I'm replacing the engine in a 2000 XK8. I have removed the engine and transmission together once from the top. I was wondering if it would be easier to take it out from underneath.
What I have to work with is a 2 post lift and an engine hoist.

I was thinking that if I get the car on the hoist and disconnect or remove what I need to get the engine and transmission out, except the subframe and the rear mount for the transmission, then lower the car onto a 2' tall table with wheels. Then take the subframe and transmission mount loose, then lift the car and leaving the engine and transmission on the table. Roll it out from under the car, then use the engine hoist to remove the engine and then install the replacement engine to the transmission and reverse the procedure to install the pair into the car.

I was looking for a few opinions on the best way to go. Out the top or out the bottom.

Thanks, Bob

 

I would only do I that way if lifting the powertrain was going to be an issue either from the vertical clearance in the building or the lift height of the hoist. Whilst it has the attraction of being a more straightforward lift, the additional work involved in disconnecting subframe and steering is likely to take a lot longer than the traditional way out of the top.

Graham

 

The way I remove the eng/trans is as a complete unit but I use TWO (2) hydraulic tables, one for the engine and the other for the gearbox.

The subframe/engine goes on a 1000lb capacity table and the gearbox goes on a 500lb cap table.

Remember to remove the torque converter drive plate bolts before setting the entire setup on the table.

The steering column is the only 'pain-in-the-butt' part of the operation. You need to tuck it out of the way.

Then the cataverters can be removed, the bellhousing bolts and then the engine can be 'wheeled-away' from the gearbox. (if the tables have wheels)

You can lift the eng from the subframe and drop the replacement engine back in place on the subframe..

bob

 

It was a couple of weekends ago but I got the engine out of the car. I used Bob's, Motorcarman's, suggestion of removing the engine from the bottom of the car. I made a table with wheels to place the engine, subframe, transmission combo on. As Bob mentioned the steering column was a pain. I couldn't get the engine around it. I went under the dash a disconnected the short shaft that goes through the firewall. I was then able to take the short shaft, now completely loose, and push it into the cabin enough to get the engine to clear.



As I'm looking at the subframe sitting on the table I saw how easy it will be rebuild the front suspension, it is still original. I ordered new shocks,upper shock mounts, and bushings. Been working out of town so it might take me a month or so to get this back in but I'm in no hurry.

 

What are you replacing it with, another xk8 engine or something different?

 

The engine is from my 99xk8 donor car that was in an front end accident. I have never started the engine but it must have been running when he rear ended the car in front of him.

 

Saw this late, but I use one of the Hydraulic tables (1500 lbs) from Harbor Freight. Makes it easy to move around,and you can lower /raise it as you work on the engine.

 

I built the table myself because that is how I do things.
I made it so it is big enough to hold the combo and also narrow enough so there is access to the subframe bolts that need to be removed after the table is supporting the weight of the combo.
I have a friend that owns a stainless shop. I will have him make me a heavy gauge galvanized top fo it and I will build storage shelves underneath it.

When I'm done with the table I will sign it " Shade Tree Bob". Once on the site someone jokingly call me a shade tree mechanic.

 

This shows the table with the combo on it . To the right is the engine that is going into the car. In the background is what my wife calls crap.

 

hahhhahahhahha

 

I'll have to agree with the wife. 😁

 

Crap to my wife is gold to me.
2- Yamaha FJ1200 motorcycles
Babygrand race car
2 welders
Scaffolding
3- tonneau covers for xk8- 2 black and one cream
Set of tires and rims for 97 xk8.

The crap is on the opposite side of my shop, my wife's "crap".

 

Everytime I throw away some CRAP, I end up looking for it a few weeks/months later and then remember that I threw it away!!!
I don't throw much away anymore!!!!!!!!!!

People can throw it away after I'm GONE!!!!!!!!!!!

bob