I've looked thru most (if not all) the FAQ and searched for the info...

I am pulling my motor out (probably) this weekend. I know some of the readers have performed this task. Can anyone share some insight or pitfalls I should be aware of? I'm suprised not to see some "basic" info on this in the FAQ.
What about for the re-install? My Chilton's manual offers some help but also instructs to remove the tranny, too. Not this time, thanks.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Leave the trans in the car. Leave as much on the engine as possible, except the AC. Take the engine as a unit - much easier to assemble the manifolds on the stand than leaning over the fender. The harness can be pulled from the engine, or disconnected and removed with the engine. Its a toss up. The flexplate bolts can be removed easily with a deep offset 17 mm box wrench, 6 point best, 12 point OK.
Support the trans really well though.

It is sort of easier to remove the trans with the engine, but it isn't necessary. If the car is on stands, support the trans while you disconnect the bellhousing and torque converter, and then slide the engine forward. Mostly it is pretty straightforward to pull the manifolds off and lean them away from the engine. Remove the accessory drive brackets on the left of the engine and get those out of the way. Remove the mounts and any necessary wires, and yank it out.

If you're careful, you can get away without disconnecting any A/C lines, so you don't have to worry about having to recharge the air conditioning. The radiator should come out along with the intercooler (if so equipped).

Overall the job is not hard. If the car is elevated properly you'll have plenty of room to work underneath. Some of the bellhousing bolts you can get to from the top, and you shouldn't have any problem from there. The starter can be a pain in the butt, but not bad. The worst is getting the torque converter bolts out. Those can be difficult (but again, not impossible).

Good luck.
--
Chris Herbst, near Chicago.

I don't have to worry about the A/C - it's empty. There's a leak somewhere a mech said. I'll wait to convert to start that project.
I'm unsure about the manifolds...The 2 (of 3)lift eyes are connected to the exhaust and intake manifolds. The front lift eye is connected to the thermostat housing.

I already have the exhaust manifold out (due to turbo rebuild) so I reused a stud to reconnect the lift eye for the engine pull. Should I be using these?

It's always been easier for me to remove the tranny/engine in one unit..that way I was sure all the bolts holding them together were tight before I put it back in.
just my 2 centavos.
el raidman

What would I use for a support for both? I have an engine stand. Do I just let the tranny 'roll' on the floor (gently supported, of course)?