How TO Remove Engine

[DrEvil]

I blew my 3.1 V6 engine in my 95 Grand Am SE last week, so a changing I will go. Started unhooking everything but soon realized that if I removed the engine and tranny as one from the top, there was no way it would clear the brake master. Now even if I remove the master, that still leaves the brake lines in the way, and I hate bending them. I dont think there is enough clearance to remove the engine without the tranny due to the torque converter. I called pontiac and they said they drop the whole thing, cradle and all through the bottom. What are your suggestions for the easiest/best method to get that engine out of there? Thanks

[MantaGreen97]

That's what the service manual says, to go through the bottom--loosen the subframe and raise the car over the engine/transaxle/subframe. This is harder to do if you don't have (or have access to) a lift, which most people do not.

If you have to remove the transmission, then you're right--I don't think there is any way you are going to get it out the top. But the engine only, I'm pretty sure you do not have to do this as people have removed the 3100 from a Grand Am by going through the top. But yeah apparently you have to be careful trying to clear things on the way in/out if you go through the top.

Edit: Oh yeah, I asked nearly the same question on 60degreeV6.com a little while ago:

http://www.60degreev6.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=7563

Lots of helpful replies there...

[voyager]

yeah, disconnect the tranny first; engine out the top.. if you have to do the tranny too, drop it out the bottom.

are you going to put in a 3400 instead?

[nice96gt]

^ yep...motor out through the top if you are unbolting the tranny. It is a tight fit but it will come out.