Well im due to be changing my engine soon and got a few questions about it. Ive done many engine replacements but never in a j.

-Is it possible to get the old engine out and the new one in without removing the trans?
-The engine I have hasnt been run for quite some time...is it advisable to disable the fuel pump and turn it over a bit to prime the oil and such?
-The car currently has dex-cool in it....New motor is empty...Should I run dex-cool or regular..ive heard so many conflicting stories..
-Changing over to synthetic...any special things to do?
-Plan on keeping the stock clutch but is there a way to see if its still got life in it?

Thats all for now....but im sure ill have some more questions..thanks alot..Phil

It's possible to swap the engine without removing the trans, but it's a lot more of a pain in the ass.

No reason to turn the engine over to prime the pump. The only time it's ever beneficial to try and prime a pump is if you can do it manually. If you're turning the engine over, it doesn't matter whether it's running or not in this regard.

I'd go with regular anitifreeze. You'll get different opinions, but the bottom line is that ethyline glycol is a better coolant.

Nothing special about changing to synthetic oil.

Don't bother keeping your clutch. While you're doing the engine, replace it. It's not a huge expense, and it's a pain in the ass if you have to change it later.

Great..thanks..

For changing from dex to normal...do I just dump out what I can or do I have to have it 100% clean...ie rinsed with water and such? And I remember with dexcool and my aluminum block in my bike I had to use distilled water...same with regular?

I guess since im pulling the tranny...what kind of tranny fluid do the 5spd ecos work best with?

New car has a/c and ive never worked with a/c....where do I disconnect it so I dont have to recharge it?

Will I have to bleed the clutch? If so is there a trick on these cars?

Actually, if you use the universal gold antifreeze, you don't have to worry about flushing it. That being said, if you want to run straight green coolant, you should flush it well. The water doesn't have to be distilled, just give it a good flushing.

For the tranny, general concensus around here is that the GM synchromesh fluid yields the best results in our trannies.

If you don't want to have to recharge the AC, the only way is to unbolt the compressor from the engine and try to keep it and all the lines out of the way. There is no where to disconnect it that won't release your refrigerant.

As for the clutch, you should bleed it, but it's a lot quicker and easier than bleeding brakes, because the system has a lot less volume.

By universal gold you mean like prestone all makes/types? Whats the capacity of our coolant system?

It's REALLY easy to recharge your AC so don't be too concerned about that. You can get a lil kit at the auto part store that has all you need w/step by step instructions and I think it's only like 20$ or so.

Yes, it's pretty easy, but to do it right, you should have a set of pressure and temperature gauges on the system when you charge it. The system works best when it's got the exact correct amount. Also, should you overcharge it, you will greatly decrease the life of the compressor.

My grandpa does a/c so I'm not to concerned.... But if I could keep it that would rock