Recently I abused my Bonneville with 191xxx miles a small bit (redlined the tach twice), when I accelerate it ticks. Several people tell me wrist pin, one person says spun rod bearing. Either way I found a second engine with slightly less miles(110xxx), my problem is I am 18 have no big tools (picker, engine stand etc.) and I have limited funds and I am in school still. I need someone who has been through this to give me some detailed instructions step-bystep of how to drop the cradle or lift the engine out, whichever is easier. Thank you.

You don't need no fancy 2-$300 engine hoist. Heck, a few pieces of 4X4 treated lumber from Lowes did me fine.




Doesn't really take any special tools to pull the engine. Some common sockets, a really LONG extension, or many short ones will do.

We have a thread in here somewhere in Techinfo about pulling engines, even have a few other members that have done it more times than they should have.

Let us know if you need help.

So I don't even need to drop the cradle, cause it looks like you took it out from up top

Yup, took it out through the top. If you notice, I was only using a boat winch, which is rated for 1100lbs. Both the engine and trans was hanging from it.

Do you happen to have a thread of your removal or some more pics that show procedure better? Also how long did it take for you to pull and swap?

No sorry I don't have a detailed thread for mine, but Danthurs has a writeup in the Techinfo that should help you out. It has many pictures too.
https://www.gmforum.com/mechanical-134/engine-removal-96-99-a-285073/

It took me about 6 hours the first time. This includes pulling the transmission with the engine. After several times, I have it nailed down to about 4 hours just for the engine. Weather pending.

BTW, I paid $147 new for my hoist.

I am pulling my motor and trying to pull the motor only, i have one more trans bolt that is closest to the driver'* end of the car that seems to be impossible to get out, is the trans supposed to come out with the motor or is there some way to get to this bolt? Thank you

Is this the dreaded backwards trans bolt you are referring to?

oh, it has a nickname, im guessing its not an easy pull.