So I'm swapping in an LS/V into my GSR. I'll be renting a hoist and the original wiring harness is still in the vehicle. I took care of all the OBD2 -> OBD1 wiring stuff in another thread but mainly I'm unsure of the prep work before getting the motor in.

Should I take the harness out and plug them into the motor before dropping it in? I've searched and in almost all the threads the pictures don't work. I'm a visual kind of guy and like to "see" examples rather than just reading.

Any tips or tricks you experienced guys have for a first timer would be greatly appreciated.

 

Leave the harness plugged in and just hang it on the firewall so it wont snag on the engine and rip.

Aslo its easier to drop the longblock in bare except for the intake manifold for first timers.
I have also found doing the side mounts first then separately putting the 'T' mount in the rear at the end is easiest.

Youre dropping in the transmission in with the engine as well?

 

That's correct. The transmission is off the motor at the moment. Clutch and flywheel are on the block. I assume it's easier to drop it in all mounted together or tranny after?

Is it easy to plug in all sensors and wires to the back of the motor once it's in the car?

 

Bolt the trans up to the block before hand. Prep the motor completely, by that I mean plug the engine harness on the motor before you drop it in. Bolt the motor mounts on but leave them loose. You'll want to be able to manoeuvre the mounts a bit while it is still hanging by the hoist then once the bolts can be fed through torque them. Torque the rear though, That's the only one I torque completely. If you've never dealt with lower ball joints, well they are no fun. Best of luck, it's very straight forward. Just take your time and try not to break any sensors.

 

Thanks! Getting the motor in seems straight forward from what my research tells me. The wiring and sensors stuff has me a little nervous.

 

It is cake plugging the sensors in.
Just have the harness hanging where it wont get snagged.

As mentioned, also bolt the trans up to the block before, lining it up later will be a PITA.

For your sensors, just have the actual sensors mounted/screwed into the longblock and IM.
Once the engine is in you can start connected stuff. May have to lift the car up from under for some sensors but no big deal.

Ball joints wont be that hard, with the proper ball joint tool they will pop off easily.

Have the timing all done, if youre putting on a timing cover, now is the time to do it.
Any stripped studs on the EM/IM side, now is the time to fix.
The more you have done on the engine while its out and all easily accessible the easier it will be once its in.

You could attach alternator/ps pump/EM and the pulley after the drop.

It is good to have a helper, someone lowers the engine while the other maneuvers/checks for clearance on all sides so nothing breaks. It can be done alone though.

 

^ What he said. I leave pumps and accessory belts off until after the block is in. It makes it a lot easier to move the motor around without scratching anything.

 

Thanks guys. I think I should be able to handle this!

 

I recently finished my build myself. Had to do a wiring swap also. Hook it all up before you put it in, then it's just snap snap snap. Personally, I've never had the luxury of a lift, so I jack the body up, slide the engine under the car, then drop the body down, wheels off. After that it's just a lot of wiggling and adjusting to get the rear mount on. Once thats on, it all just kinda falls together.