Installing a new engine?

I am going to be installing a new small block Chevy engine in my 1969 gmc van next spring and I was wondering if the engine can be removed from the bottom? My van already has a v8 in it but I am wanting more power. I have noticed in a lot of members gallery's that they have pulled them from inside. Just want to go the easiest route.

I have a buddy that has a lift so raising the van up would be no problem.

Thru the bottom (since you have the lift) is the way to go.
Bill

Thanks for the help. I kinda thought that the engines could be pulled from the bottom from looking under mine but wasn't for sure of it. What kind of headers are on your engine. Mine has old headers that turn back. They are kinda ruff and I would like to get some like yours.

HandiVanMan,They are patriot block hugger headers.They have the thick flanges and with some good gaskets have no problems with bolts loosening up or leaks. Bill

Thanks

No lift availible.




M1D

did mine on a cherry pickey thru the pass door area=short block only - then added heads & exhaust-work by my old self & on dirt.

Out the bottom seems easier to me, no doors in the way. I put the motor on a engine stand(kind used to rebuild the motor on). Then I pick the van up on the lift,roll the motor under. Lower the van until the front balancer and pulleys just clear the axle. roll the motor forward and install motor crossmember. Suppout the rear of the motor from the top 2x4 across the doghouse and a chain. Then lift the van up , pull the engine stand and install the transmission. Last small block we swapped in a 65, we didn't even make a dent in the twelve pack of cold ones and we where done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Bob

Cool that sounds easy enough and the way to go.

i have pit in the garage,so put the new engine in the pit on its stand,i made myself a bracket with a chaine block that i put over the hole, push the van over the pit and drop the old one, back off a little and lift the new one, 2 hours total, 3 guys for safety..was the easiest engine removal of my life...2corrosive

A lift changes everything--makes it all a lot easier. Probably a motorcycle or transmission stand to roll the engine around would be a great combo. Please tell us how it turns out. Thanks!

just did an engine swap 68 108 with 230 to 350 700r4
went out the bottom, if you have the equipment it is
the only way to go. I`ve gone out the pass front door as
well, out the bottom is the way to go for sure.

Handi, you are not that far from me it looks like. I know you seen the thread where I lifted my van, if you want to use the stand I made to install motor you are welcome to it after I am done redoing my under body. I should be done with it in a few weeks. Not sure what your time line is right now.

All you would need to do is pull your bumpers and attach the stand and off you go.

Matt,
Thanks for the offer... My diabetes has had me down for a while now & I haven't been able to do nothing with my van. Here lately all I have got to do is look out my bedroom window and look at it & dream of the day that it is shiny & new. I have a buddy about 20 miles from me that has a lift but he has been sick & just had his gall bladder removed a week a go & it didn't help his problem. He is into hobby stock car racing and builds all of his engines for his racecar. I have 2 24x24 garages myself but these days they just set storing my junk. I hope that soon I will get to feeling better & be able to start rebuilding the engine that I have for my van & get it in. I bought a 69 Chevy 90 van here while back & had been working on getting it running before I got a little down in my health. Your van project is looking great man I can't wait to see it after you have completed it. I am just about to throw in the towel on my projects myself but I am still trying to hang in there but it just seems like a losing battle for me right now. Good luck to all on their work & progress on their vans & trucks to.

Well bro if you ever need help I am only 2 hours away, no reason I cant make a day of it coming over to give you a hand with whatever you might need.

Thanks man....