SSgtYoungGW

Hey all. Im getting ready to swap the engine in my 08 SS. Does anyone know if the standerd parts store manuals cover the steps to drop the engine and trans? Im going to use the factory method but would like to pick up the how to first. Thank you

Oldblue

They are generic I have a Chilton and a Haynes book, both are pretty good.
Do you have a lift? Or are you using a cherry picker?

SSgtYoungGW

do either of the manuals show how to remove and reinstall the engine from the bottom? Im trying to find out if i can get away with one of them rather than paying the 3 to 4 hundred for the actual gm shop manuals.

Oldblue

I’ll have to look.

here’s a thread about engine swap

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/hhr-...k-build-56137/

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...t-57722/page2/

donbrew

Nothing special. Disconnect anything between the engine/trans to the body, support the engine, remove the 4 bolts on the cradle, lower the entire assembly. Probably need to move the fuse box.

You can just disconnect the steering gear and the nuts holding the struts and drop the whole thing including the wheels.

Be smart take lots of pictures so you are sure to connect everything back up right. And write up a how to.

Check your PM.

Oldblue

Remove the brake calipers and hang them on the body .

fastsuv

Also, unbolt the AC compressor from the engine and hang it from the radiator support. This way you don't open up the AC system and then need to recharge it.

Take pictures of the routing of every wiring harness! It won't be obvious later after everything is disconnected.

Also, support the radiator (I bungeed it to the upper support frame at the top of the radiator) because it sits on top of the engine cradle. Once the cradle is removed the radiator will drop down.

Steve