My Elantra has some sort of lower engine failure. I'm planning on pulling it and replacing over my upcoming 4 day weekend. I've found a 2.0L with 100k for $500 in a local scrapyard.

Just making sure I'm on the right path, here. By my understanding it should be a pretty easy job(relative term, right?) Pop off the hood, remove the harmonic balancer and all other goodies (alternator, power steering, etc) and of course the wire harness. From what I gather it's then pretty easy to remove the starter and unbolt the torque converter from the engine assembly? Support the tranny from under, give it a quick pry, and I should be able to remove the engine without having to remove the transaxle?

Plan on checking gaskets and replacing timing belt on the replacement before it goes in. Just checking to see if I'm missing anything here. I've read a couple of the other threads on this page. Would like to leave transaxle in place and just pull engine through top.

 

You didn't mention the motor mounts
But, am guessing you know about them.
You also have throttle cable and cruise control??
Disconnect the battery??
And when putting new engine in, to check and clean up all ground contacts??
But, you probably already know this

 

Yeah. I'm mostly just talking about this from a clearance stand point. I shouldn't have a problem clearing the bell housing and pulling through the top leaving the trans in, kind of thing.

 

All I can say about that is to take your time and have a buddy helping.
Always need more than one person.
Safety first