OK my new long-block(3vz)is sitting in my carport. i am going to install it this weekend. last time i dropped the motor in it was a pain to get in. even after i took all the belts and headers off. this time i am thinking i will fully assemble the motor on the stand and try to get it in with the radiator support out of the way it looks like it might work?


PS before i cut the support out. I plan on bolting some L channel steal with two bolts on either side of where i would cut the sheet metal. just so it lines back up then take off the L channel cut the sheet metal support out of the way.

please help? i cant be the only one that thought it would help to cut that dam thing out of the way?

Not sure what the issue is. There's plenty of room to get the v6 in w/ the support intact. Done it many times - even once w/ a 4.3 and attached tranny/tcase.

What are you using to put the motor back in? Should be plenty of room without cutting up the truck.

Engine hoist......just tilt the engine back to get it in.

I would say No. If you cut anything off, youy might run into panel alignment problems later. Are you trying to install the engine with the trans. attached?
If you decide to cut something, get a set of spotweld drill bits. Drill out the spotwelds on the center section (just the top) only and remove that instead of the whole support.

i want to fully assmble the motor with the headers (downey). then drop it in.

still not an issue. Best thing to do, IMHO, if you are concerned is to get the engine 1/2 in - above the engine compartment, assemble the headers then and drop it down.

I think you're making the project harder by cutting the core support to get it in w/ the headers. If you go that route, you'll have to cut the core from headlight to headlight - there's no benefit.

Think about how hard it would be to get your headlights lined back up so you can focus the dang things....seems like a major PITA to me and you're makin it for yourself!!! Come on man, work smarter not harder!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

i got my 22re with trans and transfer csae in by my self without cuttting nothing. now that i think about it my header was installed to. i think you crazy if your even gonna attempt that. you are taking the hood off right??

You are probably going to need a small body lift to clear the headers off the passenger side floor board (unless you opt for some heat shielding like others have done). I put my motor back in with very little effort and then bolted the headers up it wasn't that bad really? Honestly I don't think you can get the headers past the frame rails while installed on the motor.