I picked up my built short block last week, put the head on, installed the timing belt. Was wondering what parts you guys like to leave off of the block until the block has been mounted in the engine bay? I'm hoping I can get away with having both manifolds and turbo bolted on when dropping in but I'm not sure how realistic that is. I would really like to have the intake manifold on when dropping in because installing that thing when the engine is mounted is a living nightmare.

Anyone want to share things you learned when putting the block in that you would do differently next time or have learned from in the past?

 

I lower the car over the engine/trans. Fully assembled except for the AC and PS pump. Because those two stay in the car.

 

Do you have a trick if we don't have car lifts?

 

Use a leveler on your engine hoist to tilt the engine and stab it in. Either way, there is plenty of room to install it fully assembled.

 

I usually leave the exhaust manifold and turbo off to give me more space for wiggle room, but I drop it in from the top with the hood off the car. The more you can get on the engine before you send it home, the better. Intake mani definitely gets installed and torqued to spec prior to the engine going back in the car. As mentioned earlier, Power Steering pump and AC compressor never leave the car.

 

I agree with Pal215