[steve]

go for it

Originally Posted by formulapk

so i wanted some opinions of what route to take....should i finish the body work get the car in epoxy sealer and have the jambs and trunk area and what not painted in case of scratching or anything.

i got mine in and out without scratching anything an i dont do it much. just go slow and take ALL precautions. (cover the fenders, ect.)

or should i just paint the whole car right away? i have an engine hoist but not a cherry picker. how difficult is it to remove and install the motor or motor & tranny without ruining the paint ?

an engine hoist is fine but one with a leveler is better.


is it easier to remove/install both at once or just the motor ?

dont try it all at once. not worth the trouble IMO unless you have the rad support and bumper off already.

also when it comes to installation does anything have to be moved ? motor mounts ?
will a set of headers fit fine ?

test fit your headers. dont buy knock-offs. my hookers on the 400 can be pulled with the motor in but i would lay them in place as you drop the motor in.

should the hood be removed, or is there enough clearance ?

mark the hood and remove it.

can the a/c components be re-used ?

dont know ?

can the radiator be re-used or will i face over-heating problems ? / buy a new 4-core ?

if you use the old one have it pro cleaned. i would get an aluminum one.


if a 4 core is bought do i need a new fan shroud ?

only if the dimensions are different. my griffin fits the stock shroud.

is the stock fan enough to cool the motor or are electric fans necessary ?

if the stock system doesnt work there is a problem somewhere...unless you are in high HP territory.

and when i comes to vacuum advance will it only be necessary to have vacuum for heat and a/c ? or does anything else run off of it ?

you are talkin 2 different things here. vacuum adv is a timing/tuning thing and vacuum for accessories is a diff system and only an issue if your cam is huge.


lastly should i just paint the car and then have a shop install the motor ?

how much would they charge ? i wouldnt pay much. why pay someone to have all the fun ?

and please chime in any other info you feel helpful.

go for it. you will be proud of your accomplishments and have bragging rights on your new skills ! it sounds like you have the TIME to do it right.

thanks a lot for sticking in there and i'm looking forward to your replies.