Removing the Old Engine & Transmission

It finally came time to remove the old engine and transmission from my #FairmontProject. It's sad that this car will never be in stock form again, but it was always my intention to make this car more than it ever was from the factory. Removing the engine and transmission was the first step in that process.
This video will also be helpful if you need to remove one of these straight 6's from a fox body. The process is identical.
Previous video in the series: • 80hp & 3:55 Gears #Fai...
Here's what happened to the old engine before I scrapped it: www.ericthecar...
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: www.ericthecarg...
Camera: Brian Kast
Thanks for watching!
Discussion about this video: www.ericthecar...
How I Modified My Engine Hoist: www.ericthecarg...
Tools
Zep Brake Cleaner Sprayer: www.apmenginepa...
Zep Brake Cleaner: www.drillspot.c...
Zep Rust Breaker: www.zepautomoti...
Engine Hoist: www.sunextools....
Jaxx Zorb (floor dry): www.jaxxusa.com...
DeWalt Impact: www.jbtoolsales...
Snap-on Line Wrench Standard: store.snapon.c...
Astro Light: www.jbtoolsale...
Related videos
Mustang Engine Pull: • 1982 Mustang Donor Car...
**Answers to your automotive questions found here: www.ericthecarg...
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Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@JombieMann]

Last week I took my wife out to see a used car, and when I pulled into the guys yard, what did I see way in the back of the yard? A yellow Fairmont! With a roots blower poking out of the hood! I casually said to the guy "Is that a fox body Fairmont?" He looked surprised, but said yes it was. I said that the fox body was a good car to build as it shares alot with the mustang, and again he looked surprised. I asked about the blower, how much boost he was using, compression ratio, etc. I looked like a hero, knowing the car, etc. He dropped the price he was asking for the used car my wife had come to look at. Maybe because I seemed to know alot about cars? Just to show you that these videos are more than entertainment. Go Eric!

[@ericthecarguy]

I'm happy to help. ;)

[@michelleleyva1471]

i am a girl with no car experience n u have helped me 2 times keep my car from breaking down on me completely!

[@mechanicinjuries6181]

You are a girl? I like girls( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@TrOlLkInGs14]

Girllllllll

[@pinchikassandra]

Anything you have a question about, always look it up on Google and KZbin so you don't get played in a shop or in part prices

[@nathanielowensleigh7513]

Dude. Your delivery is perfect. You sound like a responsible version of my buddy. Thank you for a clean video.

[@mikeh6876]

I remember your engine pull video - I think it was a Dodge truck - where the floor was uneven and you had to struggle to get the hoist over a hump. Thank God for the new shop with a flat floor and the lift. Loved the video. By the by, I used to use an old discarded flat yellow canvas tow strap to pull engines. Seemed like the hoist hook did not slip as much.

[@craftchest]

That's awesome. Seeing the seatbelt being used brought back a flood of memories. I once used a seatbelt from a C-130 to remove and engine. It was stuck in my gear after a jump and I didnt notice it until I got to my unit. Kept it because I knew it would come in handy one day, and it did.

[@andrewbennett4224]

this looks like way too much fun. I hope you have as much fun as I have watching it.

[@alexanderfard5300]

Hey Eric, I’ve been watching your videos for a long time. I really appreciate the time you put into them. I’m restoring a 1966 mustang and I followed every single step in this video to remove my engine and transmission. This entire project is an amazing guide to restoring almost any classic.

[@1995flyingspur]

Totally! It's because of him that I was able to rebuild my own 8.8 differential! What he is doing is so priceless, I don't think he really knows.

[@bizbot1655]

I have to add that I think Brian is an excellent cameraman. He really knows what he's doing and you feel like you are there because he aims the camera at what you intend to look at and hold there for the right amount of time. Also, he holds the camera steady, unlike some KZbinrs that get their camera holding inspirations from Modern Family. High-five to Brian!

[@ericthecarguy]

I hired him for a reason. Thanks for noticing. I'll pass along the comment.

