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New User Hello...and engine install question

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fletch

fletch

Freshman Member
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First...hello, new Midget owner, 76 "special", I think it's special because it was a non-running basket case when I got it.

I have the engine rebuilt and ready to go in but I am having issues getting the transmission and engine to line up nicely. The trans is still in the car and I am debating pulling it out and installing the engine/trans as a unit, but I have only wrestled with it for a couple of hours but was wondering if anyone had any tips to maybe ease the process.

I have had the car for almost 6 months, and am looking forward to actually hearing it run...and maybe one day driving it.

Thanks in advance
 
Welcome to the Best forum on the Web!
Personaly i prefer to install the engine and tranny as a unit. It is much easier to get the tranny over the crossmember than to try and get the engine bolted back up to the tranny in the car. There are only 8 bolts holding the tranny in, 2 straight up from underneath, 2 inside the car on the tunnel, and 4 drive shaft bolts. good luck


mark
 
Welcome fletch.
I've done the 1500 engine both ways, and, like Mark, I generally prefer to install the engine with the transmission attached.
If you do attempt to install the engine alone (with trans already in place), be very sure that the clutch disk is pefectly centered under the pressure plate. I use an old input shaft from a discarded trans to maintain centering while I tighten down the pressure plate. Moss sells a tool to do this for about $5 USD.Also, you should jack the front of the transmission up and inch or two (under the bell housing) to assist in alignment (the trans mounts should allow about this much flex).
 
Hello Fletch, welcome aboard. I crossed this same bridge with my '77 when I put a new clutch in it, but I too left the transmission in place when I did it. For sure, the clutch disk needs to be centered, and an alignment tool is helpful here. Otherwise, the thing I discovered as far as lining it up is to temporarily unbolt the motor mounts from the frame. This gives you a little more clearance to lower the engine, and made life a lot easier for me when I was fighting with it. Otherwise, the transmission only goes up so far before you run into the bulkhead, and the engine supports have to clear the ends of the motor mounts. Once you get the engine and transmission together and a couple of bolts started, there is room to slip the motor mounts back in.

-Dave
 
Just completed the same on my 1275. We did engine & tranny as one piece and connected from underneath and via the drive train tunnel. Had some difficulties in lining things up but not too terribly bad.

Make sure drive train is pushed all the way back before placing eng / tranny into car AND make sure rear tranny mount is bolted the proper direction. It gets easier as more bolts go in and with our good friend -- "Mr. Pry Bar"

Welcome aboard.

Geo
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