Builds Saved from scrap - '97 LX450 build thread (1 Viewer)

[Feldrian]

In all fairness, I was proving a point to some flat-brim dude driving a Jeep. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Like all my best decisions, running a newly (entirely) rebuilt truck up to 100 wasn't overly wise, but it also gives me a degree of confidence that if I hand the truck over to my wife to drive at 70 down the freeway that she's not at the raggedy edge of capability and safety.

It was pretty twitchy above 90, but I expected that. Nothing that made me feel unsafe enough to take my foot off the gas though. Most frightening part was I had a TON of RPM band left and about 40% more throttle. Stopping at 103 was me, not the truck saying it was all it could do. Handling starts to feel like a race car with a frame crack which will have me crawling all over the truck this weekend to make sure that's not the case.

 

[White Stripe]

A chevy engine in a toyota!? What sacrilege!

 

[Feldrian]

A chevy engine in a toyota!? What sacrilege!

I feel guilty about it every waking moment.

 

[FMC80]

I feel guilty about it every waking moment.

I don’t believe you.

 

[White Stripe]

I feel guilty about it every waking moment.

I'm sure the guilt will fade every time you blow the doors off a rubicon.

 

[Feldrian]

The sound of small children crying in the distance as I start it up in my driveway does provide some small comfort.

 

[TYM4FUN]

The sound of small children crying in the distance as I start it up in my driveway does provide some small comfort.

LOL, that reminds me. I had semi restored a 66 mustang with a built 5.0 w/butterfly cutouts after the long tube headers. It was LOUD.

So one day in a random parking lot a lady come up to me and says ~ "Nice Mustang. The other day you passed us on the street while I was walking with my son. You scared the crap out of us and made my son cry." Me, " I'm sorry." Lady, "Oh no, don't be sorry, it was awesome!" Merica.....

 

[FMC80]

"Nice Mustang. The other day you passed us on the street while I was walking with my son. You scared the crap out of us and made my son cry and my panties drop." Me, " I'm sorry." Lady, "Oh no, don't be sorry, it was awesome!" Merica.....

Fixed it for us

 

[TYM4FUN]

Fixed it for us

Yeah, pretty much.

 

[sedonut]

It came out beautiful.

I'm always curious what it costs to install a V8, especially if you have someone else do it.

 

[Feldrian]

Depends pretty heavily what else you have the shop do "while they're in there". I've heard some wildly variable numbers from different members. I'm happy with where mine ended up - I knew being the guinea pig for a LT1/ 8l90e conversion would probably cost a little more and result in some headaches, but it's been worth every penny.

If you're interested I suggest you talk to some of the reputable shops out there - They know their stuff and can help mitigate the litany of little things that can go wrong with a swap. My AC works, my gages all work, tap shift works, the tune matches the truck (both ECM and TCU), I don't seem to have any cooling problems, power steering dry steers 37" tires at idle, brake booster is adequate. It's also nice to know I have a shop standing behind the build if something goes wrong in the future - Means I'll have a good partner to help trouble shoot. No complaints here.

 

[ATXLX]

..but it's been worth every penny.

Not sure if I missed it earlier in the thread, but how many pennies are we talking?

 

[Feldrian]

You'll find most members don't post costs for their builds for a variety of reasons - Some because it's almost impossible to quantify, some because it'll cause a divorce and some because it's a privacy concern. I'd suggest PMing people with builds you're interested in or talking to the shops - All of them were really open with me when I was planning my build.

Engine package for my build came from Scoggin Dickey - That'll give you a starting point.

 

[FMC80]

Dang, your 80 sounds awesome! That engine just purrrs! Whoa! Oh wait, that’s my imagination. You haven’t satisfied the forum’s keen interest. Tease.

 

[Feldrian]

Yeah, I'm terrible. I spent 2 weeks wiring the interior and then all weekend driving around to get the miles on the diffs so I could change fluid. If the rain doesn't kick up (again) today I'll back it out and take some video.

 

[FMC80]

Yeah, I'm terrible. I spent 2 weeks wiring the interior and then all weekend driving around to get the miles on the diffs so I could change fluid. If the rain doesn't kick up (again) today I'll back it out and take some video.

You’re almost as bad as my ex-girlfriend keeping me on the hook for second base just before friend-zoning me.

 

[Feldrian]

Console, shifter console and Witt's End useless ashtray insert with Blue Sea components all finally installed and working. Wiring for the gauges, seat heaters, Blue Sea components and aux lighting (which is switched from the stock blanks over next to the dimmer control) took way longer than expected. All of the dash lights were replaced while everything was opened up which was another unexpected PITA (holy crap those little bulbs are spendy). And man, if I don't have to pin out another connector for a while I'll be a happy camper.

@Delta VS Shifter console took a while to mount correctly. Ended up shimming up the rear of the console to match the height of the shim stack at the front and omitted the screws at the rear of the shifter console so the whole thing could sit flush - Which all makes perfect sense, just wasn't mentioned in instructions (required longer bolts than stock for the rear of the console). Had to cut a piece of the OEM structure away on the drivers side to allow the gauges to fit flush. Interestingly, if the SwitchPro cut out and gage cut outs were reversed, there would be no cutting necessary and the SP would be a lot easier to reach without impacting the visibility of the gauges. Also added some door edge guard to the top and bottom of the accessory panel to avoid scratching the hell out of the console when I was messing with alignment (which I learned the hard way). Basically the same profile as the rubber used on the console cup holders - Would be really cool if a couple of feet were included with the package. Makes for a clean install and cuts down on damage Finally - Stock bolt at the passenger side front of the shifter console is way too short for install. Would be nice to have a one in the package (gold bolt in photo).

@NLXTACY SUPER impressed with the quality of the ashtray insert. Fit perfectly. Looking forward to the cubby insert arriving.

Ready for heat insulation and carpet install as soon as I can find a shop with a decent reputation and an open slot on their schedule. Radio will be coming out as soon as supply opens up again - Most of what I've looked at buying is heavily backordered with no ETA.

 

[Feldrian]

Never ceases to amaze me how a good camera picks up every speck of dirt makes my truck look filthy inside.

Apparently I also need to do something about that worn-ass looking shifter handle.

 

[FMC80]

M,
I think it looks great. It’s been a long time coming so it’s good to see you taking your time and doing things right. Good feedback on the DVS console too. What does the “FIRE MISSILES” button do besides the obvious?
Pell

 

[Feldrian]

M,
I think it looks great. It’s been a long time coming so it’s good to see you taking your time and doing things right. Good feedback on the DVS console too. What does the “FIRE MISSILES” button do besides the obvious?
Pell

Amuses 8-year-old nephews. I don't need the OE cig lighter anymore with the upgrade into the ashtray insert and a button that said "Eject" seemed too on point.