[@bizbot1655]

Thanks for doing that, Eric. I commented about it due to the fact I used to work in the entertainment industry and car mechanics/restoration is a long time hobby of mine. I'm able to see it from both angles. I wanted to give credit where credit is due.

[@highfructosefun7503]

I love seeing everything finally coming together! This is going to be one hell of a car when you're done with it.

[@TheOnGridHomestead1]

I finally subscribed. I'm pretty impressed you removed the old engine without forgetting to disconnect something. Seems like there's always something that is forgotten, at least with me there is. Don't beat yourself up about the brakes. Some time ago when I had my 66 Pontiac Tempest, all drum brakes, I managed to put the brake shoes on wrong. Of course I didn't realize it until all the tires were back on and the the car was back on the ground. That was a lesson well learned! All I have to not deal with now are the little drum brakes for the emergency brake, but since I'm in CA those will never have to be changed. No rust.

[@TheOnGridHomestead1]

Of course there are the cars with front disc and rear drum, but here in CA those back drum brakes rarely need attention. I have a 1975 Ford Granada my parents bought new in 1975. For the most part it's sat in the garage for over 30 years. I used to start it up every now and then but haven't done that for about 10 years or so. It's absolutely beautiful, under the car cover and all the crap on top of it. It's been under that car cover for so long I've forgotten what it looks like. It's had the same tires for over 30 years, the battery is dead, the carburetor will need to be taken apart and cleaned, gas changed, cylinders oiled before starting, etc. I've come to the conclusion that I will never do anything with the Granada so it's time to let it go. I will give it to somebody who will swear to me they will take care of it and it won't end up in a junk yard. I'm not kidding about the last part.

[@jshomeservices2925]

Dude. I love your video. You don’t waste time, you show everything and get right to the point. Keep it up.

[@mlke4258]

You, and I have the same Amber glasses. Your videos are truly invaluable.. Been watching for many years. Learned tons of stuff in such a short amount of time.. Very appreciative, and grateful for you sharing your knowledge, and expertise.. Can't wait to see this Fairmont when it's tearing ass down the 1/4mi...

[@dil6969]

Can't wait to see your videos on the new engine build. There are so many great project car video series on KZbin!

[@lexmaximaguy8788]

yay..the holy grail of the fairmont videos!!

[@chipholland9]

My college car was the slightly-nicer twin of the Fairmont - a 1981 Mercury Zephyr. Also had the 200 CID I-6 motor. Only good thing about it was it was easy to de-carbon the pistons every few years because they faced straight up.

[@zx8401ztv]

You made that look all too easy :-D. :-D. Yes that car lift is bloody usefull, its a shame you had to struggle in the very early days. That old shop was depressing, but i suppose the conditions you worked in linked you to all the people that were struggling, you would not be the same man without it.

[@ericthecarguy]

Yes, we've come a long way from the old shop. Honestly though, this was an easy engine/transmission to remove.

[@zx8401ztv]

I like old cars too, less crap in the way lol :-D

[@Bobherry]

You really have came a long way Eric. I have been around since 10-20k subs.

[@ericthecarguy]

I appreciate that. Thank you!

[@dandel351]

Eric if I was doing this I would just leave the front tyres on disconnect everything then lift the body and roll the motor out on the K member with a floor jack under the trans . That's how I changed motors on my old '70's Cortina with a similar set up. It was the easiest engine swap I've ever done. Not sure how the suspension is on a Fairmont though in regards to what the front springs ride on. Doing engine swaps with your own lift must be cool though. Can't wait to see the new motor go in and power down the road!

[@Zomgwtfbbq1228]

damn Eric i am so pumped for this car to be finished! cant imagine what you are going through

[@AF29007]

hoo boy it's getting exciting now - can't wait to see the new engine in it

[@darrengoodridge1575]

Thanks for these video's I don't have a project car at the moment, so I'm living vicariously through you!

