i am doing a engine build since i have two engine misfire codes and massive smoke from the exhaust. anyways, i have been trying to pull the motor from the tranny but it looks like the tail shaft wont come out with out binding up. i thought i could pull the motor with the tranny still bolted to the car. i have triple checked all the bolts are out but im thinking that there could be some inside the bell housing. for you guys who have pulled out the ej20 could you help with some advice?

 

It is much easier if you remove your motor mounts first......... The motor mount bolts are keeping you from seperating the engine/clutch/throwout bearing from the tranny input shaft. I have removed motors without taking off the motor mounts but it's usually much more of a wrestle, especially if your doing it alone.

Tom