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getting ready to drop motor by the subframe

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Old 07-31-2011, 07:41 PM
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Default getting ready to drop motor by the subframe

never done it before
in fact i never pulled a motor before eithor
but i have done a clutch job in my 90

i just got a wrecked parts car (95 with only 16k) and the motor needs to come out so i can get rid of the chassis and get my car back in the garage

i ordered the miata performance projects book from FM cuz it covers motor removals and what not, i figured it would have a good checklist in it for gettin the motor out

anyways i want to do it like this
skip to 5:45 mark to see how he drops the motor
cuz im saving all the parts so i figure it would be quicker and easier to store like this.

i got the interior tore down as well as hood, fenders, doors, bumper, headlights


anything in particular i should know about this that someone like me probably wouldnt think about?
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Old 07-31-2011, 07:48 PM
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The subframe is really pretty easy to drop... but at the same time... it's 100x easier to just pull the engine from above. Assuming you have a hoist. Don't forgot to disconnect the steering rack from the column.

In my build thread you can see a pretty good picture of the subframe.
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Old 07-31-2011, 07:56 PM
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why is it easier to pull the motor from the top?

i dont have a hoist, though i could borrow one from a friend

but im bound and determined to do it like this

maybe ill take pics while i do it and post a good how to on it when im done
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Old 07-31-2011, 08:06 PM
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Using a hoist is so much easier. This method seems like it would be a pain in the *** to get it back together. Sounds like your going to do it anyways, good luck and hopefully you don't hit any snags....
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Old 07-31-2011, 08:06 PM
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Interesting. Maybe I will try it that way next time.
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Old 07-31-2011, 08:11 PM
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Unbolt connectors
Remove vacuum lines.
Remove throttle cable
Drain coolant/oil.
Disconnect coolant lines.
Unbolt driveshaft from diff.
Remove driveshaft.
Unbolt Trans from PPF.
Unbolt exhaust, remove.
Remove shifter. Cover hole.
Unbolt engine mounts.
Disconnect fuel lines.
Watch for grounds.
LIFT ENGINE. DONE.

Or continue...
Unbolt front suspension from frame.
Disconnect steering column.
Support subframe.
Remove rear subframe bolts (2) one on each side.
Remove the (2) hidden ones in front of that.
Remove one of the two subframe bolts on each side.
Remove other two bolts.
Drop subframe.

Probably still need a hoist to lower the frame.


May have left a few things out....

Last edited by FRT_Fun; 07-31-2011 at 08:16 PM.
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Old 07-31-2011, 08:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Shane
This method seems like it would be a pain in the *** to get it back together
meh maybe idk
but its not going to be put back together
the chassis is done for

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Old 07-31-2011, 08:12 PM
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^That ---- will buff out
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Old 07-31-2011, 08:13 PM
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Originally Posted by FRT_Fun
LIFT ENGINE. DONE.
sweet thanks for the little checklist thing

and yeah i wouldnt be done after the engine is lifted
the whole car is getting stripped
thats why im lookin into doing it like this

oh and in that vid the only things that guy used was a jack and two big stands
it shows him doing it just not how
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Old 07-31-2011, 08:19 PM
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Well all you have to do is support the bottom subframe with the jack. Remove all bolts, then lower it. If you have a hoist, you just basically connect it to the engine, unbolt everything, then lower it.

Subframe is a bit easier to work with when the engine is removed.
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