Chevy Ram Jet 350 Project

[stringtwelve]

Well after a lot of research and financial wrangling I've decided to pull the trigger on the Ram Jet 350. I'm starting this thread to document the process and get feedback on my selected components.

Here is what we're starting with:
This tired 350 from the late 70's era already has the Mark's adapter in place for mating with the H55F 5 speed.
https://picasaweb.google.com/102478...&authkey=Gv1sRgCLWI1K7h_9K6dA&feat=directlink <- More Photos

And here's the new power plant to be ordered in the near future:
Chevrolet Performance Ram Jet 350
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12499120/overview/

Now for the accessories...

Chevrolet Serpentine Belt Kit:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12497698/overview/

Fresh Motor Mounts
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ens-3-1117r/overview/make/chevrolet

Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch Kit
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ctf-df735552/overview/make/chevrolet

Pilot Bushing
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ram-bu656k/overview/make/chevrolet

MSD Fuel Pump
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-2225/overview/

Compact High Torque Starter
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12361146

Lokar Universal Throttle Cable
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/lok-tc-1000ls1/overview/

Fuel Pump Block-Off Plate
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mrg-1515/overview/make/chevrolet

Dip Stick Tube
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12551154/overview/

Dip Stick
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12551144/overview/

I'm trying to identify all the misc parts and pieces I need before ordering. I still have the following items to research:

Fan method (Use mechanical with clutch or electric? Or, mechanical AND electric)
Radiator
Radiator Hose (This may be trial and error fit-up)
Fuel Delivery (Hose type, return lines for both tanks, filter location and type)
Chevy AC compressor fit up to existing system
Chevy power steeringpump fit up to Toyota unit
Manifold selection (most likely will keep my rams horns)
2nd battery location and securing method

If you have any insight on this project please feel free to chime in. I will continue to update this thread as I move forward.

Thanks!

 

[Bret]

Do some searching on the fans before pulling the trigger. I ended up running a big clutch fan for simplicities sake. You may want to look at radiators too, a 19x26 will fit with FJ60 ps if you make your own bracket.

I ran seperate power to a marine style fuse block to seperate the ECU and motor electronics from the old cruiser wiring. Mske sure the fuel pump is easy to get to and as close to the tank as feasible.

Do you already have the H55 installed?

 

[stringtwelve]

Bret,

I think I will go with the clutch fan since I seem to have plenty of room with the current configuration.

Any particular fan and clutch combo you recommend?

Good idea on separating the circuitry. I'll throw a fuse panel in the cart as well.

And yes, the H55 is already installed.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Nice choice. I have one in my shop now going into an FJ40, with a 700R4 behind it. All good points by Bret. Separate wiring and fusing makes trouble shooting a lot easier. The 19X26 aluminum radiators fit nicely, and you can even shoe-horn a 19X28 in there if you feel like it. If you are buying things separately, make sure you tell the Summit boys you are getting the serpentine set up because the crate engines come normally with standard rotation water pumps. The serpentine set up uses reverse rotation water pumps.

 

[SSCR]

I was going your route but decided on just getting a low mile vortec motor instead. I got a 30k LC9 vortec (all aluminum) with a 4L60e trans with all accessories (serpentine belt) for 4 grand shipped. Just adding an option out there.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[darwink1]

Nothing to add really except that youre gonna love that ram jet. Have one in my 60 and couldnt imagine anything else in it..

D

 

[stringtwelve]

Stupid question... will I need a reverse rotation fan setup?

Also, I'm having a tough time finding any good threads on mechanical fans and their clutches... suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Bret]

I would look for an OEM application for your basic block configuration (i.e. vortec small block with mechanical reverse rotation clutch fan) with a high rated GVW in the hopes you can get a larger steeper pitch with a tighter clutch.

Hayden has some info on their website that may get you moving in the right direction.

 

[stringtwelve]

I'm getting real close to placing my order... still have a few lingering questions though:

Do you have to use a reverse rotation fan clutch on a serp setup, or only a reverse fan?

I hear some people are running low profile pressure plates for the added throw, is my clutch selection ok or should I find something low profile?

What type of fuel line should I use for the high pressure EFI system? There seems to be a ton of choices out there.

