Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods to those who have pulled the engine

You can do either. Most of us go through the top since we don't have access to a lift.

I didn't use a lift. Just a hoist.

Jack up the car really high, and lower the subframe onto the legs of the hoist. Once it hits the hoist, remove the chain and wheel it out.

I pulled Bk's engine with the radiator still in, although I may pull it out when I drop the new motor in to avoid any damage to it.

It's easy to pul the motor out of the top.

Once the axles are out and you unhook all the obvious stuff you just crank away and lift the sucker out.

The car sits on jack stand that are placed under the front subframe. Pretty simple really.

Pulling it out the top is by far the easiest and quickest way to do it.

Pop the front suspension out with axles intact. (few minutes) You don't want to break the axle nut torque if you can avoid it because it's a one use nut and is preload on the split bearings. Also it's much quicker this way.

With the suspension out you just pull the engine out the top. A load leveler is very helpful to clear the master cylinder.

One person could do it in a few hours (4-5) their first time. Some of the more experienced folks have it down to 3 hrs.

I'd pull the radiator no matter what. It's too easy to damage it otherwise. It only adds like 15 minutes tops.

Like Stazi and Demon said. Its easy out the top. Removing the radiator would be excellent insurance/piece of mind. I didn't remove it during any of the motor swaps I did/helped with. Wish I would have though.