putting EJ22 into Brat - Should I attach gearbox to engine first?

[sossie07]

Hi all, 

A beginners question...

I'm putting an EJ22 into a Subaru Brat/Brumby. I'm using the original manual Brat gearbox and an adaptor plate and 2" lift kit from Subarino.

I have very basic tools at home, I can borrow an engine crane/hoist. 

My question is, is it easier to mount the gearbox to the engine and put the engine and gearbox in at the same time (I guess take the gearbox mount out first, and put it in after the engine/box is in), or put the gearbox in first and then the engine?

Thanks all, Simon

 

[bushytails]

I've always done gearbox first, then engine.  I haven't tried doing them together.  You'd need to lower them in pretty much vertical with the car way up in the air, I'd think.

[el_freddo]

Join the two together in the engine bay. 

If you have both out you can bolt them together as a test run to ensure your clutch is aligned. If you have a clutch alignment tool this bit isn’t necessary. 

IF you decide to do engine and gearbox together, drop the front end out, mount the engine and box to this and raise the front end into the engine bay OR lower the body over the engine and box. 

I’ve done the bolt in job in the engine bay a number of times; in the L series and Liberty I drop the gearbox out the back and I’ve done the engine, gearbox and front end up into the engine bay twice - L series (EJ22) and the brumby (stock). 

L series I raised the drivetrain up to the body; brumby I lowered the body over the drivetrain with my engine crane. If you have a hoist it’s so much easier!