North American Turbocoupe Organization



Pulling my first engine out, any tips?
Ramos617 Offline
Member
#1
I'm planning on rebuilding or if all else fails replacing my engine (with another 2.3t of course)
I've already taken most of the components around the engine off with the exception of the power steering lines, ground straps, and the tranny.
I have an engine hoist and stand here to use and I bought some original lifting eyes for the engine so it could make pulling out the engine easier...
This is my first time pulling an engine out but I'm very motivated to get it out, rebuild it, and reinstall it.
I've been driving my newly acquired 92 mustang which is nice an all but I REALLY miss driving my TC
I want to pull just the engine disconnected from the tranny if possible, do I pull it with the bellhousing or without? It's a 5-speed btw
My hoist just has a single chain and a hook so I'm assuming I need some more chain to hook up to both lifting eyes and maybe some way to adjust the lifting point (in respect to the front and rear lifting points) so if anybody can post up there setup or how I should go about lifting it out that would be greatly appreciated.
When I get the engine supported by the hoist, do I pull it out straight up, forward then up, or out at a 45 deg angle ??? Sorry if I sound like a noob but I'm just trying to make it as straight forward as possible so I don't run into any problems
Any other tips for pulling my engine out would be awesome.
1987 T-Bird
Too much stuff to list
Running better than ever
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#2
Remove the hood. Depending on your setup, it may be easier (and safer) to remove the front end pieces.
Get another piece f chain to run between the tow lifting points. You will want to support the trans from dropping down in front.
Be sure to get a friend or two to help with the lift, making sure things are clear and providing a little grunt where needed. The engine is going to need to come forward a little to be free of the trans
Pete Dunham


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Ramos617 Offline
Member
#3
What front end pieces need to come off?
I already have the radiator, fan, and ac condenser out of there so the area in front of the engine is pretty clear as far as I can tell

Do I pull it with or w/o the bellhousing?
1987 T-Bird
Too much stuff to list
Running better than ever
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Jeff K Offline
Administrator
#4
I say leave the bell on the transmission.

Be sure whatever machine shop you choose to hone or bore the holes, align hone the block, rebuild head, install cam bearings, etc. has experience with the 2.3 Lima engine, and preferably experience with the 2.3T. Its not the same as rebuilding a SBC of SBF. Example: Using a cam in block install / remove cam bearing tool for a pushrod V8 on a 2.3 may very well bend the cam towers.
Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 24 psi, forced air IC, water injection, BPV, Ranger cam, subframes, etc., etc.
86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP N2O, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.
11 Crown Vic Interceptor
14 Toyota Camry (wifes car)
95 Taurus GL Vulcan winter beater
67 Honda 450 Super Sport - completely customized
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Ramos617 Offline
Member
#5
Thank you guys for the tips, if I run into any other concerns I'll be sure to post it up

Btw does anybody know of any place knowledgeable with these engines in the central California area that can do the machine work?
1987 T-Bird
Too much stuff to list
Running better than ever
Reply

Pete D Offline
Administrator
#6
Front end pieces like the header panel and lights and the bumper cover, just to prevent damage from dropped objects etc.
Pete Dunham


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Ramos617 Offline
Member
#7
That's a good idea.

Funny you say that, my header panel has a chunk missing where the hood release is but the prev owner included another one that's in great condition, just needs paint.
Perfect time to finally get that done, I would of totally forgot haha
1987 T-Bird
Too much stuff to list
Running better than ever
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boosted chicken Offline
Senior Member
#8
On the power steering, do not disconnect any lines. Just unbolt the reservoir from its bracket and then unbolt the entire power steering assembly from the block (after removing the alternator) and rotate it counterclockwise and forward and use big zip ties to hang it from the radiator support. I can even do that with the radiator in place. I just use some cardboard to protect the rad.
Also leave the lower intake on the engine when pulling it. The lower intake is way easier to remove/replace with the engine out.
88 TC#1 2.9L tall deck. Essy SVO head, Boport header, BW SX369 turbo, C4 trans, MS2xtra
88 TC#2 drag car project(someday)
88 TC#3 parts car (just needed the header panel...bought the whole car, lol)
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boosted chicken Offline
Senior Member
#9
Ramos617 Wrote:Btw does anybody know of any place knowledgeable with these engines in the central California area that can do the machine work?

Boport Racing heads looks to be about 165 miles from you. His business is primarily 2.3T based and he has some awesome products and services.
88 TC#1 2.9L tall deck. Essy SVO head, Boport header, BW SX369 turbo, C4 trans, MS2xtra
88 TC#2 drag car project(someday)
88 TC#3 parts car (just needed the header panel...bought the whole car, lol)
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Ramos617 Offline
Member
#10
Too late on the power steering, already disconnected everything but your idea would of worked great I bet.
I did leave the lower intake on. I know how a pita it is to mess with those lower bolts.

I had no idea boport was located in California, Hmmmm, thats got me thinkin now lol.

I originally planned to buff the hood on my mustang today but the t-bird was calling me.
I ended up pulled the engine out and it was definitely not as bad as i thought it would be, it was quite enjoyable actually.
Pretty much did the whole job on my own, I just called my uncle to spot me while i pull the engine away from the car, of course I missed the ground strap on the back of the block but caught it before it broke.
Thank you guys for the help, heres a pic.
[Image: IMAG0537_zpsfz45hpas.jpg]
1987 T-Bird
Too much stuff to list
Running better than ever
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