[@wyattoneable]

You make it look easy Eric. In 1979 I was already 4 years out of high school so your right, "It's not that old". (ha ha)

[@lemagreengreen]

I like to think that Camerman Brian is fast becoming something of an expert because of him filming all of these videos :)

[@CharlesGrenades]

When the Fairmont is all done I wanna see a collaberation between EricTheCarGuy and Regular Car Reviews. That would be one hell of a video

[@davidrasch2187]

Puts me in mind of my 1986 dodge caravan LE mitsubishi/mikuni engine. Not even the shop manuals help me puzzle out the vacuum lines. Maybe I need another project car.

[@richardquinones2959]

Eric can't wait to see the new transmission in engine it's going to be awesome

[@Bad.Content]

just as i thought i could go to sleep, this comes to my feed... MUST WATCH

[@John-dz6vm]

Engine swaps...good times! Thank for sharing!

[@gerryroberson1978]

This is the video I have been waiting for. I think I wanted this one more than the upcoming #DarkMatterPikachu install.

[@ericthecarguy]

You'll be working through the build videos of #DarkMatterPikachu first.

[@abitnutz6747]

When you began this project I was sure you would drag it out and it would take forever to get anywhere. My apologies. This is an awesome series because you show that a reasonably normal gearhead can do this and do it in one's own lifetime. I always liked the idea of a Fairmont sleeper. It's so innocuous. It's a car that you wouldn't hesitate to blow your horn at if it lingered at a red light for more than half a second. Little would the horn blower suspect until the plain wrapper Fairmont coated his windshield with melted rubber as you lit up the tires in response.

[@fooey88]

This guy is like the Bob Ross of mechanics.

[@aswallace88]

As soon as he said "The bolts are old and rusty, and I have no intention..." I KNEW there was gonna be a reciprocating saw involved in removing the exhaust.

[@Tibiansgarage]

Finally, someone who shows no dramatic excitement. I can't stand excitement, it makes me uncomfortable.

[@Bananaramaq]

22:40 a hunk a hunk of burnin' love

[@Madmick82]

Hood goes on the roof when not in use, roadkill style

[@travis4798]

We did that when we rebuilt the engine in our Lincoln, tossed a blanket on the roof and flipped the hood upside down onto it.

[@davidhealdjr.513]

For the record, the heater core is incredibly easy to find and darn cheap.

[@gagelee6551]

Suggestions on paint? 1. Gun metal gray 2. Black with white flakes 3. White

[@FrenchValleyAirport]

The crustiness of this engine was legitimately keeping it together.

[@opl500]

The engine's almost 40 years old.

[@FrenchValleyAirport]

opl500 ok thanks captain obvious?

[@FrenchValleyAirport]

Gambler go drink some

[@kaiserdominik8332]

I know Im asking randomly but does anybody know a way to log back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb forgot the account password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me

[@anthonythomas489]

@Kaiser Dominik instablaster :)

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

Thank you for sharing this, Eric. I hope you stem clean that bay and paint it.

[@jaflolara]

fearless camera guy on those closeups involving Eric using the saw

[@ericthecarguy]

That what the zoom is for.

[@jaflolara]

Big fan here Eric! I know, just looked like he was really close lol loving the Fairmont and missing my 78, same color, 4 door.

[@bigcliffe]

23.40....Now I know how they made those sound effects in psycho...... The best of the eighties........hose after hose after hose.....

[@chrisdiana3525]

oh the anticipation!!! C'mon get that beast of an engine in there already.

[@ericthecarguy]

You have to get through the build videos first.

[@mikehartmann5187]

Eric, you're doing it wroooong! (Sorry couldn't resist)

[@davidaguirre393]

"It smaller than what I expected it to be" lmfao

[@mrz80]

I hope that's NOT what she said!

[@dogsbyfire]

Cool video! Very informative. Your detailed explanations make it worthwhile. Thank you.

[@ohblondi]

You would think with all the free stuff Eric has had sent to him, a SAE set of impact sockets would have been one of them.

