94-96 Q45 Engine Removal without Hydraulic Lift?

[franknitty69]

Hey Fellas,

The only thing keeping me from doing my own engine swap is no access to a shop quality car lift.

According to the FSM, to remove the engine the car must be lifted off the ground after detaching the engine and it's components. The engine must then be removed from beneath the car.

What i want to know is if it is possible to raise the car high enough with 2 professional floor jacks (on both sides of vehicle front) to remove the engine?

What about using an engine hoist to lift the front of the car?

The reason i'm asking is that i'm gettin left and right on prices for an engine install. On one end infiniti of columbus will do it for $2250+ (but no warranty cuz engine is a jdm take out) and a european repair shop who will do it for $850 (warranty but no infiniti experience).

I've swapped 4 engines, all out of japanese cars (they all went from the top though) in my lifetime. I believe i have the experience and knowledge (a.k.a fsm) to pull this off. I just need to know if i have or can acquire the right tools to do it.

Thanks a million. I love nico.

[maxnix]

Might check Tangalora's oil pan replacement post.

Not easy with out a lift since factory way is to bring it in from the bottom.

Hope you have new engine mounts and rear main seal.

[911/Q45]

The car has to be pretty high for clearance, so jackstands are a little scary. It sounds hillbilly, but how about digging a hole, lower the old engine into it, roll the car clear, lift out the old engine, insert the replacement, roll car over and install? It should be pretty low threat if you use Tangalora's topside engine support.

[elwesso]

I can tell you from experience its nearly impossible... Front end as to be about 4 feet off the ground!

What I did (probably ghetto fabulous) was put the engine on the ground and then lifted the car up that way.....

If I had a lift and a electric hoist id do the project again, as its not real hard... But not being able ot easily lift the engine up with a hoist (to install cross member and stuff) would make it not fun.....

[franknitty69]

Might check Tangalora's oil pan replacement post.

Not easy with out a lift since factory way is to bring it in from the bottom.

Hope you have new engine mounts and rear main seal.

yo i read that whole thing. let me tell you that t's thread has to be the most informative thread on the entire internet.

Tangalora, i salute you.

[franknitty69]

It sounds hillbilly, but how about digging a hole, lower the old engine into it, roll the car clear, lift out the old engine

i love that. where's my shovel.

[franknitty69]

wes i'm going to see if i can find some portable lifts for rent @ nationsrent. that may solve my problem.

[DAEDALUS]

Forecast did it. I think he used railroad ties to support the car or something like that. Impressive, but maybe not the safest way.

~25" from the bottom of the oil pan to the top of the filler neck/heads.