I know this is a weird question but I'm removing my transmission (th400) for a converter swap and I don't want to damage the distributor when the engine rolls back, so I cut a 2 x 4 and wedged it between the cyl. head and the firewall. Now I'm concerned that the firewall might cave in, do you guys think it's strong enough? I know you can support the engine via the oil pan (jack stand with a 2 x 4 on it) but then I can't slide the trans out the front. Worse case scenario I can pull the distributor and let the engine roll back but it would be nice to avoid it if at all possible. I thought this job would be simple but it's really being a pain in the @ss, especially in my small one car garage :mad: . Thanks guys.

You'll be fine. Been there, done that. Both as a matter of fact.

That's been done since the beginning. I even remember seeing it in a book, I think it was a Motor Manual.

Thanks guys, better safe than sorry :) .

When I bought my 'velle, the 454 it came with had a truck pan on it, so they just sata it in the engine bay, and the bellhousing flange rested on the firewall on a 800 mile trip home.