Let the fun begin.

The '79 is up for major surgery this weekend. I've got the workshop manuels and have given them a good look over, but any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

 

Buy a lot of Beer before starting.
That way if any friends show up, you can bribe them to stick around and help.

 

The wiring to the starter is fastened to the engine crossmember.

Pull the clutch before unbolting the bellhousing.

The bellhousing bolts are an odd 1.5mm pitch threads.

Drain the water and oil before pulling.

Removing the radiator will give extra room and avoid damaging it.

 

Just curious, but why should the clutch be pulled before unbolting the bell housing.

 

Glen, niiiice ... agreed on every point. The bolts will be good to know about, because on the engine stand, guess what ... you'll need them. Napa had some when I mounted my engine sometime back. Different lengths and you need big washers and some nuts too because some don't thread into the engine, but go through at the back.

 

To hupps question:

The manual describes pulling the engine with the clutch in place. I should have been more clear in my post on removing the clutch with the engine in the car. Once the bellhousing is unbolted the engine could tip forwards. Of course, the lower bellhousing has to be off.

As for the bolts, after searching several well-stocked hardware stores, I found that the just right bolts are used for the lower A-arms. Didn't remove them. Had some on the shelf.

 

Good luck, getting it back in is the real headache. You should be able to pull it in about 6 to 8 hours, not killing yourself. Drop the PS pump and make sure to drop out the clutch pack while you are at it. Radiator is a definite as has already been noted. You also unplug the harness over at the PS fender and remove with the engine.