Engine out before body off?

[FoxTVR430]

I am thinking of a doing a body off restoration on my 93' 430.
I have a question: Is it easyier to take the engine out first, or leave it in and have the problem of the manifold bolts etc..
I'm sure I will have to replace the clutch, as I think its original and done 85K plus the biteing point is very high.

Advise/arguments, pro/cons welcome

[caduceus]

The manifolds will need to come off before you do a body lift anyway. I took my engine out before I did the body lift just to get better access to the central bolts. But in hindsight, you don't need to.
There are argument to and for leaving the engine in or taking it out.

If you are doing a body off, and the car is a keeper, I'd refresh the engine. Check the followers and cam. If they are worn enough to warrant a new set (which I imagine they will be if original) then get new ones. But that's all IMO.

[FoxTVR430]

Thanks for the information

The engine manifolds block the body lift then, if I understand you correctly?

[hillclimbmanic]

I took my manifolds off first, for my body lift, but I understand that you CAN take the engine/box out, with the manifolds fitted...

Access to the manifold bolts is a nightmare, so on reflection, as I had the gearbox and engine rebuilt, I would remove the engine/box/manifolds, in one go, first.!!

Paul

Edited by hillclimbmanic on Saturday 7th January 13:52

[J400GED]

Take the body off first.
You can get to all the manifold bolts, it's fiddly in places and you will need to remove the exhaust to gain access to the left hand lower bolts.

With the body off it is then an absolute doddle to remove and refit the engine and gearbox from and to the rolling chassis.

[Paulprior]

But yes the exhaust manifolds do stop you removing the body while they are in place

[Alan461]

What the above indicates,
if the manifolds will come out without too much of a battle then lift the body.
If the manifolds won't shift, pull the engine.

[TJC46]

FoxTVR430 said:

I am thinking of a doing a body off restoration on my 93' 430.
I have a question: Is it easyier to take the engine out first, or leave it in and have the problem of the manifold bolts etc..
I'm sure I will have to replace the clutch, as I think its original and done 85K plus the biteing point is very high.

Advise/arguments, pro/cons welcome

Remove the Manifolds and as many obvious easy to reach ancillaries as you can. This just gives a bit more clearance and room to work as you lift the body.

Pics show the engine and box in position for the bodylift, and also back in position prior to refitting the body.

Good luck when you do it, and photograph and label EVERYTHING !
][url]|http://thumbsnap.com/3cFiGjbm[/url
]

[Kitchski]

Manifolds off, then body, then engine out.

[Steve_D]

Some other points to consider.
Taking the engine out first probably means removing the bonnet with risk of damage.
Taking the engine out first has a risk of scratching the body paintwork.

Putting the engine into the chassis before the body goes on minimises the risk of damaging your fresh chassis paint as you can see and guide the gearbox tail into position.

Steve

[FoxTVR430]

Some very good points there.
Thanks everyone

Simon