[@WouterB76]

Really looking forward to the next episode!

[@CarterRoberts]

got to see some cameraman Brian the car guy wrenching. sweeet

[@andrewkiwi1]

Eric did you know that a choke cable can glow orange if you have a bad earth cable on the motor. ha ha I had a customer who bought a car in like that. It glowed a lovely orange colour when he cranked it. He was lucky he didn't set it on fire.

[@FFF-ii2lx]

شكرا على العمل الرائع

[@robwellborn9326]

You make it look easy Eric…

[@BigHappysPlace]

Gotta love the old C-4 ford auto trans..

[@JB_Royal_Ambassador]

Why not make dedicated grounds? Headlights, Alternator, Head, Block, Body, Frame, Fuel Pump all routed back to a grounding stud...then stud to negative battery terminal. Then have a large + and - dedicated to your starter which is the largest amp draw. Using the body as a ground is not ideal even if it is rust free and your connections are clean. Steel is not the best conductor. This can cause rust as well. Sending electrons out to do work with a good battery is one thing, why not give them a good path home? Your ignition system spark will work better, lights will be brighter, alternator will be more stable, fuel pump will last longer. No hunting electrical ghosts and gremlins because of poor grounds. Military and industrial vehicles have dedicated grounds as standard. I did them on my 79' Jeep CJ7. Why not get the most out of the new equipment you are installing? From a fellow retired mechanic Love your videos!

[@ericthecarguy]

I think you're over thinking this. I am redoing the entire electrical system though.

[@JB_Royal_Ambassador]

I know I know haha. I am looking forward to that video!

[@johnmckamy6398]

awe poor Fairmont, getting a heart transplant . hope she comes out of surgery ok and goes on to live a robust tire burning life.

[@joseph012able]

Thanks Eric !

[@XxStRAnG3xX]

At 23:40 the shower scene from psycho popped into my head haha

[@Rickyboy707]

Cameraman Brian rocks.

[@billl9988]

cool i had a 1978 mercury zephyr with 289 v8 c4 that was a fun car.

[@heyjoe9099]

I like your Elvis clock back there dancing. 👍

[@curtisray4315]

Man you made that look so easy

[@vetterfellow]

Great video Eric.

[@TheCodeMonk]

Perhaps it's my frame of mine, but the face and tone when he says "Naked" made me lose it...hahaha.

[@myinfo3406]

no stripped bolts or nuts...good job

[@jonathanharris6699]

Fairmont heater core through rockauto $22.79, $30.68 shipped to the shop well kings mill OH anyway. Got a bit nerdy there but I love a good parts hunt now and then.

[@bendude6748]

Hi Eric, been watching your channel for a few years since back when you were in the old shop, your videos have helped me out a lot with my car problems and you are my favourite youtube mechanic, you seem like a great guy. Also really enjoying the Fairmont build, great project! This is actually my first post on youtube as I never had an account before so I just decided to get one and subscribe to your channel too!

[@danielj1063]

Timely notification came up just as I'm pondering whether to build another conversion. First time to keep and rebuild (read: "turboize"), an I-6 instead of "no replacement/displacement hi-po" mentality, but each to their own. My worn out, foreign, early 90's, mechanical injection, sleeper, will howl, but therein lie couple issues. Not much aftermarket (glutton for punishment), and, do I have "one more" in me? Put a 351 Cleveland/C6/9inch (L-slip, but she remedied that long ago), into wagon format like your F-mont during late 80's among other projects thru to approx 7-8 years ago, so do the chronological math. Seatbelt is great idea (seen lots of kooky contraptions), it's strong enough to use (in a pinch), for tow/transport, etc., with CAUTION. Great stuff, Eric. For me, decision comes after we source out parts (viva "hinternet"), then will enlighten vehicle name if "upgrade" goes forward. You inspire me/us, tho. ps - If I were U.S. citizen, would have voted for "D.N."

