Author Topic: Installing a new crate motor in my c10  (Read 2782 times)

Offline hondaman

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 19
  • Newbie
Installing a new crate motor in my c10
« on: February 28, 2014, 04:34:13 pm »
I have a 1981 c10 with an automatic transmission.  I have a new crate motor I'm trying to install, but I havent figured out "the trick" yet to doing it.

I have the radiator support off.  Basically the entire front of the truck is off.  However I can't seem to get the motor mated to the trans without the flexplate hitting the bellhousing, or the motor mounts getting in the way. 

Any tips and tricks would be quite appreciated.  I have a engine hoist with a leveler.

Offline stereojnky

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 8
  • Newbie
Re: Installing a new crate motor in my c10
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2014, 10:39:40 pm »
Drop the driveshaft. Drop the tranny. Mate it to the engine,  then install as a complete assembly.

Sent from my SCH-S968C using Tapatalk


Offline winky

  • Junior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 509
Re: Installing a new crate motor in my c10
« Reply #2 on: March 01, 2014, 03:04:25 am »
Either that. Or take a floor jack (with a peace of wood on it) and jack the transmission up some (may require unbolting the bushing on the cross member. This allows you to install the engine at a tilted angle and usually helps me with the engine mounts clearance etc.

- I'm Mobile!


Offline csdineley

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 87
Re: Installing a new crate motor in my c10
« Reply #3 on: March 01, 2014, 04:18:44 pm »
I just did this a couple of days ago. I had to drop the trans down. Then bolt the engine in, and then re install the trans.
1987 V20 Custom Deluxe, Vortec Headed 350, SM465,Np205 14Bff 4.10

Offline mike357

  • Registered Users
  • *
  • Posts: 127
Re: Installing a new crate motor in my c10
« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2014, 10:18:30 pm »
Either that. Or take a floor jack (with a peace of wood on it) and jack the transmission up some (may require unbolting the bushing on the cross member. This allows you to install the engine at a tilted angle and usually helps me with the engine mounts clearance etc.

- I'm Mobile!

This. I do it this way, except I have never had to un-bolt the trans mount. It doesn't take much lifting on the tranny to get it there.