engine swap tips and tricks

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shrekmoose

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Alright, about to start an engine swap bought a crate tbi long block to drop in and its sitting in the garage waiting now. Never swapped a motor in one of these trucks but have many older vehicles. What's some tips and tricks to these trucks before I start. Hidden wire tight spots stuff like that. Any help would be awesome.
 

dirtridinz71

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The swap is all pretty straight forward the wire plug-ins are all different so no worries of getting them mixed up.

A power steering pump pulled is needed to get pully and bracket off if my memory is right. Also the stock heater hose fitting on back of intake may be corroded and break off.

Other then that it shouldn't be much different then the older swaps done.
 

SAATR

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Double and triple check that all wires/hoses are disconnected from the motor before you start pulling it.

It's easier/better to unbolt the AC compressor from the mounting bracket and lay it to the side rather than disconnect the lines and lose all the refrigerant.

If you have an automatic transmission, make sure the cooler lines are unbolted from the motor before you pull. These are often attached to studs on the oil pan and can be easily overlooked.

Pull the radiator. It's better to take a little time to pull it than leave it in and risk puncturing or crushing it when the motor is in the air.

Make sure all the grounds from the block to the chassis are unbolted, as these aren't always obviously placed.

Make a note of the way the wiring harness is routed over and around the motor, and be sure to put it back that way. Also, the convoluted tubing that covers the harness from the factory may have deteriorated from heat and age. It's a good idea to go ahead and replace it now, while the engine is out, rather than trying to do it with the engine in.

This is also a good time to check/replace your motor mounts, so be sure to check them out.

You might as well clean the engine compartment while the motor is out, and perhaps hit it with some rattle can black to make everything look newer or cleaner. Not everybody does, but it's a lot easier to get the cross member and frame while the motor is out.

Not exactly OBS specific, but good things to do with your motor out. Good luck!
 
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