Lippy's ERA #797 build log

[DanEC]

Installing the engine from the side works fine. Just about any good 1 ton lift should work for it. A engine tilter is kind of a nice feature to use but isn't absolutely necessary. Before you completely turn loose of the engine be sure to level is up from side to side as there is quite a bit of room in those slotted motor mounts. Mine was a little low on one side and I loosened the chains on the high side and lifted it just slightly on the low side with the hoist and it slipped/rotated around until it sat level (used a level across the valve covers).

I can't believe I've already forgotten but I think I installed mine with the clutch in place but not the bellhousing. I'll look at my pictures tonight.

The transmission is the real trick because it goes a ways up under the dash. I used the hoist but the chains would have hit the dash cowl long before the transmission was in place. I ended up assembling a little lifting beam with a heavy metal piece that I strapped to the top of the transmission and then picked it up at a single point as far back as I could. I was able to get it into position then.

I usually use a couple of 4 inch dowels screwed into the top transmission bolt holes in the bellhousing to hang the transmission on so I can align it and then slide it into the clutch disc and pilot bushing without putting any weight on the clutch disc and possibly springing it (hello clutch chatter). However my dowels were for a Muncie and a Toploader uses a larger transmission bolt that so I ended up just doing the best I could - fortunately without any problem for the clutch. To make the dowels just buy some four inch bolts of the right size, cut the head off and round off the cut end a little. Believe me its well worth the effort.

Car looking real nice - I wish I had bought FIA wheels.

What was I thinking - need a 2-ton lift.