Topic: Leaving the top trans bolts out - Solstice Sky AR5

[Steelmesh]

Just came across this: http://thegarage.jalopnik.com/two-tricks-for-making-an-engine-swap-easier-1795298699

The one trick is to leave the top transmission bolts out because they are the most difficult, and with our platform it is quite difficult without 42" of extensions, USB drain camera, Video monitor, and patience. 

Any thoughts or opinions on this for our application?  My conservative side says it will crack the block (at the mounting bolts), but that is speculation on my part.

Edit:  First anecdote: I just randomly asked one of the mechanics at work if he heard of this, said they do that all the time for vehicle development stuff because they're always dropping the trans, but certain tests would require all bolts.

[Sly Bob]

If I was going to take them out again soon I would leave them out but if I wasn't going in there for a while I'd be putting the bolts it.

I already have a drain camera...   

[Steelmesh]

If I was going to take them out again soon I would leave them out but if I wasn't going in there for a while I'd be putting the bolts it.

I already have a drain camera...   

I did forget one important item, Duct Tape.  For holding the bolt in the socket for re-installation ease. 

[Helios]

As far as fastener integrity rules go; you should never have more than 10% of fasteners missing, corner fasteners, or leading edge fasteners missing. Of course there are all rules I learned in aviation, but I still think they're a good general rule of thumb because they make sense. I personally wouldn't leave out any fasteners holding the engine and transmission together.

[Sol Asylum]

As far as fastener integrity rules go; you should never have more than 10% of fasteners missing, corner fasteners, or leading edge fasteners missing. Of course there are all rules I learned in aviation, but I still think they're a good general rule of thumb because they make sense. I personally wouldn't leave out any fasteners holding the engine and transmission together.

Not to derail the thread but as an A&P IA I have never heard of this "rule," was that a military thing?

[Helios]

Not to derail the thread but as an A&P IA I have never heard of this "rule," was that a military thing?

Yes. I'd have to dig out the NavAir/ MilSTD, but it's there. It was one of the first things taught to me while in the Tomcat community as a plane captain.

[elff]

WTF?
I would think the rule for shit that flys is all the bolts all the time
That's scary as hell to know that they are like, no worries it's only one bolt, what could possibly go wrong?

[Sol Asylum]

WTF?
I would think the rule for shit that flys is all the bolts all the time
That's scary as hell to know that they are like, no worries it's only one bolt, what could possibly go wrong?

That's always been the rule for planes I have worked on.  The military gets to play by their own rules so...

[Steelmesh]

WTF?
I would think the rule for shit that flys is all the bolts all the time
That's scary as hell to know that they are like, no worries it's only one bolt, what could possibly go wrong?

On the flip side, you wouldn't want the plane to go down because of 1 bolt missing.

[Sol Asylum]

On the flip side, you wouldn't want the plane to go down because of 1 bolt missing.

I wouldn't want to be the mechanic that signed off the last logbook entry if that happened.

[2kwk4u]

My thoughts:  if it would be just as good without those bolts, wouldn't GM build it that way?  It's engineered with those bolts there for a reason.  I wouldn't be comfortable leaving them out.