Hi all,

I'm thinking of doing the 3GR swap into my Auto RWD IS250.

We don't have access to a lift so this will be done with an engine hoist and I'm guessing we'll have to remove the entire front of the car, and bring the engine out through the front with the gearbox attached which will be a lot of effort.

My questions are:

1) Any tips on better ways to do it? (getting a lift isn't possible).

2) Can I disconnect the engine from the automatic gearbox and just lift the engine out of the bay without removing the front end?

3) Are there any complications I can expect to run into?

Thanks in advance!

 

You can absolutely leave the transmission. You will be under the car doing the exhaust and other things.
To speed things: Undo the transmission mount to the body, lower the rear of the transmission to get access to the bell housing bolts at the top and sides of the engine and starter. Jack it back up and put the bolts in it. Do the torque converter and O2 sensors, hoses and all that and crawl out.

As for taking it out going straight up, I haven't seen it done yet. I think you simply run out of space until radiator, condenser, and support come out. I haven't done it myself but have done dozens of other engines, most of which were 5.8 to 7.8 liter cast iron heavy beasts.

 

I've specifically asked members who had complete engine replacements whether or not you can simply unbolt the front core support from the car, to the point you can "walk-in" or "walk-out" the engine...and the answer is yes. This could be helpful determining the method of engine replacement and installation.