....mating a 302 to a T-5 and dropping it into the engine bay using a cherry picker? I assume I'd need a load leveler, but is this worth pursuing? My engine has to come out to do some detailing and fabrication on the bay and I also need to get my T-5 in. I'd prefer to not wrestle the T-5 onto the bell from under the car if its avoidable. So, has anyone done it?
Lotta guys do it that way. I have only swapped engines once, and mated it after the trans was already semi-installed.
I put my 302/AOD in, in one piece. If that fit, I don't see why a 302/T5 wouldn't...A leveller is nice, but not necessary.
it's REALLY easy getting the T5 in there once the engine is in . . . as long as you have a lift, without one I don't know. But as stated, it should be no problem putting the engine/T5 in together. But you will need to put the headers in while you are doing that.
I have access to a lift and thats how I put the T-5 in my old car. I have access to a lift, but that means loading up all my parts and driving to the shop, cutting the floor and getting the trans in all in one day. That doesn't leave much room for error, and I won't have all my tools etc immediately on hand. I've installed several engines, but never with a trans mated. Seen it done but it looke tight. Not too worried about headers. I can take my Hookers on and off just by pivoting my engine on its mounts. Glad to hear multiple people have done it successfully. Guess I know what I'm doing with my 4 day weekend. Chop cut rebuild time!!
