ajricker

Trying to reinstall engine with the headers on. I'm running into a clearance problem. While trying to lower it the alternator rests on the air conditioner condenser while the right header flange is hitting the conditioner line on the firewall. Recommendations? Trying to do this by myself. Probably a mistake.

Ducman82

headers, or stock manifolds? if they are headers, do them after the engine is in.

Rob Edwards

When you say headers, you mean headers like 2 foot long MSDS tube headers, or the factory exhaust manifolds? If the former, pretty sure those need to be removed from the engine and sort of laid in position in the engine compartment, while you drop the engine in. Then they mount up.

Other thing is that dropping it in with the alternator attached is limiting your fore-aft leeway. I would remove the alternator from its mount and install after the engine's in. Is the power steering pump also attached?

ajricker

Headers. Problem is, they were real tight getting on the exhaust studs.

ajricker

yes the power steering pump is installed. Can the headers be installed before the engine is dropped all the way?

ajricker

MSDS headers

Imo000

If you remove the power steering pump and the alternator maybe even the bracket for both, there might be enough room.

ajricker

It kind of looks like I would need to pull the V-belt pully assembly as well. Then it would be real close. I know I haven't torqued the crank bolt yet but it might be pretty snug.

soontobered84

I've put 2 sets of MSDS headers on mine. I am sure there are smarter folk than me, but it didn't take me too long to figure out that the headers have to go on after the engines are at least in position. The engines don't have to be bolted down, but they have to be in position. I couldn't do it any other way.

Ducman82

I can't take mine on and off in just a few min.... In car..... Driver is a pain, but it can be done. If u lay them down first I suppose u can drop the engine in... But be carful!

ajricker

Confirmed. Took everything off the front including the v-belt assy. Thought it was going to go in.But you just can't get enough angle to clear the bell housing on the back and the motor mounts on the front. Damn and it was so close. So just take off the headers, lay them outside the heat-shields and drop it in?

Rob Edwards

Yep.

ajricker

Well, just another learning experience. :-)
Can I shorten the manifold studs to make it easier to get a wrench on the nuts?

soontobered84

You should only have difficulty on 1 and maybe 2 studs being too long. I think the key is to get all the nuts started and screwed down as far as you can by hand before you use a wrench to begin tightening. I think by the time you shorten those two studs enough to put a nut on them with the other tightened, the shortened stud itself will be too short.

fraggle

I have now memorized this thread and may pay Ducman82's transport to and from my house to do it if I get to this point.