Shadetree Mechanic II

On my previous Friday off, I headed up to Erie to help Jim install a new-to-him engine and transmission in his '68 Plymouth Barracuda. The engine that had come with the car was shot, and through an amazing stroke of luck he happened across the same engine (a friend of a co-worker was looking to get rid of it).

Jim borrowed an engine hoist and the all important engine leveler, which allows you to tilt the engine/tranny into the engine bay. I took a couple hours, but it ended up being alot of fun and everything fit NICE....

1968 Plymouth Barracuda

To-be-installed Chrysler 318 engine

Jim had to remove the garage opener plastic shroud and light bulb - we just had enough room to squeeze by. You can see the top of engine is covered with a half a dozen t-shirts, this was to protect it from the chains.

We were just barely able to get the engine high enough to clear the front edge of the car. We then used the engine equalizer to gradually tilt the engine/tranny into the engine bay.

Jim's a happy guy -- it's only a matter of time before he gets it running now...