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What started it all...coming soon!
Out with the old!
VG33 loaded and semi ready-to-go! You'll notice I didn't install the exhaust manifolds. Couldn't find torque specs for the studs/nuts (FSM doesn't list 'em, and didn't have the Haynes on me!). And so I got anxious, I'll put them on at the remote location!
Several problems here: 1) the engine is backwards, 2) this is as high as i could get it, 3) the hoist, with it's bad leg wouldn't let me straighten things up, 4) i had to use the flash, which means this is a night shot, which also means i did NOT get the engine put in that night!
Picked up this little gem from Skyline Toolworks for the sweet price of $25 for 3 days!
After some fanagling (aired up the right rear tire, had to push the oil pan up and over the radiator support), got the engine in the bay!
Now is a good time to put the exhaust manifolds on. I used Threadlocker (blue) on the studs, guesstimated on the torque. This is how I oriented the driver's side gasket (the raised surface of the "x-dimples" should go AGAINST the block). Did I mention I had to partially unbolt the engine mount 'cause it was interfering with the manifold??? Always sumthin!
Was gettin' dark (hence the poor picture quality) so I had to rush and do the passenger's side. It was almost a force fit, nut on the top rear runner rubbed against the manifold tube (would shave it down next time, maybe), but I was able to fanagle it on there.
EGR tube/valve are not lined up...Hopefully the VG30 intake/plenum corrects this!
Here we go again...ready to install the motor mount-to-frame bolts...I really want a new lift...
Okay, so this literally took ALL day...I was able to get half of the bolts started, some would start but start to crossthread...decided to be smart and go get a tap..."cheated" and was able to use the tap without raising the engine! (yeah, that's how lined up it was!)...Got to the last bolt (the rear one on the passenger's side) and it would start to thread, then crossthread...tried the tap trick, the tap worked, the bolt still didn't...realized the threads on the bolt were mangled...got a die...worked like a charm! Also...somewhere in the process, I got smarter and loosened the motor mount-to-engine bracket bolts so i could get enough wiggle in the bracket to line it up with the frame while the engine was suspended...that's my advice for the future, loosen the part of the mount with the rubber insulator, install it to the frame, then tighten the engine plate-to-insulator...my other advice is to test the bolts/threads on the frame (and probably run a tap through them) BEFORE you start to install the engine!
The heroes of the day! (Not pictured is the 3-in-1 oil I used as cutting oil!)
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