I am preparing to swap a new engine and clutch into my 64 Valiant 4 speed; is it necessary that I pull the transmission or can I leave it supported and still maneuver the engine/bell housing combo properly? Thanks!

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. . . there was good sport at his making.

I believe there isn't enough room to get the engine out of an early A-body with the clutch attached. Getting the engine back in and aligned with the trans seems even less likely.

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Joshua

If doing an "engine only" swap, leave the bell housing on the transmission and support the tranny on some type of rolling jack.
You will need to jack the transmission up as high as you can, to do the R&R.
Accurate clutch disk to pilot bushing centering is required. ( I use an an old transmission input shaft)
Even with all this, it is hard to get the good straight alignment needed to stab the input shaft all the way thru... but I've done it.
DD

Thanks for the quick replies!

I just finished pulling the motor and had no difficulties - it is tight though. I think that leaving the motor mounts off initially will greatly ease the accuracy of the "stab" on re-installation. I've got some cleaning and painting to do but I'll update once the new motor is in. Cheers!

_________________
. . . there was good sport at his making.

I just slipped the new engine and clutch assembly into the car with no problems! Leaving the motor mounts off was the key to having extra maneuverability. Apart from needing to re-attach the motor mounts, this was no more difficult that matching up with an automatic.

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. . . there was good sport at his making.