He took it out through the top with the tranny already disconnected.
As for the mechanic himself, he didn't know he had to use the original intake manifold and exhaust manifolds, so when he put the new motor in, nothing lined up, had to take it out, and swap the manifolds. On this site in a different spot they say you have to use your USDM manifolds. I didn't know that when I gave it to him or I would have warned him.
The coolant issue is fixed, two small leaks because of bad clamps and then an air bubble. the oil and coolant haven't moved in a couple thousand kms.
Slowfinger, I am very happy I did this to my car, however, it did cost almost 2 grand all said and done. Keep that in mind when deciding if you should do it or not. Everything else on my car is in great shape and has been replaced recently (clutch, brakes etc), so it was worth it for me.
As for the mechanic himself, he didn't know he had to use the original intake manifold and exhaust manifolds, so when he put the new motor in, nothing lined up, had to take it out, and swap the manifolds. On this site in a different spot they say you have to use your USDM manifolds. I didn't know that when I gave it to him or I would have warned him.
The coolant issue is fixed, two small leaks because of bad clamps and then an air bubble. the oil and coolant haven't moved in a couple thousand kms.
Slowfinger, I am very happy I did this to my car, however, it did cost almost 2 grand all said and done. Keep that in mind when deciding if you should do it or not. Everything else on my car is in great shape and has been replaced recently (clutch, brakes etc), so it was worth it for me.