I am getting ready to put the engine back in the car and am wondering if I am going to have problems if I put the transmission lines on before I install the motor. I was debating with my son - what does everyone typically do here - I want to put the engine and transmission in at the same time and have an engine hoist and one of the holder mechanisms that can tilt the engine? Any other advice on the install would be appreciated, getting very excited to get to this point.

 

It's better to slide engine/tranny in, then feed cooling lines in. Radiator in last. No bent, kinked, snagged lines.
Remember Murphy's law, "If it can, It will" Dont set problems up to happen.

 

Definitely install your cooler lines after the trans and engine are installed. In fact, almost everything should be off before you install- I've seen so many people dent up their $600 headers or shock towers because it was easier to install them prior to dropping the engine. Mustangs (especially early years) don't allow very much room between the towers. Good Luck and be patient!

 

I've always done it with the lines already installed on the engine/trans assembly, but it does make the installation somewhat more tedious. You have to watch the cooler lines and be careful not to damage them.

You can get by either way. If this is the first time you're doing this operation I would install the lines after the engine/trans are in the car, it will make the engine installation simpler. Personally, though, I think it's a PITA to attach the cooler lines under the car.

Other advice: Don't put your fingers under the suspended assembly. Take your time. The handle of your engine hoist makes a great pry bar. Don't put your fingers under the suspended assembly. Oh, and take your time.

 

I just installed everthing about 5 weeks ago. IMO there is plenty of room on the early cars if you are using a stock engine or 302. I installed the headers out of the car and had plenty of room between the shock towers. I waited and installed the transmission line after install. I really wish I would have put them on first. If they are prebent they hug the bottom of the motor pretty good. If the are the kind that use a hose from the lines to the radiator then they wont stick out too far either. I wish I would have put them on first.

 

You could always install the lines after the engine and trans are not in all the way. Once the engine and trans are in to the point were the trans is still sticking down (mounts aren’t bolted in) you can install the lines easily and then continue with the engine install.

 

Well, I took the plunge yesterday and it turned out to be a bit of a mission. I had the JBA headers on and had to take them off with the engine half-way into the engine compartment (hate those header bolts, someone has to come up with headers that are not a PIA to put on). We went without installing the tranny lines but I think we could have done it with the lines on. The biggest problem was getting the motor mount bolts to line up - that took about 1/3 of the half-day it took to get it in. I had done the 1" coil spring lower and the shelby drop and the stance looks perfect - nice and aggressive but not too low. Will post some pics of the car/engine compartment later

 

congrats. I am sure a nice feeling of accomplishment.