That was pretty painful, but it is bolted in.

[Healey_Z]

I average remove/install about an engine a year. This one fought me all the way.

 

[RestoreThemAll]

With luck I'll be installing an engine in my BJ7 this summer. Would you mind sharing what went wrong, and how you corrected it? What went right?
Dale

 

[Healey_Z]

I picked up this project with the Datsun ZX drivetrain already in place, so my problems are driven by a non-original drivetrain, my ignorance of the Healey and general pains of working with a near 50 year old car.

I assembled the engine/trans complete, carbs, exhaust, alternator, aircleaner...on an engine stand, with the thought of just dropping it in. I ended up removing the alternator, aircleaner, engine mounts....it was just too tight of a squeeze while dropping it down in the bay. I then had the usual issue with bolts, especially on the drive shaft.

So, nothing time didn't solve, but I could tell that the car really didn't want a foreign motor back inside it

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

I picked up this project with the Datsun ZX drivetrain already in place, so my problems are driven by a non-original drivetrain, my ignorance of the Healey and general pains of working with a near 50 year old car.

I assembled the engine/trans complete, carbs, exhaust, alternator, aircleaner...on an engine stand, with the thought of just dropping it in. I ended up removing the alternator, aircleaner, engine mounts....it was just too tight of a squeeze while dropping it down in the bay. I then had the usual issue with bolts, especially on the drive shaft.

So, nothing time didn't solve, but I could tell that the car really didn't want a foreign motor back inside it

A club member in Oklahoma has had a Datsun engine in his car for a long time.
Patrick

 

[Rob Glasgow]

...removing the alternator, aircleaner, engine mounts....that's sounds about the correct procedure for installing the Austin six. Nice to know Datsun copied everything so perfectly. Let us know how the swap works out. If I had another Healey, I'd consider installing the same motor, but one is all I have time for.

 

[Healey_Z]

From the records I received, the swap was done 25 years ago. I was able to drive the car for a few months, before I tore it apart. It was a hoot to drive, although it smoked like crazy and grinded through the gears.

I had a FFR cobra replica for 9 years (5.0/5 speed) and frankly, this car is more fun to drive on the street.

I can't wait to get it back on the road, hopefully with minimal issues.

 

[Richard Dickinson]

There was an article in the Healey Club magazine Back when it named Chatter. If you can track it down there might be some useful information.