Cowl area at back of hood

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by nhramnl

I have seen numerous Camaros, Firebirds, Cavaliers, G5s, etc. with a removable windshield washer "tray" and plastic leaf screen. Take a look at almost any MPR-built car and you'll see what I'm talking about. My Cavalier's tray and screen are completely removable, right to the base of the windshield, and when they are back in place, the car looks completely unmodified. Makes a HUGE difference in engine removal and re-installation.

Only allowed in Super Stock class, not Stock class.

[nhramnl]

Originally Posted by SSDiv6

Only allowed in Super Stock class, not Stock class.

Thanks for the clarification. I assumed that, since all of the removable panels I've seen have been fabrication-modified such that they look virtually unchanged, and can be bolted right back in (essentially only making a non-removable piece removable), they would be OK. Apparently not. Getting the engine out of a 4th Gen Camaro/Firebird must be brutal, when you can't get the cowl out of the way!

[Rich Biebel]

When I had my ‘97 Firebird Stocker I made an extension for my engine hoist and cut the front of the square tube to clear the area behind the hood.

Also attached the hoist to the engine as tight as possible to the intake.

I left the hood on and just propped it up higher.

Had to turn engine sideways a little and removed probably the water pump and distributer and maybe balancer. It’s been a while so I don’t recall exactly.

I did add a lot of weights to my engine hoist to counter the extension and keep it from flipping over.

I saw that happen by some guys pulling a BB out of an MPR built Firebird and luckily no one was hit other than some minor damage on the cars nose.

I know there is a plate made to attach to those engines for lifting but I dreamed up something else and think it was a spreader bar with chains that I bolted to 4 exhaust port flange holes.

The cowl stuff just got pushed out of the way as needed.

[ss3011]

When I had my 97 Firehawk , I always removed the whole front cradle through the bottom . I made a rolling cart that carried the cradle , and lifted the body up with my hoist . I have seen video's of people lifting the front of the car up using a cherry picker . What is so nice about this method is the engine, trans , headers and complete front suspension come out together , by undoing a minimal number of easy to get at bolts .

[KRatcliff]

I have taken mine out from the bottom and can do it far quicker from the top using one of these. I disconnect the hood struts, bungee it back, and pull the plastic pins holding the cowl in place.



https://tpis.com/products/9_hhk299?v...28342560555080

[sterling simmons jr]

Just remove the water pump and motor comes right out from the top leave the hood alone did it this way for 15 years with a 98 Camaro remove radiator and good to good

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by KRatcliff

I have taken mine out from the bottom and can do it far quicker from the top using one of these. I disconnect the hood struts, bungee it back, and pull the plastic pins holding the cowl in place.



https://tpis.com/products/9_hhk299?v...28342560555080

Of course Kyle...we know why you can do it quicker from the top... it is called the "Happy Hooker" Lift Plate!!!

[Dyno]

I used the Happy Hooker lift plate many times on my 95 Camaro. Easy to do.