Okay, so while working on the car yesterday I finally get a good look at some of my exhaust manifold studs. I can count at least 4 that are broken/missing, front and back. I am seriously considering trying to pull the engine so I will be able to get to them easier, maybe even change the clutch while its out. So what type of stuff do I need. Obviously I know I will need to buy/rent a shop crane, but what kind of engine stand can I use and where can I find a bracket to mount onto the engine for the shop crane to grab a hold of? Can I use a regular $49.99 engine stand, will it bolt right up to the Nissan V-6? Thanks for any help in advance, also any tips for those that have done this and how much time did it take. I have some vacation to use, so I could take a few days off.....
Jason.

 

if you're pulling the motor just to do the studs then you don't really need to get a stand. just slap it on a piece of plywood or something and work on the studs there.

if you're rocking a VG then do the t-belt also..water pump no matter what motor you're rocking. fix any oil seal leaks too.

figure 3-5 days depends on how much cursing you do.

what tools you need depends on what you're doing...you'll be looking into getting an ez out or a screw extracter set...get more than one. some good strong drill and bits. a lot of patience and maybe a 6 pack of your fav alcoholic beverage (if you're of drinking age of course).

 

don't bother pulling the engine to do a 4 hour job.

it's 10x the work to pull the engine than it is to just do the job in the car.

 

things shouldn't be too bad man. take dans advice and take care of the t-belt(vg only) and water pump while the engine out. unless of course they've been done recently.

 

i dunno man. besides pulling the engine it took me about a 20mins to get everything unplugged (hoses and harness). the only hold up i have (had) was where to hoist from. if i figured that out right away i would have had the engine out in just less than an hour. although the tranny was already taken off....so add another 45mins for that.

i can't wait to actually work on my own car one of these days....working on other peoples cars just isn't the same...too many corners i can't cut with someone elses car

 

I dunno......seems like getting to the studs in the back will be a big problem. I know everyone says it can be done, but it looks like a B!tch to get to the rear ones.......I've read the stickies but it still doesn't look like fun. I know pulling the engine isn't any fun either, but I don't want to get everything off the rear manifolds only to find out I don't have enough room to work and have to pull the engine anyway.

 

Read my post.....there's enough room to work there.

 

If you have a VG, and need to do the t-belt,WP, front/rear main seals, injector hoses, maybe a clutch, then I'd consider pulling the motor.