View Full Version : fitting red top
when fitting red top. will it go in with exhaust manifold on, and radiator in place. if not in which order, does it be fiitted. is there any other bits to be fitted before or after. help much appreciated
napalm_27
19-10-08, 10:19 PM
fit the rad in after if your leaving the exhaust on mate
cut the bar off on the front that runs from the slam panel to the lower X member, fit the rad in that way after the engine is in.
The Simps
19-10-08, 10:35 PM
cut the bar off on the front that runs from the slam panel to the lower X member, fit the rad in that way after the engine is in.
Ditto. That middle section is not needed.
thanks The simps
cough cough :(
The Simps
19-10-08, 11:12 PM
lol
you can even re position the rad if you want to, its not hard.
thanks paul, so just leave that middle bar off
yeh you have to cut it out. is spot welded in.
Philsutton
20-10-08, 04:12 PM
You wont get it in with the manifold on, not from past experience anyway.
craig green
20-10-08, 04:17 PM
Best to lift the shell over the engine & box then lift it up into position.
so fit engine without manifold, then manifold and radiator
auzzy-b
20-10-08, 11:34 PM
if your confident enough lift the shell over the engine with manifold fitted, just remember to keep an eye on it especially if you've painted your engine bay, slot the radiator in from underneath AFTERWORDS,prevents it from getting damaged;) easy peasy:thumb:
The Simps
20-10-08, 11:37 PM
so fit engine without manifold, then manifold and radiator
best way mate.
Best to lift the shell over the engine & box then lift it up into position.
Why is it?
Can leave the rad in place, and the surport bar. But they are right on the mainfold.
Leave the rad in place/fit before the engine.
And fit the engine with the manifold on.
ok now i dont no who to listen too
The rad can be in not prob, how are you fitting the ewngine? in thru the top or from the bottom? Everyone does it differently so...
Pistol Pete
22-10-08, 09:17 AM
Put rad in first as space is tight once fitted. Then drop engine in through the top OR lift up car, slide engine underneath and lift in to the bay (this way may be easier with the rad fitted?!).
The Simps
22-10-08, 11:39 AM
Lets start at the beginning - are you going to be using an engine crane?
If you go through the top with an XE you are a clown. FACT
Pistol Pete
22-10-08, 08:26 PM
Some seem to think that in through the top is the only way. I myself am lifting mine in from underneath.
If you go through the top with an XE you are a clown. FACT
Why? Thats so stupid. Its personal choise. And very easy.
Some seem to think that in through the top is the only way. I myself am lifting mine in from underneath.
Can i ask why?
does an xe, f20, both manifolds, all mounts fit in through the top?
Pistol Pete
22-10-08, 08:48 PM
Can i ask why?
As Paul says, an XE built up and with gearbox seems an awful lot to squeeze in through the top. Also i have painted my bay so want minimal scratching (yes i'm a tart lol). i know you have always gone through the top, i myself will be lifting from the underneath. Feel it will be easier to manage!:)
does an xe, f20, both manifolds, all mounts fit in through the top?
Bar the ex manifold and rear mount yes.
Pistol Pete
22-10-08, 08:53 PM
Kind of proves the point i think. Fit exhaust manifold and rear mount, lift it in from the bottom pretty much job done. No faffing about trying to squeeze the manifold in and dicking about with the rear mount.
Just for the record i have only ever removed and fitted my old 1400 8v. But i will be going from the underside with my XE!
Ive done both ways(but not with xe's)
And engine from underneath is the easiest way imho.
Through the top means youve got to slant all the gearbox down and try and twist it down and under the bay if you get me.
Underneath, just lift complete thing up and bolt the mounts in
As Paul says, an XE built up and with gearbox seems an awful lot to squeeze in through the top. Also i have painted my bay so want minimal scratching (yes i'm a tart lol). i know you have always gone through the top, i myself will be lifting from the underneath. Feel it will be easier to manage!:)
No it isnt, there is loads of room. I did it with mine and didnt touch or scratch the bay. You tip the gearbox down and it will slide stright in.
Its all down to personal choice in the end.
