355 F1 Engine is out!

Well the 'easy' part is done, getting the engine out. Many thanks to the 348 Brothers who've done this many times (especially Ernie for answering many questions!) as well as the Scuderia 355 (at least that's our leading name at the moment). I think I printed out 10 threads that had good tips on doing this, so I'll throw in some tips of my own. I only had two problems - one was an electrical connector that got jammed on the driver side cat ECU which was easily fixed. The bigger problem was that I couldn't loosen the power steering line at the firewall - I had room to get wrenches on but they were waaay too tight. So I ended up removing the PS connection at the pump and snaking that line through the engine as I lifted the body (big pain in the ass). Aside from that, no major hurdles. Random tips:

1. For the F1 guys there's an extra step, need to disconnect the F1 pump and keep it with the engine. 'course we save the shifter linkage step so maybe it's a wash
2. It's a messy job, even with proper draining of the fluids - throw down a big piece of cardboard underneath.
3. I was worried about how high I needed to lift the car, but with a 2x4 piece and a rectangular steel block to fit in the jacking point I only had to raise the jacks about 15". (also helped using low dolly's - small 4 caster dolly's used for moving cars around that fit under tires. I threw some 2x4's across with fairly a fairly stiff piece of foam on top)
4. Threading out the ECU cable wasn't bad - just lift the body and the cable pulls through (and I helped along just to make sure it wasn't too tight). Then push through each plastic connector one at a time.

While it's out the plan is to do the 'usual' major stuff, lots of cleaning and detailing, inspect the headers, etc. Now I'm leaning away from red paint / coating on engine parts - those things are too expensive and many people would want to see a stock engine bay (thinking ahead 10 yrs for when I upgrade to the 430 Scuderia )

Thanks again guys!
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I actually picked up the exact same thing for mine, but ended up using the wheel dollies instead. The motorcycle jack just seemed too small and I didn't want the flat board to hit anything that was sitting lower than the subframe (F1 sensor, bolts, etc.) I see it being useful during install to tweak the engine up or down to get bolt holes to line up.

On that point now any and all re-install tips are welcome! I won't get to that part for a while, but I see some serious challenges - getting the three coolant hoses back on, getting those connectors through the firewall reaching over the gas tank...my back is starting to hurt just thinking about that.

 

Thanks again Ernie; one key point is having a long winter season and not trying to rush, I have another 2 months to finish this up while the roads are salty.

This is fantastic to do on your own - I learned a TON about what all those hoses and wires are for. That experience should help with future diagnosing of issues...

 

I agree, 355 is better looking. BUT that 430 Scuderia is pretty sweet performance-wise...

And need to include a pic of the very important flashlight holder, sporting the Ricambi-ware
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Here's a pic of the cams after I was finally able to pry off the valve cover. It was stuck on pretty good from the gasket sealant that was used. Also got the alternator off and ready for a rebuild, following Ernie's excellent step by step how to posted in Fchat.

Also found the spark plugs to be fairly rusty thanks to poor sealing of the cover gasket (was broken and partially missing, likely from the PPI inspection). Going with Kingsborne wires, probably red to add some color to the engine bay. Still undecided on what plugs though...

Now any tips on getting the headers off? Soak the nuts with PB blaster first...but access seems incredibly tight on the bottom. I'm leaning towards selling the stock headers and going with Fabspeed.
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It's not helping progress on my major, but had to take time to hit the auto show in Detroit to see the car I'm trading 'up' to in 10 yrs. Or who knows, maybe in 10 yrs I won't be able to part with the classic and appreciating 355 and will just get another garage for the 430 Scuderia Shhh! don't tell the wife!
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