Building ERA Slabside #3012

[ACHiPo]

Originally Posted by desgros@vtlink.

Andrew,

I did have a leaking hydraulic throw out bearing on my 289 Slabside. It was a HORROR! Should it happen again it will switched to a fork setup.
John

ERA Slabside #3010 289 BRG

Which brand of TOB? When was the failure? According to Peter they haven't had any reported issues for several years, but I remain skeptical.

[desgros@vtlink.]

The throw out bearing that came with the Slabside. Happened last year with about 3,000 miles on the car.

[xb-60]

Hey Bob....which brand of HTOB?
(I haven't bought one yet).

Cheers,
Glen

[AndrewB]

It looks like things are lining up to install the engine in the car this weekend. Any tips I should be aware of? Bellhousing on or off? Go in from the front or side?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by AndrewB

It looks like things are lining up to install the engine in the car this weekend. Any tips I should be aware of? Bellhousing on or off? Go in from the front or side?

Straight in, bellhousing on, and here's a pic of a friend's ERA having it dropped in with a Kubota.

[DanEC]

I went in from the side but it's kind of up to you depending on your equipment. I did the install by myself so that could be a factor also. I installed the clutch but left the bellhousing off. If you haven't now is the time to check your bellhousing for runout and trial fit the transmission while it's easy to do so.

[AndrewB]

Thanks guys. It's good to know that both directions is possible. I think I would rather go in from the front of the car, but I need to take some measurements to see if my hoist will reach. Nothing like hanging ~500lbs over your car to get the blood pumping!

Checked the bellhousing already - see here. I should probably trial fit the transmission just in case though.

[patrickt]

The engines go in to the ERA bay easier than most cars. Not having to squeeze the transmission in helps as well. If you're renting an "unknown lift" from the rent-a-tool place, practice a little with some sort of object a little bit before pick up the real thing.

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by patrickt

The engines go in to the ERA bay easier than most cars. Not having to squeeze the transmission in helps as well. If you're renting an "unknown lift" from the rent-a-tool place, practice a little with some sort of object a little bit before pick up the real thing.

Especially when using an unknown crane, a trial run is wise to see the engine hook above or behind the engine mounts in the chassis without hitting the front of the car with the crane.

Gary

[fintubi]

Looks like removing the hood is necessary even when coming in from the side. Any issues (and tips for resolving them) regarding panel alignment when reinstalling the hood after engine installation?

[dacobb]

So, to confirm, you can't install the engine and the trans together, correct?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by dacobb

So you can install the engine and trans together?

I was told you can't.

No you don't drop the engine in with the trans bolted to it, but it's easier that way. You don't have to "tilt and snake" the engine and transmission in to the bay and tunnel. Instead, you basically just drop the damn thing right on top of the mounts and then bolt the transmission up from the cabin side.

[patrickt]

… and you align the hood from the outside, then, via the inside or coming in through the grille, bolt the hinges up.

[dacobb]

Originally Posted by patrickt

No you don't drop the engine in with the trans bolted to it, but it's easier that way. You don't have to "tilt and snake" the engine and transmission in to the bay and tunnel. Instead, you basically just drop the damn thing right on top of the mounts and then bolt the transmission up from the cabin side.

OK, got it. That's what I thought.

[otto]

I just reinstalled mine in 2092 went in from the side , bellhousing was attached to trans. I was able to leave the hood on, I left the motor mounts off till I had the block bolted to the bellhousing then slid the mounts in place. I agree you should do a dry run with your engine crane to make sure the boom is long enough. Hope this helps

[LMH]

If you want to be accurate to original, you install the engine and transmission as a unit!
Larry

[AndrewB]

Before I took off the hood I went around the hood mounts with painters tape (and made sure to note which shims went on which side), so we'll see how close I can get when it goes back on.

Larry, that's funny you posted that as I was just looking though the Dave Friedman collection earlier this evening and I saw that picture and went "Hmmm, I wonder..."

[RockBit]

Originally Posted by fintubi

Looks like removing the hood is necessary even when coming in from the side. Any issues (and tips for resolving them) regarding panel alignment when reinstalling the hood after engine installation?

Before removing the hood, outline the hinge brackets with blue painters tape. The tape will help you locate the brackets when you reinstall the hood. You might have to tweak the position a little, but it will get you very close. I did this on both hood andvtrunk lid.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by LMH

If you want to be accurate to original, you install the engine and transmission as a unit!
Larry

That looks like the body is being installed onto the engine/transmission unit, not the other way around!

I think we should all do it that way ('cos I'll have to)

Cheers!
Glen

[Gaz64]

Engine and trans as one unit, is always easier with the front end on the ground and the rear end as high as you can.

Done it that way a few times.

Gary