I was just tring to get some opinions on installing my engine from the top or coming up from the bottom. After pulling the engine today from the top, I don't know if I really want to go that route when installing the JDM. It was a VERY tight fit, I even took the main pulley off to get the tranny to clear.
I left the AC compressor and the PS pump and all hoses for both intact when I pulled it. Going back from the bottom is looking better every time I look at it. Just wanted to see what worked best for you guys.

When I did a JDM swap in a G20, I lowered it. I recommend this route. I did have to put the jack stands up on 2x4's to get enough clearance, but I was able to lower the transmission and engine together and then separate them. It was easy to slide the enging and transmission out from under the car. Clearance wasn't bad - but you still need to be careful.

What do you need to remove the engine from the bottom?

A transmission jack...only?...or...both a engine crane and jack?:confused:

has anyone done it without a engine crane?

I'm looking to do it without an engine crane.......as it would be cheaper.:D

What do you need to remove the engine from the bottom?A transmission jack...only?...or...both a engine crane and jack?
has anyone done it without a engine crane?
I'm looking to do it without an engine crane.......as it would be cheaper.

I haven't done a SR engine car from the bottom yet but on other cars I have done I used a floor jack. You would just have to find a good balancing point under the engine to do it with 1 jack.

I've done two sr swaps now and both times I've done it through the top, I don't know if its easier but it is definately a tight fit, I'm sure if done right it would be easier to go through the bottom but I just pull it out and then take the tranny off right from the engine hoist and then I'm basically done.
Sean

Way easier from the bottom. I assemble the motor on the ground with trans and Axles and put it in from the bottom. This is the easiest way to do a SR20DE.

what did you use to raise it and lower it from the bottom andreas?

transmission jack?

OK I just did a det swap in a 200sx & a de swap in a nx2000.I did the 200sx throgh the botom , very easy nice. So I though Iwould try the top on the nx2000 oooooouch what a pain .So I ended up droping it out the bottom again. Use a engine hoist to raise and lower your motor tranny set up don't use trannny jack .Raise your car 28in off the ground

Today I put the engine back in through the bottom. Much easier.
Only problem I had was working the engine hoist around with the engine on the ground. I will Never pull a SR20 out the top again.

in the past i have used a piano mover and used the hoist hooked to the frame to lift the car and slide the engine out. just lower the car when you put it back in. i know you are done but maybe it can help others

I'm just looking to do it without the use of an engine crane.....:D

Guys, I haven't done it through the top, but I reckon it was pretty damn easy when I did it through the bottom.

Check this URL for a small write-up and description with pictures of my DE to DET swap..

http://www.pulsar.org.au/detswap/index.php

I list the items I used, the things that needed changing, and also a tonne of pics of the converison.

It's possible that I've missed a few little things in the write up, I wrote that all up 6 months after I did the swap!

Anyway, enjoy.

Thanks

I did mine through the bottom. I used three high lift car jacks. One on each side of the car and one under the motor. I put a long piece of wood on the jack since the oil pan and transmission sit level. First I jacked up the car and put the other jack under the motor. Then removed the mounts and lowered the motor. To install it I slid the motor back in and lowered the car to it.

Did mine from the top, had no problems lifting out and droping in both the engine and the trans. What I did do however was use two 750lb tie down cranking straps, I put them around the engine and intake manifold (just be careful not to put them directly on the fuel rail). I made the one that went on the trans side longer, so that the engine dropped in at an angle. And they also make a tool that connects to an engine lift that allows you to angle the engine while it is on the lift.

Originally posted by The Sandman
Did mine from the top... so that the engine dropped in at an angle. And they also make a tool that connects to an engine lift that allows you to angle the engine while it is on the lift.

I had a friend that just did the same thing. Engine and tranny bolted together and used a load leveler to angle it down in tranny side first. The angle was pretty severe at greater than 45 degrees.

Summit sells a load leveler for $65. Part number SUM-G1022.

I've done 2 from the top and 2 from the bottom. I suppose the bottom might be a little easier, but I just don't like the idea of scooting the motor around on the ground more than absolutely necessary. I'd say take your pic. It's a little tight thru the top but there's not really any "problem" doing it that way.