Testarossa engine removal

It is possible and quite easy if things go right. Its what my independent service agent does.

However, things that can and do go wrong include not being able to get the exhaust headers off the block which means having to first get too, and then grind / cut the old nuts off.

I prefer to lift the car as it gives me the opportunity to check things more clearly and to clean some of the parts that are not usually accessible.

P

 

Dear Ferraristi,

Are you sure it was a Testarossa? It could have been a 512 TR in which it's normal for the engine to be removed out the top.

The early TR's had the script "Testarossa" on the top of the engine cover. Can you post the picture?


Shamile

Freeze...Miami Vice!

 

The TR engine + gearbox can be removed out the top if you remove the entire clutch assembly first:
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Those photos are NOT of a Testarossa but from a 512TR.

P

 

Note that the 512 TR does not have a removable subframe so the engine must come out the top.

 

Ya learn something new every day

P

 

Steve I see in the photo that one of the headers is already removed. Is this necessary if the clutch is off?

P

 

Not 100% sure (as that's not my photo), but my guess would be that it (and maybe the corresponding one on the farside) did have to come off -- good catch. The shop that did my last major also lifted the engine out the top, but I didn't get photos of the details (IMO, they preferred to do it that way mostly just to have a way to move the remaining carcass around more easily).

 

From memory I believe that the ends of the headers are under the anti roll bar. To get them past the anti-roll bar the engine has to go forward a couple of inches at least. I dont think there is enough room to do this (especially because of the gear selector rod) hence the headers are removed.
When I took my car for a final check after having the whole engine and subframe out they told me that I did it the hardest way

 

Dear Ferraristi,

Yeah......who's yo daddy!


Actually Rifledriver has mentioned many times that it's much easier to remove the Testarossa engine on the sub frame as it was designed to do.

Why reinvent the wheel.....do it the way it was designed.



Shamile

Freeze...Miami Vice !

 

I agree with you both, lifting the car off is the easiest and best way

P

 

The engine was mounted lower in the chassis to improve the center of gravity and they made the frame one piece to improve rigidity and handling. Suspension geometry was also improved.

 

I would think so. Continuing evolution. The 'M' was the last of the last.
IIRC the engine block casting and motor mounts are different on the 512TR vs. the TR.

 

yes you need to remove the rear header to pull the 512TR engine out.