How To Remove Small Block From '72 BBody: Level or Jacked?

[Dibbons]

The 318 is all loose and ready to remove. My only question now is whether to pull it jacked up like it is (so I could disconnect the torque convertor) or bring it back down on it's tires again?

I realize either option will require me to find some way or other to support the automatic transmission.

Thank you.

 

[Don Frelier]

If you can lift it high enough you can leave the car as it sits.
You may not find out until you almost get it out of there though...
But...
It is a bit frightening to have an engine suspended so high and then move the hoist around.
Looks like you have nice flat concrete to work on so that is a huge plus!

Did you support the transmission?
It's going to want to drop in the front when you get the engine free of the locating dowels.

 

[70chall440]

You can "probably" pull it as you have it but as mentioned you are going to have to get the engine pretty high to clear. I would recommend that you get the engine loose and free as the car sits now which gives you room under the car to crawl under and pry or push. I would use a floor jack under the trans (with a board across the pan) until the engine is free, then you can run a strap between the T bars to hold the trans up.

Once the engine free and you have the trans held by a strap (chain, rope, etc.), then lower the car down, jack up and remove the engine. Installation is reverse of this.

 

[Don Frelier]

Usually if everything is disconnected you can just hook a hoist to it and lift it out.
The dowel pins should be the only thing to break free and they only require 1/4" of movement.