[Spike]

I have the engine ready to remove:
everything is disconnected and clear, and the 4 nuts are removed
from the transmission flange. Starter is removed.

How hard should I have to tug to get the engine to separate from the
transmission? So far, I'm not able to separate the two - but I have not
really wrestled with the engine to try to break it free.

Before I really tug I thought I'd ask.

It's a 1988 with a G50 if that makes any difference.

[Jose]

Did you remove the shaft that the clutch release fork pivots on? It's acessible from the driver's side of the transmission. I think it's a 10mm bolt that has to come out, then the shaft will slide out which is holding the engine & transmission together now.

IMO, I would remove both together. It's just as easy. The only extra work is unbolting the axles and taking off the clutch slave cylinder. And if that cross shaft was never out, it's not going to come out easy, and you're going to have a heck of a time getting it out installd in the car.

Also, getting the engine and transmission lined back up when re-installing is not the easiest of tasks.

[Jose]

Do you have a Bentley manual? It explains engine removal in a very clear way.

[Trak Ratt]

I agree with taking both out together. It is easier out and easier in. If you don’t you will have to support the end of the trans after the engine is out.

[Spike]

You guys are right. It was much easier taking trans/engine out together.
It took as much time to get the effing cross shaft out of the G-50 as
it did to disconnect everything else for the drop. Thanks for the tip on
the cross shaft.

While on the topic of G-50 cross shafts: mine is an '88 and it appears to
have plain bearings - no needle bearings. Is this perhaps already
"updated" from the factory. It has brass/bronze plain bearings in the
transmission flange ears - and the cross shaft took an M8 bolt to
pull it - not an M6 (assuming M6 is 6MM?).

[Rick Lee]

If it doesn't have needle bearings, then it has been updated.....or they all fell out.

[Doug E]

Congrats on the successful drop ... just remember to save that picture for next year's Holiday Card

[VaSteve]

Congrats! Are you rebuilding it yourself or sending it out? Looks like a lot of wrenching occured today.

[Spike]

I think I'm going to send it out. I have too little time as it is to spend
at home so that is a factor, plus it seems I can get the rebuild done
plus some extra stuff like balancing all the rotating mass for a price delta
I can accept. Plus a two year warranty is better than I offer

It will be different next season, Steve, with you in a 944 and not being
blinded by my smoke in the corners if you are behind me.

[Lucky]

Nice work, Emery!!!

A single-handed engine drop??? How un-Dorki.

You better have a full blown engine lift party!