924Board.org

phil924 · Joined: 06 Feb 2003 Posts: 16 Location: Oregon, USA

Well it's exactly a week until I finally do the engine swap in my 924. I've seen posts about lifting it out and other posts about dropping it out. So I guess I want to know what is the best method and why? Thank you.

- Phil -
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'77 - 924 NA
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jpab924 · Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2003 2:41 am Post subject:

Matter of preference I would suppose. If you got out the bottom, you will need to remove steering rack and crossmember. If you go out through the top, all that stuff stays in place. Whan I do engines/transaxle assemblys here at work, I drop the entire eng/trans out the bottom. But this is for front wheel drive vehicles where the transaxle is bolted directly to the engine. I would go out the top in a 924 but that is my opinion.

Now you have to keep in mind you can disconnect the bellhousing from either the engine block or the 4 bolts at the torque tube. This also is matter of preference. I couldn`t tell you which way is easier.

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

Definitely out the bottom. Anyone that has done the job both ways will tell you that.

Reasons.

Larger hole in the bottom makes for easier access to the bolts and brackets that must be removed before the engine can come out.

The larger hole also make it easier to move the engine around when dropping it and reinstalling it.

Removing the crossmember and steering gear is only a few bolts, and putting them back is easy.

You have to place the front of the car on jackstands to provide enough clearance to get under the car and remove the bolts for the bell housing or torque tube anyway, so you might as well lift the body a little higher so you can get the engine out the bottom.

Leave the bellhousing on the engine with the clutch and disassembly and you can take it apart on your own terms after removal from the car. Getting to the bellhousing bolts while still in the car is a PITA, then you still have to deal with the clutch before you can separate the bell housing.

Porschephile · Joined: 04 Nov 2002 Posts: 825 Location: Denver, Colorado

Out the bottom. to make it easier, I recommend that you disconnect the engine wiring harness from the computer, and pull the wire thru the fire wall...less complicated when puttin the new engine in.
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werd B.

jpab924 · Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2003 7:56 am Post subject:

no computer in a 77 Porschephile. Just a wiring harness that connects by the coil that goes to the coolant temp, oil press, aux. air valve, cold start injector, and air sensor plate by the fuel distrib. And starter harness/alt harness. yada yada yada

Porschephile · Joined: 04 Nov 2002 Posts: 825 Location: Denver, Colorado

I see how it is...makin me feel bad for being more advanced in my skinny 944. well pish...I'm not gonna take it! grrr!!

Just kiddin. I didn't know...but when I did my swap, we didn't pull the harness thru the firewall...and it was ONE HELLUVA PITA!

so. enjoy. it's a fun project. took me a week...
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werd B.

Paul · Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2003 9:40 am Post subject:

Gohim and I always have an ongoing good natured discussion on this subject. I've pulled 924, 931, 944, and 924S engines out the top with the bellhousing attached.

As I've said before, some like it on the top, some like it on the bottom, but we both smile when we're done.

Some day when I install a lift in my shop, maybe I'll change my mind.