Beretta.net

I went to see my (idiot) mechanic today, for the reasons mentioned in Off Topic (on bstuff), and thought I'd snap some pics.  My ride is *expected* to be done tomorrow, after weeks of patience.  (I waited weeks because I got an awesome deal on the install.)

You may not be able to see, but the engine (and the whole front for that matter) is sitting direclty below the engine bay, the car is on the lift right above it.

Larger Pics available here:
http://photobucket.com/albums/a152/MAJ28/11-17-2005/

















All that needs to be done is have the egr tube welded together and put on, and the alt bracket put on.  He order a new alt bracket for a 2001, rather then grinding the one pictured in order to fit over the bolt used to close the VIN J exhaust port opening.  I told him to do what he wants, but to grind it if that doesn't work.  Hopefully it'll be ready tomorrow night.  

»Jason

Oh wow, idiot is right, dropping an engine, no thanks, good old fashion thru the top for me.
That is cool though, hopefully you can drive the thing soon, do I even want to ask how the EGR and Coolant lines thing went over with him?

That cradle paint will last about a week.

Salt, sand, and road debris is going to eat it up.

Need powdercoating...

I guess I'm an idiot too.  I always go through the bottom on my car.  You'd be suprised how easy it is when you have a lift.

It's High temp over POR15, I think it'll last atleast a year. ÂÂÂ Also, he said the old engine sounded like it had a bad crank bearing.  

»Jason

(rweatherford @ Nov. 18 2005,06:33)Q
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EI guess I'm an idiot too.  I always go through the bottom on my car.  You'd be suprised how easy it is when you have a lift.
Yeah, it's amazingly easier on some cars, including our Berettas, to just drop the engine out of the bottom.

Eclipses are definetly a case in point there.  Trying to pull that engine through the top is a nightmare but it'll slip right out if you just lift the body.



Hope all goes well for you with that 3400 MAJ.

I wish it was a 3400, it's a 2001 3100.  More hp either way, so I'll take it.

Ah, just assumed it was from the large lettering on the upper plenum.

So did you get it back yet?  Know you said you were expecting it to be done today.

I'm leaving work at 3:30 est to go get it.  I don't know what I'll do if it's not done or he tells me some other dumb problem.  

»Jason

Still needs some wires extended and coolant/oil changed, and intake put back on.

I was half tempted to do it myself.

»J    

I guess I just REALLY find it hard to believe it would be easier to take the V6 engines out the bottom.

Edit - N, I don't have an access to a lift either, so no I wouldn't know how easy it is to drop one, I don't think I would ever really try, never had problems pulling it out the top, leaving suspension intact, but I'm not going to say that it isn't harder to drop it, if it works, go for it, all in good fun if it works, can't complain right?  If the engine comes out, who really cares right? its out, that is what matters
I have never been comfortable with lifts either, to much shaking for me I guess it would be called, I guess I'm used to climbing on my back to get to stuff under the car.  Doesn't bother me at all.

I was kinda of a skeptic myself, but when I saw it in person I realized how simple it is.  You just unplug everyting, unbolt mounts, unbolt subframe, a couple other things and it's done.  I didn't realize how easy it is until I saw it sitting there like that.  

»Jason

(z284pwr @ Nov. 18 2005,19:12)Q
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EI guess I just REALLY find it hard to believe it would be easier to take the V6 engines out the bottom.

Edit - N, I don't have an access to a lift either, so no I wouldn't know how easy it is to drop one, I don't think I would ever really try, never had problems pulling it out the top, leaving suspension intact, but I'm not going to say that it isn't harder to drop it, if it works, go for it, all in good fun if it works, can't complain right?  If the engine comes out, who really cares right? its out, that is what matters
I have never been comfortable with lifts either, to much shaking for me I guess it would be called, I guess I'm used to climbing on my back to get to stuff under the car.  Doesn't bother me at all.
If you trying to put a nice car together and scratch the crap out of it going through BOTTOM is easier and less of a headache.  This especially is true for inline 4's   I actually installed an engine and trans into my 90GTZ from top and WOW it was a pain to do and a scratched my cleaned up strut tower.     We generally use the same tools that a swap from top, hoist jackstands etc...

The install photoed puzzles me, unlike some cars the cradle does not support engine.  The engine is resting on it like it is.   The only thing that this cradle does is brace the engine with a torque strut mount.   This is usually the first and last item some of us install during a swap or service.

Just drove it all the way home and it runs great.  I can really feel the extra hp.  

I'll have pics up soon.

»Jason

I dont understand why he removed the A/C compressor.