Engine swap questions

[blazer304]

Hello everyone, i'm new to this forum and had a few questions. I just purchased a 98 4.3l blazer from a friend that didn't put oil in it and blew the engine. I purchased a 2000 4.3 with only 35k on it and am in the process of swaping these engines, however, I had a few questions.
First, I have everything off the engine and it is ready to take out, except i'm having a hard time removing a couple of the bolts from the engine to the bellhousing. I read a few posts that said I could lift the body or lower the transmission to remove the bolt that is up against the firewall. I tried to raise the body, since I had to remove some rusted nerf bars anyways, but I wasn't able to gain enough clearance without raising the body father than I was comfortable with. I suppose my next step may be lowering the transmission.
Second, I am also having a hard time removing the two bolts on the top of the bellhousing (near the distributor). I have enough room to get a wrench onto these bolts, but the wrench is almost touching the firewall and I can't get enough torque on the wrench to turn it.
I was wondering if anyone has ANY tips to help in this process, or steps you took to achieve this task would be GREATLY appreciated. I have removed a couple engines, but only in front wheel drive cars that had much more clearance than this one.

Also, If I use the wiring from the '98, should I have any problems using the engine from the 2000?

Thanks

[DetroitMuscle]

If you can get the OPEN end of another wrench on the wrench you are using for the two top bolts that will give you the leverage to break them loose.

Can you get the core support off to get the engine and tranny out as ONE unit?

[herkyhawki]

Remove the intake manifold before pulling the motor will give you more room to reach those top bellhousing bolts.
If you are going to remove the heads, do it before pulling the motor, this will make thos bellhousing bolts easy to get.

[Marcinko]

Blazer304-
I have 127000 on my current 4.3 Liter and feel not to far down the road I am goign to need to this same thing. Ever thought about doing a "How To" with pictures and posting it.

Or if anyone for that matter knows of a link for engine removal.

Good luck with your project. Out of curiosity, where did you obtain your newer engine? Is there a reccomended website or dealer to go through. I am kinda new to all of this, been working on airplanes my whole life, trucks, I am still learning.

Thanks

[boomer62]

The Top Left Bolt. I Used A 15 Mm Swivel Socket With A Longggg Extenion That I Ran Along The Tranny To The Bolt. Had Help From Above To Get Socket On Bolt.

[blazer304]

Thanks for the tips guys... its real nasty out today, so i'm not gonna get a chance to try these things out just yet. After I take care of it though, i will post a reply summarizing the steps I took.
Marcinko, I got the engine from a friend of my dad who owns a salvage yard here in Ohio. Make sure you check it out for damage before you purchase one, you dont want to get it in then realize it has problems of its own.

Also, I was wondering if anyone had any advice regarding the second part of my question. Should I have any problem putting the '00 engine in the 98 if I use the wiring harness from the 98?

Thanks