rsjay

I am in the process of installing my 1994 LT1 engine back into my Camaro. I have never installed a LT1 from the top. My questions are can we install the auto tranny with engine from the top? Is there enough room? If I can't install the tranny with motor can I install my Mac mid-length headers with my motor. I had no plans on installing from underneath.

30696bird

I installed my transmission and engine TOGETHER from the top. The hardest part is the intake..........it's a **** to get the engine in with it on the block.

txbitt

I am amazed you could install eng. and tranny together from the top. I think headers would be out of the question. I had to turn my motor(no tranny) sideways using a special LT1 engine bracket that mounts to the intake to get it in and out. I guess you never know until you try!

crazypurgatory

Where did you get this special LT1 engine bracket that mounts to the intake?
I'm going to do my engine next year and want to go through the top.

Thanks,

Chris.

30696bird

If I had it to do all over again I would DEFENITLY go the bottom route.......I didn't know better. LOL I installed the headers after I put the engine in......that was a diferent PITA!

Spinner

Pretty simple going in from the top, just take the intake and hood off. Its easiest if you just set the headers in the engine bay when your dropping the engine in.

txbitt

I bought the bracket from a company called TPS specialties or something like that. It was called the "happy hooker". I dont even know if they exhist anymore. Anyway it is a flat bracket that bolts directly on top of a LT1 intake and has a special curved chain reciever that will fit up under the cowl. I think I still might have it if you would like it. I think it cost me like $25.00.

Birdie2000

Engine form the top isn't too bad with the radiator removed, gives you some additional room around the balancer and such. Also, I just released the clips on the hood struts and propped it up in a vertical position with a long 2x4, no need to remove it.

Spinner

TPIS happy hooker. It's still around, $40 or so.

rsjay

Do i have to keep my intake off to get the engine in from the top?

Birdie2000

I had the intake on when dropping it in, I didn't try with headers though.

30696bird

I too had my intake on when I installed the engine from the top......BUT, it was ALOT harder. The reason I put the intake on before installing the engine was because in my opinion it was easier to silicone the rear of the intake properly.

1-bad-z28

iv'e taken mine out and in the top 3 or 4 times. It is not hard. The intake has been on everytime. Take your time and have patience. Here is the happy hooker.... http://www.akmcables.com/l99.htm . It is awesome

cwaldt

I just placed my LT-1 back in my 95 through the top. Didn't have the tranny hooked up but had the intake and stock headers on. Hardest part was getting in to the motor mounts. I bolted the drivers side first then the passenger. Done all this with an engine leverler and a come along, didn't have access to a cherry picker. Only took about 2 hours. WOuld have been easier with the right equipment.

faded93bird

That looks cool but, dosent it put a lot of stress on those poor fuel rail bolt holes. I mean there only aluminum threads.

As for pulling out the top I took the motor out as a short block and put it back in as a long block. Both were a PIA but, you just need two people. I think I am gonna try it from the bottom this time as i have a tubuler K-memebr sitting in the garage