C5 engine removal

[Bobbo76]

Hi! Looking for suggestions for this. This the first time I’ve done this to a Vette.
The engine is already out and I’m thinking it’ll be easier to unbolt both subframes, sit them on dollies/jack stands, reassemble everything and drop the body back on. I do have a lift.
Are there any surprises I might run into? Anything I’d need to know, hidden connections? Special tools?
Thanks for any info folks!

 

[Rruuff Day]

We have some expertise here on the forum Bobbo (not me).... @AlbertaZ06 comes to mind as one if he has time, as he is in the midst of a C4 build right now as well.

 

[Nik]

Hi! Looking for suggestions for this. This the first time I’ve done this to a Vette.
The engine is already out and I’m thinking it’ll be easier to unbolt both subframes, sit them on dollies/jack stands, reassemble everything and drop the body back on. I do have a lift.
Are there any surprises I might run into? Anything I’d need to know, hidden connections? Special tools?
Thanks for any info folks!

Calling @RaceReadyGarageInc

They've done a few of these I suspect.

 

[RaceReadyGarageInc]

Hi Bobbo76, you can do it that way. it will be much more time consuming and it's tricky to line the subframes back up when bringing the body back down with out a jig. you will need several sets of hands to keep all the shocks and suspension componenets lined up. there are lots of wire connections and brake lines to separate. it is much easier to drop the engine back down into the engine bay from the top. the only thing that is tricky is the sterring rack needs to be moved amd the bellhousing bolts are hard to access. I use a special wobble socket to get them.

 

[Bobbo76]

Thanks! I appreciate your input.
I was speculating that putting a little time in removing both subframes and reinstalling them as an assembly might be safer and not have to deal with lining up the input shaft/clutch.

 

[RaceReadyGarageInc]

My pleasure! lining up the input is easy on these if you use a good spline tool to line up the clutch disc when the engine is out. a second set of hands makes it way easier also.

 

[AlbertaZ06]

I pulled my engine in my C5 4 times, always out the top, it wasn't to hard (kinda fun!). I dropped the trans and torque tube first and had the heads off, never ran into any problems. I don't know about about removing the subframe and raising the body off, never had access to a 2 post hoist

 

[Bobbo76]

That’s good news. I’ve got a small team lined up to pitch in. Non are have experience with these but all experienced wrenchers.
The last engine I pulled was out of my R32 GTR

 

[Bobbo76]

I pulled my engine in my C5 4 times, always out the top, it wasn't to hard (kinda fun!). I dropped the trans and torque tube first and had the heads off, never ran into any problems. I don't know about about removing the subframe and raising the body off, never had access to a 2 post hoistView attachment 23574

So you removed the torque tube at the transaxle end? I plan to change the bushings so will be dropping it anyway.

 

[AlbertaZ06]

I pulled my engine in my C5 4 times, always out the top, it wasn't to hard (kinda fun!). I dropped the trans and torque tube first and had the heads off, never ran into any problems. I don't know about about removing the subframe and raising the body off, never had access to a 2 post hoistView attachment 23574

So you removed the torque tube at the transaxle end? I plan to change the bushings so will be dropping it anyway.

Yes that’s correct, I should have said removed all drivetrain including the differential.