R33 S2 Gearbox Removal

[Stinky Rooster]

Trying to change out a clutch on a mates S2 R33 and we were trying to do it without removing the engine. We have got it all sorted, but there doesn't seem to be enough clearance in the tunnel to get the box far enough back to get it out of the car.

I have had this happen to me once before (on a Mk1 Escort) but that was fixed with the judicious use of a dent puller applied to the tunnel and I would rather avoid that if possible.

Is there a trick to this? We have tried turning the box about 45 degrees in either direction and jacking the front of the engine up to increase the available angle with no success. We have got the box far enough out to completely stuff the friction plate alignment so I can't put it back on to the motor to lift the two out together so any advice would be hugely appreciated.

[MANWHORE]

what you've done is correct. jack up the engine (carefully - use rubber so you don't damage the sump). rotate the box to clear.

definitely don't take the engine out. there's no need to. it's not a pulsar gtir

[Stinky Rooster]

Thanks for that. I assume this a problem you have seen before? How far up do you recommend we push the engine? (we are using a block of wood under the crankshaft snout ATM)

Is this going to make getting the box back in as hard as I am imagining? Or am I just being a pessimist?

I never thought I'd say this but I am starting to mourn for my days of working on Trevmobiles...

[bubba]

I know the RB25 box is a fair bit bigger than my RB20 box but here we go.. was easy to remove but a pain in the ass to put the new box in. Had to undo the exhaust to let the back of the engine to sit lower and turn the box nearly 90 deg to get it back in, can't remember which way

[R33 Eddy]

make sure u undo the engine mounts and unbolt the exhaust from the cat makes life a shit load easier i found out the hard way... make sure you jack the car up as high as u can.. Getting the thing back in is tricky as well i had to kick my box back in haha (only cause i didn’t think to loosen the engine mounts and exhaust till the last min )

[Stinky Rooster]

OK, I am gonna take a deep breath and have another go at getting it out.

Thanks to everyone that replied for all your advice.

"I love you guys...."

[bubba]

Are you doing this jacked up in a driveway or something? had my car up on the hoist which might make it a bit easier.. I've only ever changed the gearbox in my old HZ Prem. in the driveway.

[R33 Eddy]

Are you doing this jacked up in a driveway or something? had my car up on the hoist which might make it a bit easier.. I've only ever changed the gearbox in my old HZ Prem. in the driveway.

he prob is,

it took me 2 hole days from 8am to about 10pm at night in the rain with 2 mates helping out to get mine out take your time it will come out... i had to drop mine onto a spare tire just make sure u put it in a good position so it does not hit the ground maybe use 2 tires... it is a heavy prick as well so if u have enough room make sure u have 2 people holding onto it.. (way bigger then a R32 box)

btw I got mine out with out undoing the exhaust or engine mounts which should drop it down another inch allowing it to slide out more… give it a twist as well so the bell housing/ starter motor can clear the firewall.

[Stinky Rooster]

Are you doing this jacked up in a driveway or something? had my car up on the hoist which might make it a bit easier.. I've only ever changed the gearbox in my old HZ Prem. in the driveway.

*sob*

yes.....

on pavers no less, but we do have a supercheap portable carport above us!

[R33 Eddy]

*sob*

yes.....

on pavers no less, but we do have a supercheap portable carport above us!

omfg u have style, it was poring with rain for me and i put up a tarp but didnt help i was soaking wet all the time and it was very cold was at the start of septemeber next time ill just pay for someone to do it haha but then again i think i would be able to do it in a few hours cause i know what to do.

[WogsRus]

took me 1.5 hours to get the box out, with me and a mate, and 4 hours to put the f**ka back in, the dam thing is sooo heavy when your in a pit.

[MANWHORE]

r33 eddy - no offence to you personally, but that's the biggest bodge job i've heard of. there is no need to unbolt the engine mounts - waste of time.

you do have to unbolt the exhaust hanger off the gearbox, and take it off the front pipe - more space.

you don't have to jack the engine much - tiny bit.

Dropping the gearbox down? We're not in the ghetto or something. Get a big trolley jack and use that to control the box down, and use it to lift it back up again?