1957 Engine Transmission Swap

[Jerry B.]

Is It Easier To Perform A Swap As A Complete Assembly Thanks

[Steven B.]

Re: 1957 Engine Transmission Swap

Jerry, this question was asked a few weeks ago and I believe most agreed that the engine/transmission as a unit is much easier. It is easier to control/maneuver as a unit and you do not have to connect/disconnect the engine/transmission while in the car. I have removed and installed the engine/transmission as a unit in my '57 a couple of times and it is much easier as a unit. Clutch and transmission install is alot easier out of the car as a unit.

Steve

[Tom P.]

Re: 1957 Engine Transmission Swap

Is It Easier To Perform A Swap As A Complete Assembly Thanks

Probably about 10 times easier!

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1957 Engine Transmission Swap

If you are installing or removing the engine with a cast iron Powerglide be extreamly careful as the Powerglide is very heavy and there is no way to keep the transmission from tilting the engine back.
Personally I have done this a few times and always removed the transmission.
Manual transmissions and aluminium automatic trans are not a problem.

[Brooks G.]

Re: 1957 Engine Transmission Swap

I have done it both ways with a manual transmission. If you have a car lift or access to one, that would make it a lot easier. I think it would be a lot more difficult if you were just trying to removing an automatic transmission. I would remove engine and transmission as a unit. If I were putting an automatic in I would definitely put engine and transmission in as a unit. If you were swapping manual transmissions, I would only remove and re-install that unit. You have a lot of things to disconnect and remove when you remove the engine and transmission as a unit. If you remove just the transmission, you still have to support the rear of the engine to do so. Three speeds are a lot less bulky than four speed transmissions. Either way you are going to get dirty. Brooks Glover (2141)

[Ridge K.]

Re: 1957 Engine Transmission Swap

If you are installing or removing the engine with a cast iron Powerglide be extreamly careful as the Powerglide is very heavy and there is no way to keep the transmission from tilting the engine back.
Personally I have done this a few times and always removed the transmission.
Manual transmissions and aluminium automatic trans are not a problem.

Bruce is right on the weight warning.
I've shipped cast iron powerglides and the weight is around 250 pounds without the converter. Figure about 300# with the converter and fluids.
The aluminum powerglide is around 95 pounds dry.
Ridge.

[Robert I.]

Re: 1957 Engine Transmission Swap

Can I remove/install the engine trans (4 speed) as a unit, from above?

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1957 Engine Transmission Swap

We also have done it both ways. Sometimes it depends on how many helpers you have. On a 58 fuelie, I disconnected the 4-speed and pulled the engine by myself. But then, that was for another reason as well, as we were doing a prefit of a Pontiac engine with side motor mounts and needed the tranny in place tor locate the mounts.

Stu Fox

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1957 Engine Transmission Swap

Yes, the engine and trans can be removed as a unit.
Just be sure you have a method to tilt the unit to clear the firewall etc.
There are a few screw type engine tilting devices which you attach to your lifting device which work pretty well but in some situations the car must be high enough off the ground to allow the tilting without hitting the trans tailshaft.
Personally, it is so simple to remove the trans and then the engine. Thats how I choose to do it. The only precaution is to be sure the rear of the engine is supported so the distributor does not hit the firewall.

[John H.]

Re: 1957 Engine Transmission Swap

Can I remove/install the engine trans (4 speed) as a unit, from above?

Yes - have done it many times by myself with an engine hoist and a tilter; remove the distributor first, and use a plug or spare yoke in the transmission output shaft to contain the lube.

[Christopher R.]

Re: 1957 Engine Transmission Swap

I did this on my '62 last year and posted some helpful hints. Look in the archives.