1976 Pontiac Firebird - 350 Engine drop & reinstallation - Ep. 9
1976 Pontiac Firebird: The 350 Engine Goes Home! | Episode 9
The day has finally arrived! We are taking the Pontiac 350 off the engine stand and dropping it back into the '76 Firebird. This episode is all about the "dance" of the engine hoist, the struggle of motor mount alignment, and starting the tedious process of routing the wiring harness correctly.
In this episode:
Pre-Drop Prep: Torquing the flex plate to 95 ft-lbs and the harmonic balancer to 150+ ft-lbs.
The "Whiz Nut" Hack: Using serrated nuts for the motor mounts to make a blind job a lot easier.
The Drop: Navigating the engine hoist and load leveler to get the motor seated on the new "Chinesium" mounts.
Drivetrain Connection: Bolting the transmission to the block and connecting the torque converter to the flex plate.
Harness Cleanup: Degreasing years of grime off the wiring to find what needs soldering and repair.
Parts Discovery: Finding a kinked and rubbed-through fuel line that could have been a disaster if left alone.
Chapters:
00:00 – Spark plug & firing order prep (1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2)
01:25 – The "Whiz Nut" Tip: Serrated nuts for motor mounts
02:45 – Torquing the flex plate & harmonic balancer
04:40 – Moving the hoist into position
06:40 – The engine drop begins
10:45 – Using the load leveler to clear the firewall
13:10 – Final alignment: Checking transmission lines
15:00 – Motor Mount Struggle: Tapping the pins home
18:05 – Wiring harness surgery: Cleaning & identifying repairs
19:15 – Cowl cleanup & windshield wiper maintenance
21:05 – Bolting the flex plate to the torque converter
22:50 – Starter & positive cable routing (Keeping away from the exhaust!)
24:20 – Day 2: Battery terminal & ground connections
25:35 – Smog pump & AC compressor bracket identification
27:10 – Proper harness routing: Avoiding the "Heat Zone"
28:10 – The Dangerous Fuel Line: Kinks & rub-through points
29:45 – Lighting & rolling shutter issues: The life of a Junior YouTuber
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