Can you pull motor without A/C system?

[TG]

Is it possible to drop the engine and tranny out the bottom without pulling the A/C? I just found the shop invoice. This car has a brand new A/C system front to back and I hate to open it up.

 

[revhardSHO]

If you want to take the time to remove the compressor from the engine it might give you enough room to squek the engine/trans by. The lines may be a problem though.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

It can be done, but I've never really understood why people worry about it so much. We do anywhere from 4-6 SHO motor swaps a month, and if the A/C was working when they came in, it's working when they leave (and we purge and disconnect the lines). We've never had a come back for an A/C problem afterwards.

IMHO, it's just a lot of worrying for no reason. Just purge the system, disconnect and cap/plug the lines. For us, every time-saving step is worthwhile. If you have the time and it's really important to you, then go for trying to keep it intact, but again, IMHO, it's a waste of time.

 

[TG]

I do agree it would be easier to just take it off. Problem is to have it purged and recharged costs money. If I can avoid the added expense it would help.

 

[BlownByU]

I pulled the motor and tranny in my car, out the top and just unbolted the compressor and tied it up against the radiator. Seemed to work. It would clear up a lot of room if I took it out but it worked.

 

[TG]

Job is done! It was pretty easy leaving the A/C in. I pulled the compressor and let it hang down. By the time the compressor was clearing the head the lower radiator support was above the motor.

This job was WAY easier than I though it would be. Only almost screwup was forgetting to disconnect the brake lines and ABS sensors. Caught it in time though!