mustanger1977

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and am hoping I can get some advice on removing my engine/trans. I've got a 5.0 HO that I've been readying for removal for awhile (when I've got the spare time ). Anyhow, I've got the block stripped, starter removed but the headers are still in the engine compartment... I cant for the life of me get the bolts broken on the headers so they are still bolted to the cats. I have unbolted the cat/h-pipe from the mufflers but the cat assembly wont move because I cant move them back far enough to clear the hanger holes on the trans mount.

What I want to know is should I even bother trying to get the headers out or just spread them as I pull the block/trans out? The whole thing is somewhat further complicated by the fact that I cant break free the motor mounts from the block so I've unbolted the whole mounting bracket from the frame. It's resulting in a bit more stuff to get in the way when i'm ready to raise the block/trans but I think it'll clear.

I've never pulled a V8 from such a tiny space before... usually from F-series trucks where you have plenty of room. Any thoughts/comments/suggestions that may be of help would be most appreciated!

thanks,

--m

USMC1775

So... you cant get the H pipe disconnected from the header flange? Get a good penetrating lube and give it a little 'persuasion' with a hammer to break loose the corrosion/whatever it is. It would be much too bulky to remove it all together through the front

Im not that clear on your post, but if you have the headers unbolted from the block, you can weasel the engine out with them sitting there

mustanger1977

Thanks for your reply, USMC1775. I pretty much gave up on breaking the header bolts loose... it seems nobody believed in anti-seize when they were installed. Anyway, I was thinking that I could tip the whole header/cat assembly and then shove it up into the engine compartment where I could cut the bolts on the headers. What's stopping that is the hangers on the cat assembly that slide in right above the trans mount. I should just cut the headers and be done with it.. they are the factory pinched headers that I dont plan on keeping anyway. If I do that, the whole cat assembly would just drop down and be out of the way... maybe that's what I'll do.

These 5.0's are _so_ tight inside... I had a 66 hardtop and a 72 droptop that had _tons_ of room to work .

--m