[@springtimehappiness5216]

Hi Eric ! Look at how simple the engine is.My first car was a 1961 Buick Special.Do you like to work on those older radiators ? They were made of copper.My dad and me used to take the radiator to a shop to be soldered and leak tested.Theen they spray painted it.Have a good day.

[@WhoThisGuy515]

Heater core for a 79 fairmont is available at any parts store for 19.99 brand new with ac option

[@Jono.]

Oh man! I've been waiting for this!! Can't wait for more

[@oudude27]

Good morning, Eric

[@ericthecarguy]

Morning.

[@kdmq]

Unless I am misunderstanding something, I believe the Fairmont is being converted from an auto to a stick in this restoration. Therefore, I am looking forward to seeing how you will deal with adding the clutch pedal, clutch master cylinder and lines.

[@hellcat1988]

HOLY SQUEAKY MILLION PUMP JACK BATMAN!

[@boburius]

yesssss eric this videos made my day im verry happy for you thanks wating for the next video.

[@programmerx8455]

About 3months old not to bad :) I suggest people follow his Instagram or be a member on the site for more instant updates!!

[@ericthecarguy]

Somebody gets it.

[@luigui80s]

"that's smaller than I thought it would be.... I know, that's what she said!" 💀AF

[@Rookie_DIY]

Another great video Eric. Keep up the good work!

[@Coholbell15]

I love the way you work Eric:)

[@opl500]

Let's see if you can do better removing an exhaust with a sawzall than Finnagan...

[@HRWatson68]

Finnegan was holding the camera, how is he supposed to twist the Hornet exhaust off with his feet?!?!?!?!?!? lol

[@eddiemartinez265]

Should have had frieburger there for helpha ha ha ?

[@eddiemartinez265]

3rd World Garage Hey they see each other for the roadkill shoot's?

[@thecentralavenuegunslinger7861]

Man a copper radiator shows you the difference in quality between then and now lol

[@stevec5935]

Having a lift makes everything awesome!

[@vulcan1753]

I like to remove the transmission first, from underneath, before pulling the engine. Notice how close that oil pan came to the radiator support. I accidentally damaged the radiator support on a Pinto while trying to pull the engine/trans out in one piece, a long time ago. On a Pinto, and I believe the Fairmont as well, the radiator support is pretty flimsy and easily bent, yet it is what holds the whole front end of the car together.

[@ericthecarguy]

You could do that, but this was faster and nothing got hurt.

[@vulcan1753]

Sorry, did not mean for that to come across as offensive. I have done it your way many times, and only had one mishap. But I tend to be somewhat OCD about working on my own cars. I don't have to work against a time clock, I actually enjoy being very deliberate and methodical. I'm really enjoying your Fairmont videos. Nice to see someone working on an older car, and I love what you are doing to it.

[@ericthecarguy]

No worries. Everyone has their own way.

[@TKTmon]

I guess it's too late for this now, but I would have loved to see you do a quick and dirty turbo job and crank up the boost until it blew up.

[@chefdan87]

Once ready to pull i would have had the car on the ground and used the car lift to pull the engine. Its always been the easier route compared to an engine hoist. Just roll the car back slowly as needed to get the transmission out while lifting.

[@slimjim119]

and the build begins

[@OrbiterElectronics]

C'mon Eric, Who farted :) 4:20

[@zx8401ztv]

Ha ha i didnt hear that untill you pointed it out, someone stood on a duck lol :-D

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Heheee.. Hiya mate ;)

[@oldassaccount9034]

he also farted at 12:36

[@zx8401ztv]

lol have you been singing, its raining in the midlands :)

[@oldassaccount9034]

+zx8401ztv what are you talking about?

[@Boot_185]

I got the same floor jack. got it for free in a pile of scrap just needed to retap the fill hole and put a bolt in it

[@MrKornhole]

Eric after seeing this post for the first time it brought back alot of memories for me, when I ran modified race cars at a few of the local dirt tracks in the Carolina's. The engines we ran were modified 6 cyl. Ford motors. After stroking and boring out the block we were able to get close to 320 cid out of a 300. I do like the V8 you built for the car , but wonder why you didn't do a build using the 6? A turbo 6cyl would of been wild.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

I think my next tool purchase will be a battery powered impact wrench. I'm not getting any younger!

