Need tips to change engine (v6)

[popeyethesadist]

Hi guys I have a 98 Avalon but see that this forum is busier than the Ava. forum so since these are so close to the same I thought I'd pose this here. I have a thrown rod 98 Avalon that needs an engine. Is this going to be easier to come out the top or drop the subframe? Leave tranny attached if out the top etc.? I did a search but everything that mentions "change' and "engine" comes up. Maybe there should be a sticky about engine changes?? I have a painful back so really need whichever way will be easier and less bending. I think if I disconnect steering to come down w/ frame the bottom is best bet but what are ya'lls thoughts? Any tips for both ways? Any one have a thread marked?

[ekopel]

dude, its really easy...do not bother with the subframe at all... get a cherry picker. I have pulled and dropped the motor in like 8 hours (given I also have done it like 6 times)...

1) Pull off all vac lines, wiring harness, intake (keep lower on)
2) undo pressure plate to torque converter bolts (6 of them)
3) Undo exhaust, belts, etc, etc
4) attach lift to engine (I did this via the lower intake plenum since the engine weighs a total of like 250 lbs...), it is suggested to do it from the rear black bar that is attached to the upper plenum
5) lift up a little...support the tranny...undo tranny to engine bolts, and motor mounts...it should come out really nice...

if you need tips on specifics, let us know, but a manual will help you bigtime...dont bother with the subframe, it will make it more difficult...

[bigbird]

the key word your looking for is "swap", not "change". but hes correct, it is pretty easy if you have an engine lift.

[Nervous]

Just curious: how much is the simplest engine lift? Is it possible to rent it somewhere?

[popeyethesadist]

the cheapest lifts are about 200 bucks. They can usually be rented also from like A-1 rentals or the like. I have one already luckily. I also have an A-frame to just lift the body of the sub-frame. I was kinda worried because it's sometimes there's not enough room to pull engine far enough away from tranny to clear coming up. Would it help to pull harness out completely from ECU and keep on engine?

[Eye8Pussies]

I think pep boys usually has one for a regular price for around 200

when it's on sale, it's about 100

[popeyethesadist]

when I search "swap" I get all kinds of results for people wanting to upgrade to a bigger or more pwerful engine, not a simple change-out. The manual suggest pulling transaxle w/ engine/ which is easier?