Build 1997 FZJ80 Chevy 5.7 TBI build

[Elbert]

5.7 TBI is pretty rock solid dependable. I would replace any and all plastic OEM GM vacuum hoses that are up there by the throttle body with rubber hose. Very dependable setup. V-8 swaps make a big improvement on the fun factor once you get past any gremlins.

 

[rockrod]

off topic but this was my other engine swap vehicle - 1985 Jeep CJ7 with an efi ford lightning 5.8l converter to full roller valve train:

yes, it was hard to keep it cool on the road but was fine on the trail.

 

[88chevota]

Very nice CJ.

 

[88chevota]

So for the fan shroud I used the Chevy shroud and radiator clamps. The rad rests on some cut hose because it rest on the frame. It is then clamps down by Chevy factory top radiator clamps. The Chevy shroud covers it up to give a clean look. I used self tapping bolts to secure things.

 

[88chevota]

Waiting on the 1,2,3,D, N, R, P. shifter cover to come in. I notched the factory one like Rockrod did on his. I ended up making my own shift linkage for the shifter. It's not pretty but it is functional. Sorry no pic of that. But here is the center console for now.

Second pic is where I placed the 3 way ball valve for the vacuum line for the 62 series t-case.

 

[88chevota]

Here is the exhaust for now. Not sure ill keep it like this but it is function and clears everything. I am running 2" dump rams horn manifolds. It Y into 2-1/2" exhaust. I used the cheap pre-bent stuff. May take it to an exhaust shop when the funds build back up.

I was also able to run the wiring where the factory placement was. Computer sits where the factory one was.

 

[rockrod]

you need to slap an a/c compressor in there!

That shroud looks factory in there. Nice work.

 

[Elbert]

you might want to go by napa and pickup 8 of the spark plug boot heat shields they have, because eventually you will have some issues with heat damage to the plug wire boots. I have the Napa ones on my engine after I had the same problem. They are made of some type of "cloth" and they are about 5 inches long and simply fit over the spark plug wire boot.

I don't know if these are the same items but I just did a google search and found these on amazon..
http://www.amazon.com/Protect-Shield-Thermal-Protection-Insulator/dp/B00178WH9G?tag=ihco-20

in my case I'm running a 5.7 vortec and I use the spark plug wire set from a 99 2500 with 454, which gets me the right boots for the OEM distributor and straight plug boots at the spark plugs, whith the rams horns I like the straight boots at the plugs.

 

[88chevota]

Thanks. I tried hard to keep it looking factory. I'm still not sure about the dash. I'm a little partial to know what my temp is and what my oil pressure is. Not a fan of "it looks about right".

Thanks for the idea on the spark plug boots. I'll look into it.

 

[rockrod]

the temp and oil pressure signal wires run through the IH1 and IH2 connectors which are located right above the stock 1FZ engine ECU. I used those wires and fitted stock 1FZ sensors to my motor so that the stock dash gauges would work. On my motor, it runs anywhere from 190 to 206f on any given day. 206 on the stock gauge is about 3/4s of the way up on the stock dash gauge and 190 is about 1/3 the way up on the stock gauge. I have a scan gauge plugged into the OBD port to get these numbers. Oil pressure runs about 3/4 to 7/8s up the stock gauge - but I have no idea what that number really is on the GM motor. I would guess it's in the 50 psi range.

 

[88chevota]

I have figured out how I could tie into the stock dash just by pulling it off. The problem is some of it is guesswork. The guys who pulled the motor pulled the harness. I have no idea which wires on the VSS do what for the speedo since its all electronic. If I run my own gauges the only issue ill have is the fuel level.

Anyone test the ohms on their fuel sending unit?

I tested and think I got 134 at full.

Have not tested empty yet.

 

[88chevota]

Here is the other project I need to work on.

Previous owner did a Chevy swap but his motor and tranny mounts are a little shady. Already fixed the other mounts and did a spring over.

I discovered there are only two bolts holding the tranny bushing on and only two bolts holding the adapter on the 700R4. Here is a pic of the trans mount. After I do this ill be painting the vehicle my self. You can find the progress on this one in my signature below.

 

[88chevota]

Started working on the dash. Looks like I committed to new gauges.

Took it all apart and made a template for the new gauges.

 

[rockrod]

if you got the cash, send the housing to dakota digital and let them do their thing

 

[88chevota]

How much would that cost? I can get gauges for around $220

 

[88chevota]

Well. I forgot my neighbor behind me teaches Japanese at the Airforce academy. I had him read the back of the instrument cluster panel to tell me what everything meant. The biggest thing I was worried about was the speedometer. Maybe I'll give that a shot now that I know what all that stuff says now. I have gotten this far keeping it all looking pretty stock.

 

[88chevota]

Got some tires!!!

 

[88chevota]

Decided to do new gauges.

 

[rockrod]

So for the fan shroud I used the Chevy shroud and radiator clamps. The rad rests on some cut hose because it rest on the frame. It is then clamps down by Chevy factory top radiator clamps. The Chevy shroud covers it up to give a clean look. I used self tapping bolts to secure things.

Did you use the chevy radiator or the 80 radiator?

 

[88chevota]

Chevy radiator.


And here are the gauges.