Hi guys , got word that the spray job on my bonus shell should be ready next week. I am moving everything off the Rs onto the bonus.

For the engine and box removal I have looked at Haynes and done search on here, I have taken engines out before but I'm looking to drop everything down including suspension in on unit if possible ? I want to disconnect as little as possible! What needs to be disconnected and any other hints be great!

 

I found the easiest way is to take the bonnet off and pull the engine/box out the top with a crane. If you have access to a 2 post ramp then taking it out the bottom may be straight foward but you would still have to remove the roll bar ect first.
Theres not that much to take off really, just remember which bolts go where.

 

I can use a crane to take it from the top but was hoping I could drop it out from under with our having to split the drive shafts

 

suspension then engine mounts gearbox mount then sub frame

 

I've just changed the engine in my '3i. I took the rollbar off, split the shafts (which is very easy on these) and dropped the engine to the floor with my crane. Then I used the crane to lift the car up by the front crossmember and secured it with axle stands (I have a set of 1000mm stands). Then I dragged the old engine from underneath, put the new one on the floor and dropped the car down over it. Finally just lift the new engine in to place.

Lee

 

Did the same with my 3i its a lot
Quicker and easier.

 

My first engine swap I took it out the top and ruined my inner wing. Much much easier dropping the engine and box out of the bottom.

 

I would go out the bottom as every one suggests. If you like you can drop everything out in one hit!

IE, struts lower arms, etcetc ready to bolt up complete into the bonus shell.

 

thanks guys, im not too worried about damaging the car taking it out as the shell is scrap anyway at this stage.

Where is it easier to split the shafts? from the box?

Is it possible to drop the box/engine without splitting them?

Cheers

 

thats what Im looking to do!

what would I need to disconnect?

Im presuming the gear linkage, rad, wiring, anti roll bar, exhaust?

 

Wirings easy, all un clips,

Strut tops
Gearbox cradle
Inner wing engine mount
Lower arms
Gearbox linkage and speedo cable
Track rod ends.

Rip it out I don't even split the drive shafts, roll it under your new shell and bolt it up...

I use the crane to drop the engine on to blocks of wood to protect the shite tin sump, then use the crane around the front cross bar to lift the shell...

Rob,

 

Also fuel lines lol, don't forget them!

I would remove the rad and intercooler first too.

 

**OFF TOPIC ALERT**

Mat where did you get your rear lights from? They look spot on.

EDIT** just seen they are clear lenses, thought they were clear and red like e36 m3 type... still look good on your car though!

 

Excellent,thats what im thinking, sound as a pound

 

Continuing the off topic, yes they are just clear rears, and I've just changed them back to standard as I don't like them any more
Quite a few people used to red-tint the bottom of clears though.

 

Oh cheers Rob, ive got red/clears on mine E36 m3 style and you don't compliment me lol
Im in 2 minds to put the standard rears back on tho as well.

Back to the topic
Id come out the bottom but make sure u split the shafts and swing the gearbox out the way, i didn't split the shafts when i done mind a ruined a CV gaitor rookie error i know!

Good luck with it.

 

Hahahaha, Its because I've never seen the back of your car really roger lol, looked under the bonnet a lot lol

I'll have to remember to compliment your lights the next time i see your car!