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Can I lower engine to…….
Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2023 8:13 am
by Jdhiker
1984 3.2 targa. I have a few things I want to do , clean up engine best I can, replace sound pad and freshen engine compartment. Can I lower the engine maybe 6” without too much disconnecting of stuff?
Also I need to do to do a leak down test. Can I do that easy enough without pulling engine. I think I’m going to end up doing wires and plugs also send out the injectors. Can this all be done engine in? I have the time to do it, no rush except the urge/want to drive it
Re: Can I lower engine to…….
Posted: Sun May 07, 2023 5:39 am
by Steam Driver
I think 6-inches might be stretching it (no pun intended) a little. Everything would be OK except the shift rod connection; I would worry about that.
Personally I would just drop the powertrain. I have done the sound pad thing with the engine removed and it makes a heck of a mess. Not only that but reaching around the engine, even six inches down, will be an issue. The sound pad doesn't give up easily! Far easier in the long run to be able to stand in the engine compartment.
Dropping the engine not as difficult as it sounds. Just disconnect everything. You can get a cheap motorcycle lift at places like Harbor Freight, et al and adapt it to the engine. Do not buy the jack adapter sold by a well-known Porsche parts purveyor. It didn't work for me.
Re: Can I lower engine to…….
Posted: Sun May 07, 2023 9:48 am
by Tom
Steam Driver wrote: Sun May 07, 2023 5:39 am
I think 6-inches might be stretching it (no pun intended) a little. Everything would be OK except the shift rod connection; I would worry about that.
Personally I would just drop the powertrain. I have done the sound pad thing with the engine removed and it makes a heck of a mess. Not only that but reaching around the engine, even six inches down, will be an issue. The sound pad doesn't give up easily! Far easier in the long run to be able to stand in the engine compartment.
Dropping the engine not as difficult as it sounds. Just disconnect everything. You can get a cheap motorcycle lift at places like Harbor Freight, et al and adapt it to the engine. Do not buy the jack adapter sold by a well-known Porsche parts purveyor. It didn't work for me.
My worry would be bending/breaking something, and disturbing the 40-year-old wiring harness. Not speaking from experience, so consider the source, but it sounds like one shortcuts that end up making the job harder and less productive than just doing it the normal way in the first place. Also, you'll be able to do a way (way) more complete job the motor and engine compartment by taking it out.
Re: Can I lower engine to…….
Posted: Sun May 07, 2023 11:58 am
by Jdhiker
Well I bought a Motorcycle Lift. Started working on disconnecting a few things each night after work. Will drop out the engine maybe by the ends of the month if I get a chunk of time available and an extra pair of hands from my son. Then also have to get an engine stand and yoke.
Re: Can I lower engine to…….
Posted: Sun May 07, 2023 12:15 pm
by Tom
That picture reminds me of my uncle, who used to take the motor out of his vw bug on a Saturday morning with his son, work on it, and have it back in by Morning. He did it all with a jack just like that (and very tall jack stands....). Good luck!
p.s., LOVE your garage floor. That look is what inspired mine. Show us your garage in the garage thread
viewtopic.php?t=16
Re: Can I lower engine to…….
Posted: Mon May 08, 2023 5:20 am
by Carmagic
I use also a motorcycle jack. I use it under the engine, and in addition I use a small car jack on a furniture dolly, so it can roll in any direction, under the transmission. This way the engine and transmission can be tilted up and down as needed.
Here is a picture after it is down on the floor. Of course, it can be used also with the car just jacked up at the rear.

- engine-out.jpg (359.91 KiB) Viewed 1724 times
Re: Can I lower engine to…….
Posted: Mon May 08, 2023 6:38 am
by Jdhiker
Tom wrote: Sun May 07, 2023 12:15 pm
That picture reminds me of my uncle, who used to take the motor out of his vw bug on a Saturday morning with his son, work on it, and have it back in by Morning. He did it all with a jack just like that (and very tall jack stands....). Good luck!
p.s., LOVE your garage floor. That look is what inspired mine. Show us your garage in the garage thread
viewtopic.php?t=16
Thank you ! I will once it’s finished off a little more
Re: Can I lower engine to…….
Posted: Mon May 08, 2023 6:45 am
by Jdhiker
Carmagic wrote: Mon May 08, 2023 5:20 am
I use also a motorcycle jack. I use it under the engine, and in addition I use a small car jack on a furniture dolly, so it can roll in any direction, under the transmission. This way the engine and transmission can be tilted up and down as needed.
Here is a picture after it is down on the floor. Of course, it can be used also with the car just jacked up at the rear.
engine-out.jpg
Love that setup !!!