Builds Keeping it low with Rockwells (a.k.a. under the knife again)

[Eskimo]

The last few days have been wiring, nothing really to show, but today I tied down and tightened up most of the hydro lines, made the intake system, and decided the solenoid box for the front winch looked s***ty mounted on the winch, so I began relocating it.. ugh, what a PITA.

The solenoid pack in its new home... (nowhere else to put it)


The intake setup - a "Cobrahead" 90 to a standard 90, some 4" tube, then a reducer to 3.5" for the MAF, and an AEM "dryflow" filter - none of that damn oiled gauze... I still need to make a little bracket to stand it off the engine slightly.


AND, WE HAVE STEERING!!!! Well, kinda. We have rear-steer at least. I didn't bleed the front yet. Once the pump started moving fluid (I guess the valve was stuck), it was CAKE, thanks to this brilliant idea from my hydraulics buddy, who never has used it before, but got a flash of inspiration.. (I'll do a tech writeup on it later, it's a GREAT timesaver though..)

 

[wngrog]

Is this the Aluminum head 5.3 motor?

 

[Eskimo]

Is this the Aluminum head 5.3 motor?

Yassir... and all it needs is fuel and it will be alive...

It's so close I can taste it!

 

[Eskimo]

Getting closer, but not without some stress.. When I initially installed the serpentine belt, it was rubbing BADLY on the radiator hose outlet.. I'm running 5.3 truck accessories on a 'vette water pump. Fortunately, it looked as though one of the alternator mount bolts would be a good spot, but that's already a LONG M10 bolt. Aprilia to the rescue! I had a spare bolt of the right size, perfect length, threaded right in in my spare bolt bag from my motorcycle... Even the belt for the Tahoe fit, and I've got great pulley wrap so things won't slip.

Here's the before shot.. note the location of the idler pulley on the right.


And, after!

 

[Eskimo]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is not a test (fitting)- the front end is together! cooling fan, radiator, bib, front rock lights, winch, everything!! I love how it looks.

 

[Eskimo]

Oh, and in a moment of "Duh, Rich", I figured out that the brace in the center of the hood was preventing me from running the engine cover we painted up and wanted to run.. buh-bye to the brace!

 

[Tapage]

I can take a test ride in your machine some day . ?

 

[wngrog]

I love it Rich. Can't wait to see it at Grayrock.

 

[freds40]

Looking real good. Can't wait to wheel my Rocks.

 

[Eskimo]

I can take a test ride in your machine some day . ?

If you come all the way up here, you can take 'er out for a spin. Should be hard to break. That's the idea, at least.

 

[Tapage]

If you come all the way up here, you can take 'er out for a spin. Should be hard to break. That's the idea, at least.

Thanks dude .. very much. I don't believe my intention it's broke your toy .. at least I don't think I can do .. but who knows

 

[flippin sweet cruiser]

I been watching this build from the beginning and it is incredible. It looks amazing. And i bet it wheels even better than it looks!!

 

[Eskimo]

Houston - we have ignition. Video tomorrow. The motor is fawkin sweeet.

 

[projektdotnet]

sounds like fun!

 

[Eskimo]

http://media.putfile.com/First-run-of-the-53

Fired on the first shot, as you can see, about 3-4 cranks. Love it.

 

[Radd Cruisers]

Oh Man, I am a toyota purist but what can I say..........................












That V8 sounds like full awn testosterone.

 

[Tapage]

Damn ! this engine sound good ..

How much rpm you set in the injection cut . ?

 

[Eskimo]

I think I told him to program in 5750 or so.. can't remember exactly.

It's up there. at least it is for a guy formerly running an engine that wouldn't turn over 4500-5000 in first gear..

The oil pressure is nice too. my old motor hardly ever went over 40 at any RPM.. now I have 40 at idle..

 

[boots4]

Out of all engines, a healthy V8 still has the best sound. Congrats.

 

[Clutchee]

Congrats Bud on the build.

See ya at Grayrock in Oct.