Next ERA assembly question - engine drop

[DanEC]

Anyone who has removed or installed a FE engine in an ERA - is it possible to use an engine tilter for hoisting? I know some replicas have the engine sitting slightly back of the hood opening and a tilter will get in the way. I may be mistaken but I think the ERA engine position leaves enough room to use an engine tilter. I'm hoping someone can confirm.

Second - did you install the flywheel and clutch before dropping the engine in or install them after the engine was sitting in the mounts?

Dan

[Grubby]

Tilter is not needed. I installed the FE with Bellhousing in place and dropped it pretty much straight in.

John

[ERA Chas]

Just be sure the motor sits FLUSH on the chassis mounts and prop the bellhousing when in until the trans goes on. Leave the nuts off the mounts until the trans is attached so you can align the trans vertically more easily.
Check the level across the car to confirm mounts are flush. You can 'wedge' it if you're not careful.
Rivnut the tunnel, brake access panel and all the nose tin-you'll be happy later on. Cut an access panel in the floor just above the brake box for easy access to the masters and brake bias bar. Rivnut a cover for that.

[ERA 778]

I used a tilter on mine and it went in very easily. Mounting the clutch disk and pressure platee BEFORE you install the engine is a good idea since it's so much easier to get to everything that way.

ERA Chas: Wish I'd thought to make a cover plate for my brake cylinders! That's a good idea for sure.

Hal

[DanEC]

As long the tilter doesn't interfer, I'll go ahead and use it since it acts as a spreader and keeps the chains off of the valve covers, etc.

I used my Rivnut tool today for the first time. Man, it's slick. I quickly ran out of rivnuts and have to order some more tonight.

Thanks for the input and ideas.

Dan