1977 FJ40 w/a Vortec 4.3 & 4spd

[msapers]

I like what you're doing. we had a Vortec 4.3 in a van at work and it pulled pretty hard. I think you'll like it.

 

[srgould41]

Hi,

I have a TH700 with a Dana 300 adapter waiting on an engine and D300. I am undecided between a 4.3 or 5.7.

Can you tell me how the 4.3/th700 combo works out? I would really love to know.

Thanks,

Steve

hey andy.
thanks for the props, been a pleasure working with you.

looks like you're making good progress on the rig and all the work is solid. fwiw, i have used jim's ( downey ) vss and they work very well. i'm also finishing a 78 fj40 for a custoemr right now with the 4.3, but his is a 2001 with a th700 behind it.

keep up the good work!



ps: got the letter yesterday, thanks again!

 

[Fryedaddy]

srgould,

You'll need to gey up with Orange45, he's the one working on the th700. I'm using a 4.3 with AA adapter to the 4 speed tranny, I like straight gears. He will be more than informative with any question you may have.

 

[srgould41]

Still... you should have some good input on the engine

srgould,

You'll need to gey up with Orange45, he's the one working on the th700. I'm using a 4.3 with AA adapter to the 4 speed tranny, I like straight gears. He will be more than informative with any question you may have.

 

[Fryedaddy]

If you have a newer modle 4.3 with fuel injection it should have close to the same stats as a 350 carbed. I haven't had mine running with the 4.3 yet. It fits really nice and I've heard many good comments on the engine power from other mudders.

 

[Trollhole]

I also took a few pics of the engine and the space I have to work with, I believe it might be an inch to far forward but I'll work that out when I install the heater box.

I don't know what I'd do with all that room behind my engine.

 

[srgould41]

I have been tempted to rob the one out of my S10

If you have a newer modle 4.3 with fuel injection it should have close to the same stats as a 350 carbed. I haven't had mine running with the 4.3 yet. It fits really nice and I've heard many good comments on the engine power from other mudders.

 

[xjnation]

I don't know what I'd do with all that room behind my engine.[/quote

Makes a good place for the battery..... or a compressor.

 

[Elbert]

I would love to center mine but the DS is a little close to the dust cover.

Alright, out came the engine again the flywheel went on with a little effort. I'm going this weekend to pickup the budbuilt panels and ordering the metaltech fenders next week. I removed the AA transfercase mount and had the cup cut off. Since I could reach the trany easier now I thought it would be best to do that. I'll prob use the factory piece until I drive it a bit and see what kind of gas mileage it gets.

Anyone have an idea of the performance and mileage without a VSS?

maybe old news by the time of this post. You will not get full performance out of the engine without a VSS. You'll experience numerous instances where the engine will just shut off. Come to a rolling stop (engine dies), stop fast to turn (engine dies)...etc. With VSS no problems with idle. The PCM really needs to see the VSS signal.

 

[xjnation]

Got the VSS installed and I'm very pleased with the fit. I had to trim 1/4-1/2" off the end of the spacer tube so the nut would fit back on the input shaft but it was very easy. The reluctor ring is almost perfectly center with the VSS so it should work alright.[/quote

Yeah, he got it in.

 

[Fryedaddy]

This past week my welder came in and tacked the budbuilt panels on and I cut the rusted portions of the front floor out. He's coming back this Sunday to weld the panels on and the flooring in. Getting a little closer to complete with the body.

 

[Fryedaddy]

I haven't updated this in awhile, I've tore apart the rear axle and inspected it. The previous owner must have rebuilt the tranny, transfer case & rear axle. I have the body back on again so the metaltech fenders are next.

 

[Fryedaddy]

Installed Metaltech tube fenders, they make a nice product.

 

[Fryedaddy]

More Pics

 

[srgould41]

What year is your engine?

 

[sls019]

Good work so far! Lots of bodywork taking up some time. I am preparing to tackle the same tasks. I like the engine work also.

 

[Fryedaddy]

It's a 95 - 4.3 from a blazer

 

[Fryedaddy]

Continued Progress

I haven't updated this in awhile, I've sold my house and moved then bought a welder so I could learn that and do it on my own. In the past week I made a front bumper out of 1/4" x 2" x 4", welded in some of the front floor board and fixed the rocker panels. I need to move the rig out of my work space so you can get a full view of it but this is a few close shots. Forgot to mention I've also added the wheels and tires.

Things to complete, minor welding, rear tire mount, body work, paint, wiring the engine, soft top & interior.

 

[Fryedaddy]

Pics

Pictures

 

[Fryedaddy]

Pics

One more