Header gaskets/dropping motor in

Hollowdweller

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Hoping to get the motor in tom morning, few things running around in my head. How much weight would you’d say is on the 1000lb rated engine stand now? I’d like to install the headers and everything I can now but don’t want to push the engine stand limits. When I install the headers should I use anything else besides the supplied gaskets? The headers/gaskets came from On3, no clue on quality. I think I’m going to stab the motor & tranny at the same time. That’s how I did it prob 5 times with my 2002 bcz I was running LT’s…btw LT’s on a 2002 GT will give you 2hp gain NA lol!! I’m thinking about setting the motor on an upside down rim and trying to bolt the tranny to the block that way, wondering if oil pan will get damaged..? I can put the motor in 1st then try to stab the tranny using a jack but imma one man show so I think it’d be easier to assemble outside the car. Fixing to remove radiator for more clearance. Oil pan tap came out nice but was a big pain overall. Tried to get fancy but ended up getting $40 worth of bungs that where to big, ended up using the one that came with On3 kit. Should I run a very thin layer of gasket sealant on the oil pan gasket or just use it like it is? Thanks everyone!!!

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JC SSP

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Engine stand will hold your headers but not sure if you can put engine and tranny in with LT headers attached?

Those gaskets look like steel shimmed, if so they should be good. I always spray a coat or two of copper seal on both sides… it’s an old racers trick.

The oil return bung should be sealed with the weld. Trust me, a leak here and you will have a mess.

Take your time… I alway use a checklist… I go through it and make sure everything is in order. Also you plan on installing it yourself? An extra set of reliable hands goes a long way in maneuvering an engine.

Either way, good luck and keep us informed on how things go.
 

Hollowdweller

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The LT’s were on my KB 2002, using On3 shorties with 2006 turbo setup. LT’s on the 2V was a mistake IMO! I saw the gains when the SC’s started getting installed but not worth the hassle overall.

Heading to Oriellys for copper spray seal, appreciate the tip!

Hoping the oil tap return will hold! I was able to add extra sealant on the backside bcz the pan was off.

Been waiting on this timing crank wheel for 4 days now, walking circles around the motor just dying to bolt it all up lol…lion stalking it’s prey!!

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86GT351

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Stand will hold the weight. Are you installing Long Tube Headers? If so the engine will not go in from the top with them attached.
 

Hollowdweller

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Stand will hold the weight. Are you installing Long Tube Headers? If so the engine will not go in from the top with them attached.
Neg…LT’s where on old setup. Think I got everything buttoned up. Think I’m gonna set the motor in then the tranny. Don’t wanna try to move all that weight alone. Added alittle more clearance for drivers side header

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Hollowdweller

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If I set the motor in there right now will it balance on the motor mounts or will I need to support it in the front or rear any?
 

AHaze

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IIRC, it will try to lean against the firewall. You can run a ratchet strap between the top of the engine and the rad support to hold it.
 

JC SSP

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Wouldn’t a large wood block and floor jack at the rear of the engine work too?
 

MrBhp

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I prefer a small floor jack. I can jack it with one leg while I get it aligned. But it's a good point about using a strap. You can move the car while you're still working on it.
 

Hollowdweller

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She’s in there. Looks alittle crooked! I dunno…not just real happy with the BMR mounts. Every little move and the just pop out of the groove

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Parker Lewis

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As a fellow one man show I've had success installing the engine and tranny as one unit from above when using a load leveler. I have the one from Northern Tool, got it for $40 when on sale probably 7 or 8 years ago. The leveler will let you tilt the engine/trans just about any way you need to when stabbing in from above. Another tip if you haven't already tried it is to have the front end of the car sitting on taller jack stands than the rear, so that car is slightly angled upward. Using this setup I was able to drop in my 3v/3650 as one unit with LT's bolted to it, into my 2001 mustang. Looks like you already got yours in so maybe this advice is no help to you at this point! Good luck with your project and keep the photos coming.

Here's a link to the leveler I use:

https://www.northerntool.com/produc...7LNFNmlZBY_YY6QuP1saAgmfEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
 

Hollowdweller

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Well she’s in there now. Forgot how un-fun it was to do that lol! Ended up having to go rent the picker again to get the tranny in. Couldn’t get the input shaft past the clutch plate fingers without the bellhousing hitting the body 1st. More engine angle prob would have done it but I felt a little safer having the picker. Been working on the power steering reservoir relocation..I dunno, want it to look a little cleaner but want to get turbo piping installed to ensure fitment before I put more effort in it. Hard parts done I’m hoping, hopefully be posting some cool pics here in the next few days!!

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Hollowdweller

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Well I’m fried, guess I have the wrong coolant crossover..CRAP!! Alt bracket holes don’t line up. One in yellow isn’t drilled and the red one isn’t even there. Looking for new crossover! I could easily modify and make it work but the new one also blocks one of the intake bolts……gettin PISSED lol…have $200 in that crossover already

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moooosestang

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what year is your car? ford changed the coolant crossover in 07 i think. I still have my 06 crossover in a box someplace because whipple replaces it.
 
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