Questions on installing an engine...



Is there anything I need/want to do before I get the engine in the car? I'm just wondering, because I am getting back into the Rex and intend to be improving it constantly for the next few years, and would love to get something out of the way that'll be difficult latter once it's in. If there's anyone with some helpful info, I appreciate it.



On a side note, my intention for this car is to have a quick, fun, daily driver. I know there's allot of folks who scrutinize the reliability of this car, but in scouring these forums I think there's good many things to do to make her run for ages. Thanks for the help, if there's something already posted on this, please just post me a link.



~Derrick

 

It's always a ton easier to work on an engine while it's out.



If your up for it, I'd have it rebuilt and mildly ported. If you're not going that route.. I would replace gaskets with new ones, swap out old brittle vac lines for silicon versions, replace the coolant lines with new ones, pull the oil cooler off and clean it, replace the o-rings, port match intake manifold to the block (using your new gaskets). DONT polish the intake manifold runners, just port match the inlets. Throw an electric fan on your radiator - ditch the old fan. Run leading plugs in all four spark plug configurations, new plug wires, throw a good air cleaner kit and some headers on and call it a day, lol.

 

ideally you want the following stuff new



clutch, its gotta come off....

all the water hoses, if some old hoses pops, so does the engine....

vaccum lines, dont need em all, but have a look

any oil seals....

water pump

belts

radiator



the 1st gens are nice, cause just about everything but the clutch is easy to get to with the engine in the car

 

Diddo that - I love working on the FB compared to FDs or FCs or even the FE..