How to pull a 356 engine
 

Not that I've ever done it, but I was reading an article in Excellence about the early 356 days, when US enthusiasts first started working on 356's. The factory send some engineers over to talk to them, and in the discussion that ensued, the US owners found out that you DROP the engine, and the German engineers found out that it WAS POSSIBLE to pull the engine out the top. Apparently, the owners didn't know about dropping the engine and figured out how to raise it through the hatch. The Germans were amazed that this was even possible. The owners were thrilled at how easy it was to drop an engine as opposed to pulling it through the hatch. :P

That's too funny. When I saw my first 911 engine I thought it must take days to get the engine out (and up!).

I’ve done a couple of these and don’t believe you can pull a COMPLETE 356 up out of the engine bay without using a BIG can opener :shock: The Germans must have been laughing their a**s off on the way home at the dumb yanks who couldn’t figure out… you drop the engine :oops:

I have an old 356 movie about how they were made. How old?? Single grill old. It shows the assembler lying on his back under the car, while two others position the transaxle on top of him The bottom guy then lifts the transaxle into position with his feet while the other two bolt it in place :!:

I’ll be dropping Linda’s 356 motor this winter for a new clutch, about 30 to 40 minutes even without a lift… The Americans couldn’t figure out you dropped it, ya sure, now thats a good one :lol: FDL :lol:

That is a good clip. I have seen it a few times and the guy makes it look easy.

Having just pulled both for the "umpteenth" time ... I can't see how you'd get the motor out through the top. Was C4 involved ...? :lol:

Dave R. Are you SURE it isn't just the cable? My tub eats them like pads but that may be due to application.

Jase

Not sure but shifting up coming out of T-10, or entering traffic on 495 at WW Bridge causes a LOT of slippage :shock:

When were you on the track on your tub? recently? I'd be curious to get a ride on a street tub on the track to see how it is. For WHATEVER reason, none of my students seem to have them at DEs :wink: :lol:

Jase

It’s been a couple of year but “DER TUB” was Linda’s track car for several seasons. I had to rig headrests & at least 3 point harnesses to meet minimum DE requirements. So it was easier to add a roll bar (for the adjustable headrests) keeping the stock seats. The 3 point retractable seat belts came from a donor VW Golf. Her tub has a 912 engine with Webers, 4.5” and 5” wheels, and the Skirmits compensator. Currently not trackable due to the accumulation “free rust”. Webers work best flat out, not so good around town. Car is a blast on SP, especially in the rain. The 356 runs flat out while the HP cars have to throttle back.

Part of my long list of upgrades is a full set of NOS brake cylinders for the stock setup ( Hershey years ago) and “C” brakes last year... all still in a drawer waiting to be installed.