1996 Camaro Z28 LT1 Project

[birdie2000]

I wouldn't drain it if you don't have to. Do you need to remove the master cylinder for any reason? I just unbolted it and moved it to the side enough to get at the shock bolts. I would just disconnect the lines at a convenient place for removing the K-member and use an appropriate sized vacuum cap or something to prevent much fluid from draining out.

[alone_and_insane]

I was watching a video of how to remove the engine, and they said to disconnect the lines and remove the master cylinder entirely. Also, when I tried to remove the lines, the fittings either stripped out or started twisting the hard lines...

[meissen]

Those brake lines are a ***** to get out without stripping/rounding the nuts. But you do not have to remove the master cylinder to drop the engine out.

[dawdaw]

Those brake lines are a ***** to get out without stripping/rounding the nuts. But you do not have to remove the master cylinder to drop the engine out.

agreed, you don't have to drop the master/booster, not alot of stuff to really pull to drop the motor.... Do you have an engine hoist and a big cart roller?

[alone_and_insane]

Do you have an engine hoist and a big cart roller?

Yes I have a hoist. I have rolling moving dollies, not a cart.

[mcalus]

Just disconnect lines from distribution block. (I redid my lines wile motor was out, much easier)

keep the front wheels on the car and put the cart under the trans. Roll her on out.

[alone_and_insane]

What. A. Day.

Yesterday, Jim (birdie2000) and I met at TechShop at 10:00am, with the plan of removing the engine using the hoist method. Well, after working on this car for however many years, I should have known that nothing was going to go at all smoothly. Not a single bolt came out the first time we tried, half of them seemed to get rounded off in the process, working around my uber-janky exhaust (which we had to cut with a sawzall) was a royal pain, and our cart couldn't be pulled out with the hoist in place. We actually had to switch hoists twice. At least I feel better knowing that the car hates anybody who tries working on it, not just me haha. But anyway, at 1:00 this morning, we were finally out of there. Yup, 15 hours. Granted we needed some time to eat lunch and dinner, and make a run to Jim's shop to pick up some supplies, but still. Long day. But now, the motor is actually out.







The kicker is that at TechShop, you can't leave a car in there overnight. So once we got far enough in, we had to be there until we were done.

That being said, I really cannot say enough for how awesome Jim was working with me. He was just as committed to getting this thing done as I was (if not more so). 15 hours, and not a single complaint...can't say that I would've been able to do that if our circumstances were reversed haha. If not for him and his help, I would have given up after throwing several wrenches through the wall by about hour four. I actually managed to keep my sanity the entire time. [MENTION=1248]birdie2000[/MENTION]

[mcalus]

Glad to hear! Jim is definately a down to earth guy. He has hooked me up with parts time an time again. Sorry I haven't been keeping up on the thread I would of been willing to help you guys out. Let me know on the install date.

[meissen]

Awesome news! The first time breaking those bolts loose is a real pain in the ass -- need lots of PB Blaster. You said you can't leave cars in there overnight, so what'd you do once the engine was removed?

[nascarnate326]

+1 for Jim. I dont think I have met him but anyone willing to put in 15 hours on someone elses car is legit.

[alone_and_insane]

Awesome news! The first time breaking those bolts loose is a real pain in the ass -- need lots of PB Blaster. You said you can't leave cars in there overnight, so what'd you do once the engine was removed?

PB Blaster was our friend Once we got the engine and stuff out, we lifted it off the cart high enough to pull out the k-member, then we put the k-member back on the car and rolled it back outside.

anyone willing to put in 15 hours on someone elses car is legit.

QFT

[JoeliusZ28]

One trick i use on stuck bolts that has a pretty good success rate is smacking the shit out of them with a ball-pene hammer to break the threads loose. That and tightening as well as loosening. But you got the job done now so thats not very helpful

[alone_and_insane]

Probably the most annoying part was how easily any of the smaller ones just stripped before even thinking of turning.

Another note: once we got the k-member out, we noticed that my front sway bar was broken right near the end on the passenger side (I think @hoogiesngrinderz had a similar failure on his '98). Time for a replacement there as well.

[hoogiesngrinderz]

Yup, both sides were broke on mine. The upper portion of each end fell off when I pulled the end links.

[mazakman]

I need to borrow that box on wheels sometime to get the motor out off my parts car.