For those who have installing M20 engines into their vehicles either for an engine swap or after a full rebuild, do you recommend dropping the engine in with the tranny attached or not attached? Same question for the intake manifold - attached or not attached?

Thanks!
Mike

[Tinkerer007]

We did mine fully assembled (except AC compressor) from the bottom. We had a lift and it was close tolerances between the intake manifold and the brake booster.

[mike87]

Thanks, to clarify I don't have a lift and will be dropping the engine in with a cherry picker / shop crane with the hood off the car.

[roguetoaster]

It's been a long time since I did an M20, but it should all fit when assembled with both manifolds in place. At minimum, leave the transmission installed to make your life easier, and take the front accessories off.

[ForcedFirebird]

Aside from the power steering and AC comp, it goes in complete with trans. I just put a strap around the intake manifold (next to TB) and the engine will naturally sit at the proper angle to go right in/out with just a little lift on the back of the trans as it slides out.

We have done motors too many times to count....in the middle of a 14hr race lol. With the team on it, we can have the long block changed in the race car in about 2.5hr.

In fact, it just got pulled last week to get a seasonal refresh. Since we were in the shop with a lift and fork lift, it was out of the car in about 45min.

Daytona: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhk-95ClMeS/

Sebring: https://www.instagram.com/p/BK7MZStj8KS/

[e30austin]

if i'm not loading it all up from the bottom, i will absolutely leave the transmission off. it just makes for a cleaner install, and it really doesn't take that long to get under the car and stuff it on. engine will be fully dressed, sans A/C compressor and P/S pump, though.

[mike87]

Thanks everyone, very helpful. I'm going to drop the engine in from the top without the trans but with the intake (and probably exhaust) manifolds. I'm deleting PS and A/C so not concerned about those for the time-being.

Also noting for any future people reading this, when dropping in the engine, it should NOT have any engine oil in the pan otherwise it will leak out of the 8 holes on the backside of the crankshaft when you tilt the engine.

Does everyone have the wiring harness connected to the engine beforehand when dropping it all in, or do you all connect the wiring harness after the engine is bolted up?

[e30austin]

Thanks everyone, very helpful. I'm going to drop the engine in from the top without the trans but with the intake (and probably exhaust) manifolds. I'm deleting PS and A/C so not concerned about those for the time-being.

Also noting for any future people reading this, when dropping in the engine, it should NOT have any engine oil in the pan otherwise it will leak out of the 8 holes on the backside of the crankshaft when you tilt the engine.

Does everyone have the wiring harness connected to the engine beforehand when dropping it all in, or do you all connect the wiring harness after the engine is bolted up?

all the engine fluids should be drained before removal or install, FWIW, but you can avoid having a lot of the mess if you leave the flywheel installed (or install the bolts, at a minimum).

i fully assemble the engine before install (including wiring harness). it just saves having to do it in the car. everything except the A/C, P/S and front crank pulley (less chance of hitting the condenser).

[vWBIRDWv]

i take it out all in one peice with the trans attached but when i put the motor in i do the engine first with just the head and intake and slowly work my way