1983 fj40 5.3 header problems

[kirn]

I am in working on my fj40 5.3 swap and i just hit a problem. I am trying to find a good header to work with the problems is the clearance between the block and the steering box on the driver side. Has anyone ran into this problem before? Thanks for the help

 

[pbgbottle]

Most V8 conversions have steering box clearance problems. With the stock steering setup. Most of us also have switched to some other steering setup. i.e. Power steering.
To solve this issue on the older engines we switch to the early Ram horn exhaust Manifolds ,, maybe they will bolt up to the 5.3. Others will have more for you.

 

[Flipper1938]

Old school small block chevy exhaust manifolds do not bolt up to a ls motor.

Do you currently have truck manifolds bolted up? If so, please post pics of how those fit.

 

[Downey]

Try Sanderson Header's "Ultra Block Huggers" for the LS-1/5.3 engine, they hug the block, do not protrude out as far as normal "so called" block huggers. I think they stick out about 3", most stick out 4" to 5", check it out.

 

[Flipper1938]

Try putting a passenger side manifold on the drivers side.

There are several versions of ls car manifolds that may work also.

Post a pic of your current situation.

 

[dad4x4]

Wait........You are doing a V8 conversion on an '83?

 

[Downey]

dad4x4, In today's world (my personal belief is) FJ40's come in three flavors:
(1) Pristine show room floor restored, worth a zillion dollars.
(2) Daily driver with stock 6 cylinder, worth $2,000 to $20,000 (many listed for $20-50,000, but NOT sold).
(3) V8 Chevotas, not many for sale, owners too happy with them.

 

[kirn]

Most V8 conversions have steering box clearance problems. With the stock steering setup. Most of us also have switched to some other steering setup. i.e. Power steering.
To solve this issue on the older engines we switch to the early Ram horn exhaust Manifolds ,, maybe they will bolt up to the 5.3. Others will have more for you.[/QUO

My fj40 has power steering i seen on sor.com that they have a Saginaw Power Steering Conversion Kit this would fix my problem just expensive trying to do this on a budget and i have all ready went way past it lol.

 

[kirn]

Try Sanderson Header's "Ultra Block Huggers" for the LS-1/5.3 engine, they hug the block, do not protrude out as far as normal "so called" block huggers. I think they stick out about 3", most stick out 4" to 5", check it out.

Thank you i am going to call them after i get a few more measurements but they look like they could work.

 

[pbgbottle]

So true !
Nice Jim. Lol. I love my Chevota. Not for sale. EVER.

 

[kirn]

Wait........You are doing a V8 conversion on an '83?

Yes i have had this fj40 since i was 15 and 15 years later i get to do what i wanted to do to it when i was 16. I will never sell it and i want to start driving it a lot more.

 

[dad4x4]

I understand. my first fj40 was a 72 with a 350 and was a lot of fun. sometimes I wish I still had it. that said it was a '72. you have a real gem with an '83 as there are not many around. Anyway, I never build anything with the thought of re-sale or worry about what others may think. I always have the plan of keeping all of them forever. (especially if I had one since 15) good luck with the build, I look forward to seeing pictures.

 

[cult45]

I understand. my first fj40 was a 72 with a 350 and was a lot of fun. sometimes I wish I still had it. that said it was a '72. you have a real gem with an '83 as there are not many around. Anyway, I never build anything with the thought of re-sale or worry about what others may think. I always have the plan of keeping all of them forever. (especially if I had one since 15) good luck with the build, I look forward to seeing pictures.

Isn't it funny - down here we'd be mourning a V8 conversion in an early girl instead of a later one like you boys in NA. Kinda like a V8 45 will bring ten times the attention than a 2H or 12H-T one, whereas up there the V8 ones are a dime a dozen and the diesels have the oooh ahhh factor.

 

[Flipper1938]

A good small block chevy sounds so much better.

 

[kirn]

Here is my fj40 right after we painted when i was 15 and a pic of the motor from a few weeks ago one of the 3 test fits lol

 

[RustyNailJustin]

Are you keeping the 4 speed? If not what tranny? That's possible another item to consider is driveshaft clearance to the front axle with the trans if you went to something like a TH350 or 400.
You will love that motor!

 

[kirn]

I am going with the 4l60e. I think custom driveshaft in the front is about the only way to get it done.

 

[bikersmurf]

How long is the rear drive shaft? Can the driveline be shortened?

It looks like you'll need to keep the motor as far forward as possible... Good luck with the build

 

[RustyNailJustin]

That tranny is good as well, I like it over the factory 4 or 5 speed, TH350 or 400 in something like you are doing.
Pay attention to your rear DS length and angle. And yes you will likely need to do a 2 piece front shaft. That is not a big deal just something to consider.

 

[peesalot]

have you considered a stock denali manifold ? You will want the shorter oil pan as well.