[@EchoOfGecko]

Maybe this is s dumb question, but if you're going to be replacing the k-member anyway, and you have a lift, why not just unbolt the k-member and drop the whole thing, with the engine/trans still attached right out the bottom?

[@DanielRichards644]

thats what I asked too, it's what the f-body guys do when they swap motors, much easier then dealing with clearances lifting the thing. I think he's just milking it for a many videos as possible so he can pay for the build. like next video will be just the removal of the k-member and front suspension, then the next video after that the prepping of the new parts (if we are lucky the install of the new front suspension and k-member) then a video dedicated to the battery relocation and another to some other crap I haven't thought of then maybe by christmas we might actually see the motor go in.

[@EngineeringVignettes]

These are also geared to help others (somewhat). Not everyone has a car hoist. - Eddy

[@ericthecarguy]

Because the only thing I could drop it on is jack stands and then I'd have to break it down anyway.

[@DanielRichards644]

Deathlok67 most the guys i've seen do motor swaps by dropping the K-member did it in there driveways by lifting the front end of the car with the engine hoist till it was high enough to roll the setup out on a dolly they positioned underneath ahead of time.

[@ericthecarguy]

I plan on getting or making a roll around stand to use for things like that before I do the transmission swap on the Vigor. It's easier to take that engine/trans out from the bottom with the K member in that car. I have no regrets for how I did this one. It wasn't difficult or time consuming at all. Also, the bolts for the K member are right next to the coil springs and are difficult to get to as you'll see in the next video.

[@Tahara-Aichi]

The cool part is that you really have plenty of room to work on the engine compartment

[@Trials-and-Tribulations]

You have a good scrap pile started.

[@kelli217]

I am curious about the V6 under the shelf there. Also, I learned that there are plenty of performance parts available for the Ford 200 inline 6. A KZbin user by the name of SuperKONR built one that he estimated at 240hp gross, though he had some issues getting it tweaked and tuned.

[@williamwilde141]

I think that's the v6 from the engine swap from the Acura, (unloved Acura) there are several videos from that which were very good.

[@Hyperion031]

Finally!

[@richardquinones2959]

you're hilarious bro I love your videos dude keep up the good work

[@chadgardee1496]

Damn felt like forever waiting on that video

[@wilsonyew2123]

I suggest remove the battery before working, it terminal touched will cause spark and ECU will worn

[@johngiardina8259]

Best viddio you ever made ..very interesting..Con grats

[@Bobherry]

Aww I was hoping for a ETCG1 because its my 18th birthday today.

[@ericthecarguy]

Happy birthday. BTW ETCG1's get posted on Mondays.

[@Bobherry]

+EricTheCarGuy Thanks Eric.

[@MegaGemoroy]

+EricTheCarGuy Next time my birthday falls on a Monday is 2018, I will see you there, Eric :)

[@cheesemons]

Happy birthday Bob

[@q......]

Yeah, I have to wait until like 2021 for mine, but it's not like I am not really counting the days until then.

[@UBBERTANKER]

hose clamps on a/c lines now thats oldschool

[@mrz80]

I have to go back and watch the rest of these vids. This is nostalgia city. My first car was a 79 Fairmont wagon with that long skinny 3.3l 6cyl. I bought it not-quite-new from my parents and put nearly 20 years and over 177k miles on it before I finally sold it to someone who desperately needed any sort of working vehicle. I still miss that car. Up until a few years ago I used to see it around town. Btw the transmission was a C5. And just so's you know, Ford ATF tastes TERRIBLE!!!! (Yeah, lying on the ground under the car loosening the pan bolts and I got a faceful when it let go all of a sudden :) )

[@bradyspace]

I hope that inline 6 gets a new home.