Engine removal - degree of diffculty? - 97 Montana

[goat455]

Has anyone had the pleasure of removing the engine from a 97 Montana? My motor gave up on me, and it's clanking pretty bad to the point that my mechanic is saying replace it with a new one. Needless to say, the price he quoted me was enough to almost give me a heart attack. I've seen these 3400 motors with very low miles sell for about $500-800 or so, so I'm now contemplating removing the motor myself. Any advice against doing the job myself? I'm somewhat of a handy mechanic and have removed and installed motors on my GTOs, but a front wheel drive, never. I would take my time, a month if I had to. Please help. Thanks..

[Dragula]

I've never tryed pulling a montana motor from the top, always from bottom. Guess it's possible, but you'd have to have a bit of redneck in you to do it in your driveway.

[proteks]

I got mine out after taking everything off down to the block. Pulls right out. Don't think it will go thru the top without doing that.

[GMMerlin]

Easiest and most straight foreward way is to drop it out the bottom.

[goat455]

Montana is for sale - $2,500 as is!

[proteks]

I couldn't get 1000.00 for it so I'm fixing it myself. Also don't want that monthly payment.

[redly1]

if you buy a used engine, do yourself a big favor and replace the head gaskets (while the motor is out) with a reputable aftermarket gasket. call it an insurance policy...it will be much cheaper/easier to do it now yourself

Also, you might as well replace any of the wear components associated with the parts you are taking off to remove the motor. Just a thought