Chevy Ram Jet 350 Project

[scrapdaddy]

Besides saying what a great job you've done, a question on the expensive radiator hose. How to you like it, worth it, etc. I might go that route, if I can't find the right pre bent one for my vortec. I found the upper, just need a bottom one.

Thanks,

Ron

 

[stringtwelve]

Of all the parts that I bought, those hoses were the only ones I really doubted. The reviews were mixed and I was expecting them to be a struggle to keep from leaking. I only intended them to be a quick and easy (but expensive) way to get on the road while I continued my search for pre-bent hoses I could replace them with. After several months of use I haven't had the first leak. Even bouncing around on the New Mexico back-roads hasn't affected them one bit. The hardest part was getting the adapter over the water pump inlet. I had to use a die grinder on the inlet to reduce the bead size (which to be fair was poorly cast), bevel the interior of the rubber hose portion with a razor blade, and heat it in boiling water before it would slip on.

The advantage of the metal tubing is that you can form it to roll over the top of the alternator instead of resting on it like most installations due to the increased flexibility of the rubber hose. I still want to get rubber hoses to keep as backups just in case I've jinxed myself, but so far I give them two thumbs up.

 

[FluByU]

Do you mind saying what your investment into the Ramjet is to this point? I have been quoted varying prices to rebuild my F.5 ranging from $3K to $5K depending on parts availability. I have been pricing 2Fs that range from $500-$1K that all will probably need a rebuild as well which is roughly the same $3-5K to rebuild plus the cost of the 2F. I have been seriously considering swapping in a fuel injected V8.

 

[stringtwelve]

I would say I have roughly 11K in the build. You can do it for less depending on what parts you decide on. For example; the electric fan setup with controller set me back quite a bit more than a mechanical fan with clutch would. I also installed a Dakota digital gauge cluster to keep an eye on things. Best case price is probably going to be about $9,000-$10,000 all said and done. If you're going with a budget then consider a 350 crate motor and put MSD's EFI unit on it: http://www.atomicefi.com/ I almost went this route but the beautiful intake and 400 ft lbs of torque on the Ram Jet sold me.

 

[FluByU]

Thanks! Thats good to know. $5K is cheaper than $11K. I would probably be close to that due to the fact that I still need to get the conversion kits, a transmission (either NV4500 or H55) and the associated brackets, etc...Ill keep looking for the 2F I guess.

 

[rockclimbr]

Thanks again for posting this! It has been an invaluable resource. I believe that the computer and the wiring harness was included. Was it relatively straightforward to adapt the wiring harness as required?

 

[stringtwelve]

There are only a few wires to be connected; Battery power, ignition, tach (digital or analog lead), 3 separate engine grounds (for electronics) and two leads to the fuel pump of choice. Very easy electrical installation. The rest of the engine harness clips into two jacks on the ECM and fans out from there. All of the leads are labeled and simply clip into the associated component. It was a 30 minute process and that includes routing and tying it down neatly with zip-ties.

The O2 sensor will take a little time since you have to weld a bung into the exhaust, but it also clips right in when you're done.

Battery (red), ignition (purple), and digital tach (gray). I simply "safed-off" the end of the analog option.

ECM, fuse blocks, and relays mounted and connected.

Routing harness.

 

[78fj40mg]

Excellent work!

 

[McIntosh]

I am new to this forum and just inherited my fathers 1972 fj40 upon his passing. It needs a repower and I have spent a lot of time researching the options. I have to say that this particular thread has inspired me to follow in your foot steps and do the same project. The FJ I have is presently the original 3 speed and I was hoping you had a recommendation for a transmision if you had needed to do that extra step.

Thanks very much!

Mark

 

[78fj40mg]

I am new to this forum and just inherited my fathers 1972 fj40 upon his passing. It needs a repower and I have spent a lot of time researching the options. I have to say that this particular thread has inspired me to follow in your foot steps and do the same project. The FJ I have is presently the original 3 speed and I was hoping you had a recommendation for a transmision if you had needed to do that extra step.

Thanks very much!

Mark

Mark Welcome to MUD! I look forward to your build in a new dedicated thread to your '72 FJ40.

 

[McIntosh]

Thanks much! Will get this started over the winter and will absolutely create the thread.

M

 

[McIntosh]

Since I have insufficient credentials to post questions to the boards (I guess since I am new) - I am left asking it here since I can't find a thread specific to my question. I just got new windshield bumpers for the hood and am unsure which way they face. I have looked at pictures of other 72' fj40's and they are installed in both directions. Anyone have the answers to this rather embarrassing question?

Thanks

Mark

 

[stringtwelve]

I am new to this forum and just inherited my fathers 1972 fj40 upon his passing. It needs a repower and I have spent a lot of time researching the options. I have to say that this particular thread has inspired me to follow in your foot steps and do the same project. The FJ I have is presently the original 3 speed and I was hoping you had a recommendation for a transmision if you had needed to do that extra step.

Thanks very much!

Mark

I would highly recommend upgrading to the H55F or the Chevy NV4500. There are also automatic transmissions to consider if that's your preference.

 

[huminajumina]

I would highly recommend upgrading to the H55F or the Chevy NV4500. There are also automatic transmissions to consider if that's your preference.

Yea I would agree, I used the NV4500 just because it was a little cheaper and parts and adapters were so prevalent. There are plenty of options, I definitely recommend researching it all and picking what works for you!!!


@stringtwelve Again, Nice work!n I have to say, when I pulled the engine and painted the firewall, that was one of the best parts, It just looks so fresh and clean after you do all the work to put a new engine in there!!! I had to talk myself out of the ramjet though!! Looks Great!

 

[apeterson]

Do you have a picture of the colors of the tach wire and where its located?

 

[itsasweetdeal]

Trying to help my husband ... what AC Compressor (size, etc...) did you get? We also have the Ramjet 350. Thanks!