But to be for ease, simply lowering the engine in sounds easier than trying to walkthe engine under the car, lowering the car then lifting the engine up.
Pistol Pete
22-10-08, 08:58 PM
Ah well! Like you say dude, personal choice!
Pistol Pete
22-10-08, 09:00 PM
Ive done both ways(but not with xe's)
And engine from underneath is the easiest way imho.
Through the top means youve got to slant all the gearbox down and try and twist it down and under the bay if you get me.
Underneath, just lift complete thing up and bolt the mounts in
Exactly! :) :thumb:
I would drop the car down over the engine with everything fitted, including the loom coiled up on top so your not messing arround trying to reach around the back of the engine. As long as its level when you lift the engine will make it alot easier.
I put the rubber mounts onto the car first. Then fit the long bolt through the back rubber mount (loosely, dont do it up!) as its a real pig struggling uner the car once the other 2 are in the front. Easier to wiggle the engine to fit the front mount bolts while standing up in front of the car
Ive done both ways(but not with xe's)
And engine from underneath is the easiest way imho.
Through the top means youve got to slant all the gearbox down and try and twist it down and under the bay if you get me.
Underneath, just lift complete thing up and bolt the mounts in
As have i with xes, you only need to push the gearbox down and it will slide stright in on to the mounts.
Pistol Pete
22-10-08, 09:18 PM
And then get underneath and i'm guessing wrestle the rear mount in along with the bolts!
bolts on the box easy, then the same as you would do to bolt it to the car if lifting it in.
Pistol Pete
22-10-08, 09:41 PM
Lift it in from the bottom and the mount is fitted already. Slide one bolt in and do the rest of the mounts, gearbox last! Different strokes for different folks!
3more bolts.....lol
You'll save that from not taking the tie bars off...
Pistol Pete
22-10-08, 09:46 PM
I think we should agree to disagree mate! There is obviously no right way to fit an XE, just people preferred ways!
lol the OP should have loads of pointers now when he comes to fit his engine! Also if anyone else asks, shout at them then point them in the direction of this thread lol
:thumb:
Thats the thing, its all what the fitter thinks.
Theres no right or wrong.
Pistol Pete
22-10-08, 09:49 PM
Indeed it is.
The Simps
22-10-08, 09:55 PM
Benn, as I said to lee303 the other day...
You have long hair and look like a girl so by default not allowed to have an opinion.
:roll:
My heads shaved... Your hair is longer than mine.
Pistol Pete
22-10-08, 09:59 PM
:confused:
The Simps
22-10-08, 10:03 PM
My heads shaved... Your hair is longer than mine.
Dam it! You did didn't you. I've been owned!! lol
Seriously tho, I've done it both ways and both have their merits. Its definately easier through the top on cars with subframes like astras but because it is so easy to take the tie bars off I think people tend to go this route. Also, you can do it through the bottom without a hoist if needed.
novarobbo
22-10-08, 10:04 PM
My heads shaved... Your hair is longer than mine.
PMSL thats the way to fit an XE :thumb: :D
Pistol Pete
22-10-08, 10:05 PM
Without a hoist, ooooh, hello hernia lol Seriously though without a hoist?!
novarobbo
22-10-08, 10:17 PM
slide the engine in from under neath on a jack.. jack it up into position :thumb:
would people recommend trial fitting the engine first just to make sure its all sweet or just jump in both feet first??
Do the chassis leg mod first, then just bolt it in. theres not really any need to trial fit an xe as theres no a lot to it. You wont need to take it back out to fit anything
The Simps
22-10-08, 11:15 PM
Without a hoist, ooooh, hello hernia lol Seriously though without a hoist?!
2 men can lift up a nova by its crossmember and someone can then slide the engine in with a jack.
Pistol Pete
22-10-08, 11:19 PM
lol kind of how i got my old 1400 8v out. I lowered it onto the drive, me and a mate lifted the car went to roll it back, handbrake still on, :roll: FAIL!!! Then once we overcame that the engine rolled forward onto his foot. What a pair of fooking numptys lol
Needless to say lessons learnt, and will be doing things differently this time round!
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