Pulled the head off my Evo for a build and have all the timing components removed right now - does anyone know if the front case can be removed with the motor in the car?

Hoping to install a stubby shaft with a new oil pump for peace of mind while I have everything apart.

 

Yea you can do it. Leave the balance shaft belt off the rear shaft if you're taking the front shaft out.

 

Yep that's the plan. Thanks for the feedback - I was worried there wasn't enough space to slide the oil pump shaft out.

 

With the cam side motor mount off, the motor will drop down and you'll have plenty of room. If you were really feeling froggy, there is enough room to remove the rear balance shaft and replace the bearings so that they're clocked to block the oil passages. But that's a lot of extra work that doesn't need doing.

 

Perfect, that's what I was hoping to hear. If I don't end up replacing the front case/oil pump and only throw in a stubby shaft...I'm guessing I should replace the crank oil seal and the oil pump shaft seal? Is there a gasket for the front case too?

Appreciate your help man this will make my day in the garage go much smoother this weekend.

 

There is a seal in the rear balance shaft, the oil pump seal, the front main seal (crank), the gasket for the front case to the block, silicone for where the case meets he oil pan, and the oil filter housing gasket. I think that's it.

 

just a question, even though it is great you want to do this, but if it's not leaking and giving you any trouble, why fix it? not talking about the rear main, that should be done since trans will be out.

 

He wants to delete the balance shaft, and the head and timing components are already off, so most of the work is already done.