And, if anyone has a summit racing coupon they'd like to go to good use I'd appreciate it! I'm up to $8k in my cart

 

[Downey]

Ok, here's my 2 cents:
(1) I think the Ram Jets use the newer style LS-1 motor mounts, check with AA.
(2) If you find the Lokar throttle cable a bit pricy, I have a special Landcruiser/Ram Jet 44" long cable set-up for around $53.00.
(3) I'm not positive, but if the Ram Jet crank is similar to the LS-1, you'll need a pilot bushing AND my 1.707" adapter bushing, $20.00.
(4) If interested in a rigid fan, Flex-a-light makes a clutch eliminator (#851) for 96-newer engines, and a reverse rotation fan for it (#1517).

Good gosh darn luck with your project.

 

[stringtwelve]

Time for tear down!

 

[SSCR]

Cool.... Looking forward to this one!


...via IH8MUD app

 

[stringtwelve]

Got the old one yanked out today. Here's a few progress pics:

Mark's 4WD Adapter

Guess I better get the new one on it's way from Summit...

 

[stringtwelve]

Can someone confirm this flywheel ID for me? I'm assuming it's part of the Marks 4WD adapter kit.
I'm trying to figure out if I should have this resurfaced and balanced or find a new replacement. There doesn't seem to be much material left to remove from the contact surface to the flush surface of the pressure plate mounting area. Thoughts???

 

[stringtwelve]

Well, I think I just answered my own question... and I don't think it's good... it seems I had a gap in my research.

The old 350 is a pre-86 with a 3.58" flywheel flange. And now I find that my new Ram Jet is the 3.00" flywheel flange... so the current Marks flywheel is not gonna work. So much for plug and play!

Back to the drawing board.

 

[stringtwelve]

Well it's been an interesting start to this project. My oversight on the adapter and its massive flywheel was a big setback but I think I've got it worked out. I was lucky enough to score a Mark's 4WD adapter kit on eBay for $650 BRAND NEW this same kit retails for $1450!. Apparently someone bought it and went another route.
I was also able to source a transmission bellhousing on eBay since the new adapter requires it to be installed.

Oh, by the way, Santa Claus stopped by and delivered THIS today:

Unfortunately.... the box with the ignition coil, plug wires, diagnostic tool, O2 sensor, IAT sensor, and bung was missing.
Needless to say I've been on the phone with Summit Racing a lot today. They are attempting to track these parts down and get them on their way. Oh well, another lesson in patience I suppose.

Spent the day stripping parts off the firewall so I can prep and paint some bare spots from a previous brake fluid leak. I should have a porch full of parts when I get home from work tomorrow so the weekend is sounding like fun!

Stay tuned for more parts porn.

 

[sadam_husain]

cool looking project mate, how did you end up with an aussie truck?

 

[stringtwelve]

cool looking project mate, how did you end up with an aussie truck?

Thanks! The previous owner imported it into the US several years ago. I found it for sale on craigslist and just had to have it. I love the right hand drive.

 

[sadam_husain]

I'm doing a very similar swap on my 40 at the moment mate, I pulled my faithfull old SBC out on the weekend and have a Gen II LT1 injected engine to go in but I've pulled the TPI injection unit off and put a carb manifold on so I can run my 4 barrel Holley TBI unit and an HEI distributor. I've been running a centreforce dual friction clutch the same as you listed above for the past 3 years its been one of the strongest reliable clutches I've ever owned, I took it out to the clutch guy today and its still in pretty good condition considering all the abuse and submerging in mud its been subjected to, I'd recommend them to anyone

 

[stringtwelve]

I've been running a centreforce dual friction clutch the same as you listed above for the past 3 years its been one of the strongest reliable clutches I've ever owned, I took it out to the clutch guy today and its still in pretty good condition considering all the abuse and submerging in mud its been subjected to, I'd recommend them to anyone

I actually have another low profile Centerforce pressure plate and matching clutch on the way. The paperwork for the Mark's 4WD adapter is a bit vague on whether or not a low profile is required so I figured I would compare the two.

What adapter kit are you running with your LT1?

In other news:

Parts are starting to show up!

Got the firewall prepped and painted along with the front portion of the chassis.