Build Planning: Drop engine through top or attached to subframe
Turbo Mini Forums

I'm getting good progress along with my engine and front subframe and once the body gets back from paint there shouldn't be much stopping me from putting all the fun bits back together.

Given how tight the compartment is, especially with the turbo and plenum, I'd like you hear your opinion on the best way to install the engine. My first thought is to leave it on the subframe and drop the body over top so that I can attach the engine mounts and exhaust out of the car. I'm wondering, though, if I'll be able to get the manifold/carb/plenum through the bottom of the engine bay or if they will need to come off.

Any opinions either way?

Also, I'd like to test out the engine a bit to make sure that there is nothing terribly wrong before I put it into the cramped engine bay. It's a fresh rebuild so I'm a little leary about starting it up and letting it run for a while without being able to drive it. Maybe just run the starter to get oil pressure?

Drop it in from the top after fitting the subframe.

Connect a gauge and turn it over out of the car to get oil pressure up before fitting.

if the turbo is fitted, you'll want to drop it in. if the engine is bare, you could fit the engine to the frame and slip in in from below.

Have you an engine crane?

fitted my engine in frame then frame into body then head complete with manifolds on hit he key

but that is due to the way i built my manifolds and other parts id do it different the second time around tho as i basically need to pop the head to pull a manifold off

Sounds good gang. I'll plan check for oil pressure before installing.
I do have an engine crane so dropping it in through the top will be no issue. Keeping the manifolds attached is a big plus even if the paint scratching risk is a little higher.