The Build - 1. Gathering parts. Disassembly.

Crate engines really do come in wooden crates. This is a RamJet 350. 5.7L - 350 HP.

V8 Archie's Master Build Kit initialy came in two big cardboard boxes. A few weeks later he sent another large box with some more parts. After I sent him an inventory, he sent another medium sized box with most of the missing parts. About a month after that, after I sent him another inventory, he sent the rest of the parts. About a month after that I finally got the battery tray - an optional extra that I ordered at the same time as the kit.

The engine compartment before starting. That's a 4 cyl that's been run several hundred miles without oil pressure.

Disconnect all the hoses and cables. The right side main chassis wireing bundle stays in the car. The left side disconnects from the computer and comes out with the engine.

Disconnect the connector on the right rear fender. This shows the usual condition of the battery tray.

The car was initially put on wheel dollys to move it into position under the chain hoist.

I used a floor jack to get the front high enough to get the ramps under the front tires. Then I used the handy-dandy forklift to raise the rear. Every shop should have one. You could use the floor jack and blocks of wood to raise it a little at a time. Or, if the chain hoist is strong enough, attach it to the engine and lift the whole back of the car.

The car has to be that high to get the engine out and back in again. The jack stands must be that far forward to clear the engine subframe.