Few things or tips before engine replacement

[nrmskate]

As the title states I bought a new KA24E engine for my 89', because the old one has bent valves. I have just a few questions and concerns, and YES, I have used the search button on multiple occasions finding nothing relating to my questions.

1) When im replacing the engine, should I pull the transmission out with it, or would taking out just the engine be easiest ?

2) What are your opinions for the best way how to figure how to plug everything back together when im done ?

3) Since its the same engine (SOHC) as the old one, I won't need anything else for the replacement, will I ?

Just a few things I need answered to gain a little bit more knowledge before going on with this.

Help is appreciated :-D

Thanks in advance.

-Nick

[hksdrag1254]

1) DEFINITELY pull the transmission with it.Putting a transmission back on outside a car is 1000000x easier than doing it from under a car. Its extremely hard to line everything up.Take the shifter out to make it slide out easier...there are two c-clips that hold your shifter in....it might be kinda tricky getting it back in but just be patient.Also, when putting the transmission on...I would recommend finding some old bolts from a transmission..cutting the heads off and making them into studs. screw these into the holes on your engine...so you have a way to line up your transmission...slide it over those two studs...put all the other bolts back on to hold it, then remove the studs...and finally...screw those the last two bolts back in.Otherwise..it can be very frustrating.

2)Take LOTS of pictures beforehand, it always helps. From every angle you can think of.3)Shouldn't need anything else, it should bolt right in.

[hksdrag1254]

3- Well short of oil and whatnot.But I take it you knew that. ;-)

[Vegascorbin]

1. Yes Pull the trans with the engine. MUCH easier to do that way. 2. I use Ty-wraps that have a space to write on for the wire connections. Some people go to an offic esupply store and buy those tie-on tags and mare the wires that way. Just be sure to mark the wires and DO NOT TRUST YOUR MEMORY!3. Make sure the Thermostat is new. Easy to change now and cheap.4. Have the radiator checked/replaced. I would hate to see you destroy a new motor due to a clged radiator. Also easy to do now. 5. Might as well plan on doing a clutch and flywheel while you have the trans out.6. Check the Radiator hoses now also.7. Good time for that motor mount swap also.

Be sure you have help with this. DO NOT try to pull or install the engine by yourself. At the same time do not have 20 of your best friends help at hte same time either. One or two others there to help will be worth the Pizza and liquid refreshment bill.

ABOVE ALL TAKE YOUR TIME! If you are not sure of something then check it out before you mess things up. (this is also where the friends /helpers come in)

BTW: the Hood can come off. I have seen a number of people try to do engine swaps without removeing the hood. a few bolts and it is out of the way.