Dropping ka24e out from the bottom? No hoist

[Han]

Is it possible? I just picked up a fastback the other day and it has no compression in one cylinder. My coworker gave me a ka24e to swap in but I don't have a hoist. I've swapped honda motors out from the bottom no problem. But this looks like a different ball game to me lol. I was thinking it would work if I disconnect everything, then have the car lowered down so the crossmember and engine sits on a board with wheels. Then unbolt the crossmember and jack the car back up and cart the engine/crossmember out. Sounds good? I tried searching but couldn't find anything about this specifically

[pepesilvia]

It's possible, but you would need to jack the front of the car up enough to fit the engine to roll out from underneath.... I almost did this by mistake one day. Also, you can rent an engine hoist at advanced auto, or autozone etc. for like 50 bucks, or even buy one from harbor freight for like $200.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-capa ... -8866.html

[Han]

Did what by mistake? Almost not jack it up enough? Yeah I've done it with hondas a number of times. Real easy. After thinking about it though and realizing I'd have to remove the steering rack, I don't want to deal with the crossmember. The car is already aligned. So either pay for a new alignment with more work or pay for a hoist and less work. So hoist it is

[Han]

How well do you think a chain hoist would work in this situation? I know it's possible and has been done but I'm looking for advice on someone who has experience with this specific car. $35 and free shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Chain-Hoist-Engin ... B004I0FSN2

[pepesilvia]

the problem with the chain hoist is you wont be able to move it back and forth, only up and down. But then again, I witnessed someone pull an engine out of a truck with just heavy duty chains from home depot in a barn. I'd highly recommend renting a lift.

[Han]

I almost went with just chains.. but I'm just as lazy as I am cheap and a hoist is easier so I went with that. Got an almost new harbor freight one for $120. Good enough. And if I use it more than 3-4 times it pays itself off rather than renting. And it sure as hell made it easier. Pulling it out was a breeze