Advice re-installation of rebuilt NA engine

[peterlonz]

My 1991 DOHC, NA, engine is near complete rebuild. Vehicle is "auto AWD"
Just a few things to do like setting the timing.

I am unsure how to put the engine back, it was removed from above (not by me), but my helpful mechanic says it should be carefully replaced by lowering the car over the engine. I gather this will involve removing the front subframe which I know is not what the manual suggests.

I am also unsure how best to pre-fill the oil galleries before starting if this is even necessary.

In truth I am well out of my depth at the moment so would welcome some pointers.

Thanks

[Phalse]

It can easily go back in from the top. Some cars are easy to disassemble the sub frame assemblies, disconnect hoses/electronics and lift the engine off. I dont feel the 3s is a good candidate for that and I've always seen the engine pulled out of the top at an angle using a hoist and a leveler. The stock unmolested engine has chain hook points for you to do so. See this picture:


Supercar engineering has a good walk through of how to remove a turbo engine. You'll just do it in reverse and you'll have an easier time as you dont have the turbo & awd pieces to deal with it. It should be a good starting point.

1995 3000GT VR-4: 3000GT/Stealth Engine (6G72) and Transaxle Removal

Good luck.

[peterlonz]

Thanks Phalse for a speedy response.
My car is Auto & AWD does this affect your advice?
You don't suggest any procedure for priming the oil galleries before attempting a start, I have conflicting advice on this at the moment.
I am also a bit confused as to why the front drive shafts were removed in getting the engine out - is that normal?

[Phalse]

The procedure for auto awd will be different in some ways, but the general basis of that writeup should be the same. Prime the oil galleries? I'd fill it up and crank it up. If you're extra paranoid, disconnect crank/cam angle sensors to stop it from firing and spin it over, should get a bit of oil circulating and some pressure. Then reconnect and fire it up.
The front drive shafts are removed as they are stuck in the wheel bearings/hubs and wouldnt allow the engine & trans assembly to come up if they werent removed. The pass side needs to be removed as its a 1 piece that goes into the trans and into the hub. The driver side has an intermediate shaft that goes into the trans and its bolted to the engine block at a bearing. Then you have a short shaft connected to it that goes to the wheel bearing/hub. They have to be removed or you couldnt take it out. If you were going with the prior method of "drop it out the bottom" then yes in theory they could stay in as they'd come down with the engine and subframe.