Build 1997 FZJ80 Chevy 5.7 TBI build

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I got the 2" ones. I would assume the 2-1/2 are better.

What I have left to get it running:
Tranny lines
Fuel lines
Shift linkage for tranny
Driveshafts
Electrical/wiring harness

I'll figure out the gauges later.
I may have to go with a custom dash. The guy who bought the motor apparently grabbed the part of the wiring harness for the dash.
 
If you want to keep the stock dash, wiring for the gauges isn't too complicated. The only things that require wiring changes are the tach, and the gear indicator if you wish to keep it. You'll need a little inline converter for the odometer cable, which can double as a speed sensor for your engine ECU.
 
Here is a pic of the shifter.

image-47366904.webp
 
dude,

you've been a busy beaver, holy cow! Good job.
 
Drove it around today and I have this rattle sound that sounds like its coming from the transfer case. It only happens when I left off the gas or it shifts from 1 to 2. happens in 2 or 4. I put in a 89 FJ62 t-case with the vacuum line actuator.

any ideas?

Also need to check the wires to the alternator. doesn't seem to be charging.

UGH!!!
 
Well I think i figured it out. Too much vacuum can cause the actuator to push too hard causing a light rattle sound when there is slop in the drivetrain. Once it shifts I turn the valve to the off position and no rattle.
 
also fixed the alternator issue. now time to drive it around and have fun!!!

Still need to hook up all the dash stuff.
 
Are you a cyborg or something? Closet meth fiend? :D

Your pace of work is mind boggling, my hat is off to you sir!
 
Polar Bear said:
Are you a cyborg or something? Closet meth fiend? :D

Your pace of work is mind boggling, my hat is off to you sir!
Click to expand...

Thank you. I took the whole week off and spent 10-12 hour days in the garage.

8 days. about 90+ hours.

I will say I am exhausted but glad its driveable. Put lift coils in to boot. Need longer shocks, and still need to put the front driveshaft in.

But I can DRIVE IT!!!!:steer:
 
Power feels pretty great. Considering I shed almost 300 lbs of weight from that engine and trans combo it's very different especially with that added torque of the 350 TBI. I Need to adjust the throw on the throttle pedal so I get the full length and can really open it up. I'm only getting the throttle body about 3/4 open right now. Then I'll really see the power difference. I am already very pleased with the power upgrade though.

I like the simplicity of the TBI motors even though you don't get as much power as the vortecs. If El
Paso county ever goes back to smog I'll have to buckle down and figure out how to work on the vortec.

All in all I am very happy with it.
 
I love the simplicity of the TBI. My '88 C2500 with a TBI felt like a race car compared to my FZJ80.

And a 350 with a cheap exhaust sounds better than a 1fz ever can.
 
It does sound awesome. I've tried to upload a vide but YouTube is giving me trouble.
 
Here is the short startup video.

Idle was fast for two reasons.
1. no serpentine was on yet
2. I forgot to hook up the vacuum line for the brake booster.

Once I took care of those two things timing and idle was puuuuurfect.

I'll take more pics and video and explain details of what I did over the weekend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH74lM9ES70&feature=youtu.be
 
Nice video!

Can you take pics of the radiator fan and the exhaust pipes please?

Thanks.
 
Sweet! I'm so excited for all my swap parts to arrive.
 
gotta love the simplicity of the venerable 5.7l tbi motor. My buddy has one in a rock crawler jeep and loves it. he struggles a bit to keep it cool but that's an issue with the jeep and it's really small radiator. The 80 series radiator is huge in comparison and will cool up to 400 hp with no mods.
 
I had a jeepster rock crawler I built with a 5.7 I ended up having to put a summit high flow radiator and shroud to keep it cool.

I actually used a Chevy radiator in this swap cause I sold my stock one. Went to the junk yard and got a ton o parts for the $100 I got for my old rad.

Here is a couple of pics of my jeepster I used to have that I built from the ground up. 3 link front, wishbone triangulated rear, 1 tons, dual cases. It was pretty awesome. But, I like being able to daily drive my wheeler and be able to take it on long trips. I can't afford to have a trailer queen.

Nothing beats the stock capability and ride of a cruiser with a Chevy power plant.

image-500847110.webp


image-2014075358.webp
 
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