Fully assemble engine before dropping it back in?

[bassackwards]

I am really close to dropping my 383 into the Blazer.

It was tough pulling the old one out with a cherry picker given the lift even though I removed the front wheels
I did not pull the radiator or AC core but I might do that before putting it back in.

It is lots easier to assemble the serpentine system while it is out but adds a lot of precious length to the engine while working over and down into the chassis.

Assemble the brackets and bottom pulley now or after it is in?

 

[79rustyk10]

I always install the engine by itself, bare of accessories. To me it's never been an issue installing all that later.

I also always pull the radiator, its already drained, no sense in risking damage for 3 minutes of work.

 

[bablazer73]

I would install the engine without the accessories, and put them on after..

 

[1-ton]

Installing the engine with accessories, particularly the power steering pump, could make it hard to get at the engine mount bolts.

 

[diesel4me]

On older square bodies and 67-72 trucks I have installed an engine almost fully dressed,I took off the P/S pump and tied it off to one side,and had the pulleys & fan belts,alternator on,just no fan blade..

With the radiator removed,you had enough room to weasel the engine in,the fuel pump is easily busted off though,you must be careful,and the exhaust manifolds can be a pain depending on what style,but you can drop it in --then all you had to do was put the motor mount bolts in,hook up all the wires ,hoses,put the P/S pump back on ,then the radiator and fan shroud,fan blade went on last..

Newer trucks, this may not be possible--I've never done an engine swap on a 88 or newer GM truck..
I cringe when I watch what my friend has to do to pull a engine out of a 2000 or newer GM pickup...looks like half the engine has to be gutted before you can even unbolt it from the bell housing..

 

[tRustyK5]

The newer shit looks worse than it is. Especially the front dress...comes off in some big pieces!

 

[mrk5]

I installed the 454 in the crew cab with water pump and power steering pump installed. Added alternator and headers after the fact.

 

[yblow]

Pull the radiator that's only like 2 bolts and will give you extra space. You should be able to put all accessories on.

 

[1-ton]

I installed the 454 in the crew cab with water pump and power steering pump installed. Added alternator and headers after the fact.

I installed the small block in my truck with most all of the accessories, and when I came time to insert the long engine mount bolts through the engine mount saddles the fricken steering pump blocked access to it, and I had to remove the steering pump in order to get at it. I could not go in from the backside of the engine because the exhaust manifold blocked access from that side. Just one of those typical hassles when trying to restore a vehicle.

 

[imiceman44]

I installed the small block in my truck with most all of the accessories, and when I came time to insert the long engine mount bolts through the engine mount saddles the fricken steering pump blocked access to it, and I had to remove the steering pump in order to get at it. I could not go in from the backside of the engine because the exhaust manifold blocked access from that side. Just one of those typical hassles when trying to restore a vehicle.

I did the 6.2l turbo diesel fully dressed in my suburban but I also have motor mount bracket with a slot on one side so I drop it in with the bolt in half way then push it through the second hole.
I did however pull the core support.

 

[diesel4me]

Taking off the P/S pump on the engine your pulling is easy,only a few bolts,leave the hoses connected and just lay it aside,tie it off if needed to keep it out of the way..then you wont have issues getting the motor mount bolts in..

A few engines I pulled had the right side motor mount bolt installed with its head facing the fuel pump,and it had to be removed to let the bolt slide thru and be removed..someone else had been there already..

 

[chulisohombre]

I usually leave them off and put back after install. It’s only a few bolts on my older vehicles. New ones look like a nightmare to replace. I only have five wires on my engine compared to what looks like a hundred on newer stuff.

 

[CGT80]

Pull the radiator, but leave the AC, unless you already opened the AC system. Install the accessories after the engine. The extra space from the radiator, fan, and shroud being out make it easier to install the accessories.