How long does it take to do an engine swap?

[Mitching]

Getting a replacement engine, exactly the same as the old one (pb engine) and I was wondering how long it would take to do the swap?
I got 2 mechanic mates doing it for me, taking out out the current engine and gear box and putting in a replacement engine with gear box attatched so it should be a straight swap without too much dicking around.
Anyone got any idea how long it will take?

Cheers
Mitchell

[rubjonny]

I did one in 10 hours by myself like for like, but during that time i also did a couple o gearbox seals and fitted a clutch. plus bear in mind this was on a car where all required bolts have been undone a couple months beforehand, so you might get held up with seized bolts. drivershaft bolts in particular make sure you clean out properly and tap your m8 spline tool fully in to make sure ya dont round em off.

when i do engine swap I take the entire front end off including front radiator/engine carrier. what I would do is try to split the downpipe from the front silencer, then drag the engine off with inlet and zaust manifold still attached. saves fannying about with tricky to reach 12mm nuts & allen bolts in situ, do it out o the car where you can see clearly and with plenty access

[The Mighty Elvi]

4 hours.

[mk2bal]

4 hours- if u don't have any probs like seized/rounded bolts etc. If u gotta replace other bits, flush and refill coolant, then check over everything uve done I'd say allow a day realistically. My 9a went in real easy, when I put the abf in for some reason the three bolts for rear engine mount were a pig to align up,only slightly out, this prob took half hour alone, so 4 hours maybe in a perfect world...

[The Mighty Elvi]

There are 3 of them doing it - 2 of them mechanics. 

[clipperjay]

I reckon Two days for you!
 

[danny_p]

4 nutters can do a like for like swap in under an hour on a car thats been apart recently.

for 2 mecanics and a minion half day should see it done easy

[Mitching]

Cheers all!
So realistically it'll be around 5 hours, not too sure on the state of some of the bolts, they could be a struggle.
Anything else that can be done/ I should look into?
Had a new clutch fitted to the gearbox about a month ago so that's gonna be put into the new gear box.

How about when it's in, do I have to take it easy for a while?
Cos I'm supposed to be heading to my nans in Cornwall for christmas 

[Diamond Hell]

Don't do a like for like FFS - get a 2.0 in there, you goon.

This is an opportunity not to be missed!

You will not regret it.

[Nokey]

A few years ago I helped my mate on one it took us 8 hours total, were not mechanics and never done one before. And that was with him anally photographing where hoses and wires came from, which was helpfull as he couldnt find his camera when we put it back 1 month later.

As Rubjonny says, If we had realised how easy the front came off it would have been easier and quicker.