[gswest]

I made the leap and took my Florida FJ62 to Texas this week. She's getting a vortec transformation alla "Iaintscared1969". If any of you missed the thread: MrZero divorces 2F for Vortec mistress , you should check it out.
I've been trying to decide whether to rebuild my engine and replace all the other 20 year old items that might leave me stranded someday or go with a more modern and muscular package. After going thru most of the threads here, I stumbled onto the work displayed in the thread I mentioned above. That put me on a course that involved 1400 miles on the road to Texas, a rather substantial commitment, both financially and othewise and it introduced me to the individual that's doing the tranformation.
I know the purist out there don't agree and I understand their perspective, these straight-sixes may be slow, but they do get you there. I happen to like the work this "Vortec Junkie" does and I also feel the weak point of these trucks is their lack of HP. I could have found someone closer to do a simpler V-8 conversion, but seeing his work on MrZero's "Mistress" convinced me to hit the road. I might be crazy but follow this thread as "Iaintscared1969" shows his progress on this loyal but underpowered FJ62.

[Rigger]

Oh boyohboyohboy !! I love Vortec swaps!!

[pops popcorn, opens cold Pepsi)

I'm ready! Bring on the Vortec!

[Tinker]

So ya ever gonna tell us which engine & tranny? How about other mods like exhaust manifolds & cam?

[iaintscared1969]

OK guys here we go again. First off I would like to thank Gwest for the vote of confidence and the kind words. That is one heck of a trip to make for a "simple engine swap" So we will be installing a 03 5.3l Vortec (41,000 miles on it) mated with the stock 4L60E and Yota transfer. The harness and ECU will be made by Fuel Injection Specialties.

Adapters for the 4L60E are from AA. The center drop headers from AA will be installed for the exhaust running a dual system, front O2 sensors, NO CATS, 2 1/2 to 3" pipe with the dual chamber Flowmasters.

The front drive shaft is from Downey. Once I get to that point Texas truck parts will Modify the drive shafts to a smaller Dia. tube but thicker wall.

I have already begun working on the engine. I have the tear down and cleanup going and have started to port and polished the heads.
Stay tuned pic's to follow!!

[gswest]

Let me clarify something; the local Florida people I could have used for the V-8 conversion wanted to do the "simple V-8 swap". This simpler, maybe less complicated swap would have been a crate motor with a carb or holley projection system. In the end that would be more expensive, but a simpler way to go. I don't know anyone who has done this swap using these Vortec motors as cleanly and professionally as Iaintscared1969.

[meatloaf]

Conratulations GSWEST...I will be following this thread...

Aintscared, I am next!

ML

[gswest]

I know we use aliases here, but you guys can call me Scott.

[iaintscared1969]

Here are the pic's of the engine and tranny as how I brought it home. Very nasty looking if you ask me...That's my son Andy helping with the clean up work.

[iaintscared1969]

Here's the tear down and prep of the block. It takes a little time but I have always liked doing this portion because I can actually see the end result before it goes in the truck

[iaintscared1969]

More pic's

[iaintscared1969]

Here's a little trick I have always done but seem to forget to post it. This is something every racer has done in their lifetime....

[iaintscared1969]

Now for the after pic's of a little bit of elbow grease and Ceramcote paint. Yes that is a very close match to the vehicle scheme.

[iaintscared1969]

A few more...

[iaintscared1969]

Sorry guys I guess I should have posted this first. But here is Scott's pride and joy.

[iaintscared1969]

If you are using the AA LS1 motor mounts with the AA center dump headers you need to modify them. First of the #1 tube will hit the steering linkage when install so the pipe has to be cut and turned in. This is done at the exhaust shop, But I cut the relief and the 1" offset on the drivers side. There are no issues with the P/S header during installation.

[iaintscared1969]

This is the header after it is installed. Note the #1 sticks out a bit further. This is where it will hit the steering knuckle. Easy fix for a good exhaust guy.

[iaintscared1969]

Here's the pic's for the finished product. I am leaving the top cover off because it is going to be a surprise for the final pics.

[iaintscared1969]

I may be getting a little carried away but I think it looks good. Next will be the tranny and the installation of the new end shaft and possibly a TCI upgrade kit.

[gswest]

Very nice!!

[iaintscared1969]

OK here goes the fun part. Removing the bell housing and tranny support to get it ready to disassemble. Thats T50 bolt heads on the bell housing and don't use an extension on the impact.

[iaintscared1969]

Last set and I am calling it a day. It doesn't look so big now. But it still has about 200 moving parts inside. I may pull in the truck tomorrow and tear it down?! Maybe Monday

[gswest]

It's amazing that you can make that dirty motor new; better than new actually.

[iaintscared1969]

I just take my time and Clean everything that can come off and put it back together. I am glad you like it. How about that color scheme?

[gswest]

The color looks very nice; it matches the truck perfectly. Does the tranny get painted?

[MrZero]

The red bling is AWESOME!! Love the valve covers!

[iaintscared1969]

Are you jealous MrZero? The tranny will get treated just like the rest of the engine. Clean and matched. I bet I get the Mistress back for some love?! Hope the A/C is working good. I still owe you the part #. So in your opinion how is it looking? Familiar? Hey when we get these all done let's do a 4th of July get together!!

[Tinker]

Aint -
It's inconceivable that someone would pick on these small details & leave the important ones to chance. Great work!

The guy that did my 5.7/4L60E got tired of the project before he got done, so the big things were great but I had to re-do the small things. Still re-doing small things two years later.

[iaintscared1969]

I try to make sure that even the small things are done. I hate turning over the truck when I might think there could be a problem. I want the engine to fit the truck like it was made for it. So everything has to be done before it even gets set. If you have the idea that the Vortec is for you I want to make sure it is everything you could have wanted.

[kling-on]

wish I had the cash I would love one of those in mine

[Zack1978]

Not to get to personal, but about what does the above service cost out the door?

Zack