Summer is right around the corner and I am thinking of installing a bigger motor in my spyder. It seems like best way to do it is to remove the clamshell. And use an engine hoist. Are there any threads on this? Or if anyone has ever done it themselves that can give me some suggestions. Any help would be appreciated.
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Yes to both.
Remove clamshell. For me it takes 3 people: two to hold it and one to unbolt the hinges.
Yes, use a hoist. My engine has to go out the bottom, so I raise the car high enough to drop the motor onto a furniture dolly and roll it out. It's really helpful to have a chain hoist and/or a lift.
I've done it once for twice... ;-)
I don't remove the clamshell. With the exhaust off you can stand it straight up (at least on a Beck you can) and secure it just over center and it's not in the way. If you have a newer style original prop, disconnect it first. You cannot take a Beck motor out the bottom, it has to come from the top. In my younger days we'd do it with 2 people and one would grab each head and just carry it out. You hold about 30 degree angle with the driver's side head lower than the passenger and about the same angle front to back, shroud tipped back. Its a tight fit, b ut it squeaks right out. Now that I am older and wiser (or lazier) I use an engine hoist, but I still use a 2nd person to watch the cowl and make sure I don't eff up the paint.
My techs like to slide the motor forward and unbolt the transaxle bell housing mounts and loosen the nosecone mount, so they can manipulate the angle of the transaxle to assist in engine removal, I do not do this personally but it gives you more "fudge" room and the angles for removal are less critical.
I'm sure I could tilt the clamshell back and secure it, but I don't want to take chances with the paint.
I find it VERY helpful to remove the nosecone mount and tilt the trans downward a little. Super easy with Greg's cable shifter. Not so easy with the rod shifter. It helps the clutch clear the input shaft.
