Techster’s 1973 FJ55 buildup...
- Thread starter treerootCO
- Start date
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Yes! Bigger shop, more insulation.
Engine build pics.
iron heads all cleaned up. i went with aluminum ones in the end.
test fit LS1 block. It was easier to work with the aluminum block.
assembled LQ4
test fit LS1 block. It was easier to work with the aluminum block.
assembled LQ4
The LS is such a nice compact motor! Going to be nice
The LS is a great motor. There's just no point in messing around with Chevy small blocks anymore unless you want period correct mods or something. The LS1 is going in the RX7 in the pics. Fits great and doubles the HP with minimal weight gain.
The aluminum heads didn't work out, but I had a set of very nice iron heads. They flow the same, just weigh 90# more. Got those all re-built. had to order new seals. The 99-00 seals are different from 01+. Had to order new bolts. Bolt kits come per side.
Got the motor completed, placed and bolted to the trans. The exhaust I had built didn't fit so it came apart and was re-done. Just about everything is wired. Just need to get rid of some extra circuits and re-wrap it all. It looks way worse than it is.
pic #1 fixing to drop with old exhaust. The right angle on the right side wouldnt clear the motor mount going in. I changed it to two 45s. It was easier to add the O2 bung then as well. The collector pinched between the frame and trans too. It will fit but needs to be rotated and maybe relocated a bit. Im going to have to put that in with the manifolds in place so no fun welding the joints.
Pic #2 - engine in place. Manifolds on and bolted up. 95% of the needed wiring hooked up
Got the motor completed, placed and bolted to the trans. The exhaust I had built didn't fit so it came apart and was re-done. Just about everything is wired. Just need to get rid of some extra circuits and re-wrap it all. It looks way worse than it is.
pic #1 fixing to drop with old exhaust. The right angle on the right side wouldnt clear the motor mount going in. I changed it to two 45s. It was easier to add the O2 bung then as well. The collector pinched between the frame and trans too. It will fit but needs to be rotated and maybe relocated a bit. Im going to have to put that in with the manifolds in place so no fun welding the joints.
Pic #2 - engine in place. Manifolds on and bolted up. 95% of the needed wiring hooked up
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LQ4 heads.
They came pretty clean.
The broken exhaust bolts came right out after being baked and blasted.
They came pretty clean.
The broken exhaust bolts came right out after being baked and blasted.
Good progress today
Gumby,
Are you running electric or mechanical fan? I can't remember what type of exhaust manifolds you have either.
Good job, getting it in there.
Are you running electric or mechanical fan? I can't remember what type of exhaust manifolds you have either.
Good job, getting it in there.
Taurus fan. The aluminum block on top of the battery is my cooling hose bypass, high & low fan switch and coolant gauge manifold.
I'm running 98 corvette manifolds again. Take the right one and cut it right at the welded seam, rotate the curve 90 so it passes under the oil pan and weld it back on. You still have an O2 bung and it solves the transfer case issue.
I'm running 98 corvette manifolds again. Take the right one and cut it right at the welded seam, rotate the curve 90 so it passes under the oil pan and weld it back on. You still have an O2 bung and it solves the transfer case issue.
Gates 18743 hose is 3/4 on one end and 5/8 on the other and makes a U shape tight enough that it works perfect as a heater hose bypass. I will be cutting it to use with my manifold, but thought I might save the info here.
PabloCruise
SILVER Star
Why did the aluminum heads not work?
They were the wrong ones. they were from a 5.3.
Got it together. Hauled it 12.5 hours to Flat Nasty. Broke the trans housing and the np203 on day 2. New motor ran great. Pig was doing well. Then not so much. It was impact that broke the trans case, not too much power.
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What kind of impact?
Was way up straddling a pair of boulders. Started sliding down the backside and slid off too fast and sideways. Landed right on the rear transfer drain plug. The cruiser case held up, far as I can tell, but the twisting force broke the trans and 203 cases.
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