Hi, Im replacing the small block for my 3VZE. I realized the block needed replaced after starting a head gasket job. With heads removed its was easy to access the top bell housing bolts to remove the small block.

question: Im concerned about building new engine and installing heads on the block before installing into the truck because then the top two bolt will be hard to access.

My thought was to go in reverse from what Ive already done. Install small block first, then bolt heads etc on.

Is there an advantage to assembling the engine on a stand then dropping into the vehicle? Is there a technique to installing the top two transmission bolts?
Thanks for any help, this is the first time I have attempted anything like this.

 

Short block, not small block.

Use extension from near the rear of the transmission, or a box wrench and lots of patients.

It's much easier to attach everything on a stand, right down to the engine harness. A good trade off, struggling to reach everything or the top two trans bolts.

 

"A good trade off, struggling to reach everything or the top two trans bolts"

this speaks wisdom to me.

Thank you!

 

It is a massive PITA but doable. I dropped the full long block minus the plenum, in when I replaced my HGs.