[rag-top_man]

my 98 svt locked up. I need topull the engine to build. I replaced the engine in my mkviii last summer by pulling it like the older mustangs(from the top) what a PIA just enough room to get in/out. is dropping the k member eng/trans easier???

[4valvegt]

If you have access to a lift dropping it out the bottom is by far the easiest, if you dont its not bad coming out the top either. Its best to pull the transmission first, take out the radiator for a little more room not bad at all i have pulled a few 4 valves out the top.

[SWEET2KSTANG]

you can do several ways. if you dont have stands that go high enough, you can drop k/trans/engine all together, unbolt trans and k, and lift strait out the top.


if you have big stands, you can drop out the bottom and roll out.

[1989Gt.]

I can pull mine is 3 hours without much hassle and one guy. Prob take me 6 by myself. But i take it out the top and leave the trans attached. Seems easier that way to me.

[SWEET2KSTANG]

in your 89? if so, totally different set up.

[cobraman302]

I just pulled the engine in my '97 cobra and it was really easy to pull it out the top. I removed the hood, unbolted the upper and lower intake manifold, unhooked the midpipe on exhaust, removed the wiring harness and layed it on the windshield, layed the fuel rails off to the side, ran two bolts through the cylinder heads (back passenger and fron drivers side) running through the chain hooked to the engine lift. untbolted the trans, unbolted the starter, power steering pump, coolant hoses, and motor mount bolts. Came right out. Trick is positioning the hook from the engine lift in the right place on the chain...to wher it will tilt the back side of the engine downwrads to allow for clearance of the radiator. It was a whole lot easier than I had expected.

[96cobraMystic]

Well my motor didnt lock up on me but she has lost lots of power and i expect to go any day, But im almost done with the build on the replacement since it has over 300,000 miles and still went to track i knew it was just a matter of time.lol

But i have long tubes and plan on pulling the tranny too so im gonn take it out the bottom. But im doing research now to see which way i wanna pull it..

[rag-top_man]

thanks for the replys! the lincolns drivers side manifold(cat welded on) was my big stumbling point.I told myself if ever again it would come out the bottom!!! I had 1/4" clearence both ways REAL P.I.A. took me a full day by myself to get it back in (without damaging the main wireing harness that runs ACROSS the shock tower just above the exhaust manifold) sounds like I will be able to do this one a little easier! I forgot to mention I have a set of long tubes for the return trip will that make a difference on which way to tackle this??

[SWEET2KSTANG]

to those that wonder

[SWEET2KSTANG]

[4valvegt]

If your gonna deal with lts out the bottom is the only way to go unless you want to fish the damn things back in and try to bolt them up with the motor suspended in the car about 2 inch from the body on each side. Hate only being able to turn a wrench. an 1/8 of a turn each time mine is going back in with a tubular k member and goin in from the bottom.

[1989Gt.]

Originally Posted by SWEET2KSTANG in your 89? if so, totally different set up.

NO in my 98 4v swapped gt..... I Can pull the engine pretty quick and clean. ITs not too hard at all but i always pull the trans as well.

[rag-top_man]

thanks for the advise. I assume you used a floor jack to roll the cradle ect from under the car?(looks easier for one person to do than pulling out the top) I felt like a damn yo-yo going back and forth checking/lineing every thing up on the mkviii!!

[futureMACH1racer]

I drop mine along with the k member, trans, etc... Then again I have a hoist.

[rag-top_man]

sweet2kstang thanks for pics!! pretty much made a decision. out the bottom!!! I had a hoist before I moved south... so now I will work a little harder! I had been collecting parts for my mkviii build-up they will go to the 98(rods pistons and crank)I had 2nd thoughts anyway I think a 5.4 4v will work better in a 3700lbs car anyway!!! (both will be boosted anyway!!)

[Keasbey]

how tall are those jack stands!?

[SWEET2KSTANG]

just regular tall stands. i disconnect whats needed from top, jack up the front, stands all the way up minus 1 click set on the sfc's, hook up the hoist, unbolt, and lower.

[1989Gt.]

Originally Posted by SWEET2KSTANG just regular tall stands. i disconnect whats needed from top, jack up the front, stands all the way up minus 1 click set on the sfc's, hook up the hoist, unbolt, and lower.

Well that seems like a lot of waistful stuff. Just pull it outta the top its simple.

[SWEET2KSTANG]

wastefull? how you figure? you dont have to deal with trying to get get to all the starter or trans bolts. if you have long tubes, then you dont have to fight those bolts either. you roll it out from lower manifold to driveshaft, unbolt everything, do what you want, put back together, roll back as a single unit, put few items back on, and go. i can have it all out just over an hour. install takes bout hour an a half. thats connected, fluids filled, and started.

[futureMACH1racer]

Originally Posted by 1989Gt. Well that seems like a lot of waistful stuff. Just pull it outta the top its simple.

Have you ever pulled a 4v out? It's so much easier to drop the whole K member.