Opinions

rightlane · 09-27-09, 05:28 PM

Hello all, I have a chance to put in a sealed bid at my work for a very clean 91 chevy van with a strong running tbi and auto transmission, @67k miles. My intention is to swap the 2f out of my 85' fj60. I'm looking for some opinions on my bid. I didn't find much online to compare price-wise for that drivetrain. All opinions are welcome, Thanks, Chris

Kavik · 09-27-09, 07:15 PM

I have everything you need (almost) to put a 350tbi, 700r4, and a 203 doubler into your 60.

PM me for details...

BMAN · 09-28-09, 08:29 AM

Chris,

PM Kavik... I've seen his donor ride. It's deffinately worth what he's asking. Then get your ass out to the next meet and take a look at my 60 conversion. It'll give ya some ideas for sure.

friel01 · 09-28-09, 08:58 AM

well, for what its worth, I picked up my donor (the 1995 roadmaster)for my '56 buick project;a strong running TBI (lt1 engine) with an auto transmission for $880 off of craigslist. It does have 110K miles, but it gives you some idea. If you want it as a van, its one thing, but if you only want it asa drivetrain, there are lots of comparable drivetrains out there andt he prices are cheap, so your bid should be too.

rightlane · 09-28-09, 10:54 PM

I was thinking @ $700. small bidding pool. the only thing wrong with the van is that the ac needs recharged.

inkpot · 09-29-09, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rightlane

I was thinking @ $700. small bidding pool. the only thing wrong with the van is that the ac needs recharged.

Hey, go for it. For that price, you can buy both setups, use Kaviks's, and part out/resell the van. There is always a market for TBI 350's. I am interested in Kavik's, but I am spending my fun money on a busted front axle right now. John

rightlane · 09-29-09, 09:05 PM

I should find out by the end of the week if i get it. thanks

rightlane · 10-13-09, 01:18 PM

Winner winner chicken dinner. It ended being a 1 ton 5.7 tbi with 4l80e! 59k original miles driven by senior citizens. advanced quoted $655 for the tcase adapter, sound right? I'd love to talk to you, BMAN, and pick your brain. Oh yeah, the winning bid was $801

BMAN · 10-13-09, 03:50 PM

That's about right. 2WD I assume? This is better As you won't have to swap the tailshaft. I'll call ya this afternoon and we can chat. Or you can catch me (hopefully with the 60 onhand) at the Sonic cruise this Friday night.

Kavik · 10-13-09, 10:18 PM

Congrats Chris. Good luck with your build.

bard · 10-16-09, 05:45 PM

Hey Rightlane, what are you going to do with the 55 engine? I'd love to have a Nailhead in my 60.

friel01 · 10-16-09, 08:50 PM

Hey Bard, I think you meant that nailhead comment for me, not Rightlane. Not to hijack his thread (by the way, congrats on winning the bid rightlane, I cant wait to see the build!).

I am still debating whether to use the nailhead. I originally was going to, then it pissed me off, and I was going to swap it for the LT1. Now I think I am going to give the nailhead one more chance before I swap it.

Unfortunatly, if I do swap it, I will probably part the engine. A 56 nailhead is worth a LOT more as parts than as a lump.

I had previously cleaned up the engine and made it pretty (didnt do a tear down of it, but did look around the top and bottom end, and replaced the fuel pump, waterpump and rebuilt the carb). When I fired it up, it ran but when it warmed up, it let me know the freeze plugs were rusted out. So that ticked me off (you can understand the anger I felt, that a 55 yr old freeze plug would have the nerve to rust). So I put it away for a year or two while I finished my truck.

I actually got back to work on it this week, the engine is coming out tomorrow, and I will see where I go from there.

bard · 10-16-09, 09:08 PM

OOps, guess I better pay attention to who's posting what. I have had several 50s Buicks in the past and love the torque the Nailhead puts out. I am running a small block chevy in my 60 now and really miss the torque of the 2F. I think a Nailhead would be the perfect engine for one of these FJs. I have actually been looking around on Craigs list and they are really hard to find. I have the Ranger overdrive so it should just be a matter of finding a bell housing and clutch for the Buick to make it work. Thanks for the pic, brings back good memories. (if I were you I would do the freeze plugs)

rightlane · 10-27-09, 09:37 PM

crap crap crap crap! Just came to find out that since the 4l80e came out of a two wheel drive vehicle, it has a longer output shaft. To replace it with a shorter four wheel shaft entails a complete rebuild! Crap!! First quote was $850. I didn't plan for a near $1000 dollar glitch. Suggestions? Thanks, Chris

a.mus.ed · 10-27-09, 10:07 PM

sell the tranny and buy one from a 4x4?

friel01 · 10-28-09, 07:16 AM

when I used the advance adapters stuff to put the 3spd transfer case on my 4l60e (2wd), you had the option of rebuilding with a new shorter output shaft, or cutting the longer shaft down. I opted for the cut, and all seems fine.

rightlane · 10-28-09, 09:52 PM

how much did you have to cut off?

Kavik · 10-28-09, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a.mus.ed

sell the tranny and buy one from a 4x4?

700r4 ready to go!!!

friel01 · 10-29-09, 08:08 AM

I dont really recall (it was two years ago). But the instructions came with the adapter. You might check their website.

Kurtis · 11-03-09, 12:24 AM

I put a 2wd 4l60e to my split case. The cut was cake I did it with a cut off wheel in the grinder with the tranny installed in the cruiser. Look at the advanced adaptors manual it has the exact measurment. I thought 4l60e / 4l80e out put shaft were the same. I'm pretty sure you don't want the 4x4 shaft as it is to short. The correct size is somewhere in between the 2wd and 4wd.