Builds V8 (SBC) to V8 (Gen III Vortec) swap in my FJ60... (1 Viewer)

[scrapdaddy]

Nice Job!

 

[ufg8r]

Plenty of clearance now -->

Hopefully that does the trick! Where is the rig going from here? Going to run it like this for awhile or do you have more plans in the works?

 

[orion]

Where is it going from here? Upgrades as things need addressed...and getting used off road.

For example: It was running at 196-198F all the time after swapping out the thermostat housing last year (new thermostat was 186F, compared to 180 stock)...so the fans were running more than I liked. Grabbed a Mr Gasket 180F LS1 thermostat, and it seems to be happy at 188-190F now.

Looking forward to Mardi Krawl and GSMTR 2019.

Oh...Merry Christmas, y'all.

- Brian

 

[cruisermatt]

But I thought it was impossible to cool a V8 swap with electric fans!!
My fans are set to come on at 200 and 205 and it barely ever hits 200. Then the first fan brings it right back down to 195. Not sure what T-stat I have.
But these motors are supposed to run at 190-200

 

[ufg8r]

Where is it going from here? Upgrades as things need addressed...and getting used off road.

For example: It was running at 196-198F all the time after swapping out the thermostat housing last year (new thermostat was 186F, compared to 180 stock)...so the fans were running more than I liked. Grabbed a Mr Gasket 180F LS1 thermostat, and it seems to be happy at 188-190F now.

Looking forward to Mardi Krawl and GSMTR 2019.

Oh...Merry Christmas, y'all.

- Brian

I like it, sounds like you’re just gonna enjoy it for a little while. That’s good, it’ll give to time to scheme up the next phase...since we’re never done...

 

[orion]

...My fans are set to come on at 200 and 205 and it barely ever hits 200. Then the first fan brings it right back down to 195. Not sure what T-stat I have.
But these motors are supposed to run at 190-200

When I first completed my swap, it was exactly the same...would always sit around 192-194ish, and if it crept up (in traffic, or a drive-thru)...the fan would kick on and drop it quickly (I have one fan output, programmed at 200F).

Then I put the AC in, and swapped to the straight thermostat housing (for better lower rad hose clearance). That necessitated a new t-stat (it was the GM one-piece thermostat and housing before). So I grabbed a 2004 Escalade (6.0) thermostat, which happened to be 186F.

I didn't have any trouble with it running 198-200 all the time, except the fan was on a lot. Knowing how well the 180F stock thermostat did with my setup, I just wanted to get back to how it was.

Real happy with it now.

I like it, sounds like you’re just gonna enjoy it for a little while. That’s good, it’ll give to time to scheme up the next phase...since we’re never done...

We are never done, that is a fact...!

- Brian

 

[Chris Rapp]

Quick question on your vss. On the LS you didn’t need the 40 tooth spline sensor. Going with Vortec and stock tranny?

 

[orion]

Quick question on your vss. On the LS you didn’t need the 40 tooth spline sensor. Going with Vortec and stock tranny?

I used a Dakota Digital adapter to send a signal to the PCM...details back on page 4.

Factory speedometer cable still there, spinning the stock speedometer.

- Brian

 

[Chris Rapp]

I used a Dakota Digital adapter to send a signal to the PCM...details back on page 4.

Factory speedometer cable still there, spinning the stock speedometer.

- Brian

I saw that part. My question is in regards to what your computer needs and what you are giving it instead. There is a big difference from 8k a mile to 128k.

 

[orion]

For my use, I just needed the PCM to see "moving" versus "not moving" to prevent stalling.

8k is the output signal on the DD pass thru signal generator. I told the guy who flashed my computer what I was using, he did the rest.

- Brian

 

[Chris Rapp]

For my use, I just needed the PCM to see "moving" versus "not moving" to prevent stalling.

8k is the output signal on the DD pass thru signal generator. I told the guy who flashed my computer what I was using, he did the rest.

- Brian

Ok thanks. At least it keeps the stock speedo.

 

[orion]

^^^ No problem.

For a super minor update: Added fog lights to my 4Plus bumper.

They were on the bumper / on the 62 when we bought it, but I never got around to installing them after swapping it onto my 60. Added some yellow LED (H3) bulbs to the KC housings - They put out a ton of light.

Here's a pic -->

- Brian

 

[Chris Rapp]

Quick question. Are you still running the stock tranny too and did your engine placement go slightly to the drivers side? Seems the stock setup is not center.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

I really like the 4plus bumper @lcwizard this is your bumper correct @orion that last pic is awesome

 

[orion]

^^^ Thanks, man...

Quick question. Are you still running the stock tranny too and did your engine placement go slightly to the drivers side? Seems the stock setup is not center.

Yes and yes.

My drivetrain differs a little from a typical swap due to the Ranger overdrive (pushes the motor forward by 7-ish inches)...but it mates up to the stock 4-speed trans.

And it does sit off center to the drivers side, little over an inch IIRC.

- Brian

 

[orion]

It's time for my every-3-months update that's not really an update. It's sort of a "no news is good news" scenario --> The truck starts, runs, drives, stops, and does everything I ask of it on the trail, without fail.

That said, I took it to Mardi Krawl @ Hawk Pride Off Road over the weekend and banged it up a little. Didn't get too many action pics, unfortunately...I was last guy in line most of the weekend, so I could communicate with the trail leader (@ufg8r) via HAM.

Anyway, here's one pic (from the end of Lower Brokefoot, if you're familiar with the park):

I managed to catch my bumper and fender on a rock on Diamondback - Same stupid rock dented that fender 3yrs ago at Mardi Krawl (and I subsequently banged it out):

I hit the pass. side shackle reversal bracket at some point Had no idea until I rinsed some of the mud off last night:

...but I know exactly what I hit with the rear bumper / pass. side. Probably saved the quarter panel from some damage, so it did it's job:

...

So, a little paint and a lot of cleanup, she'll be ready to rock for GSMTR (in 5 weeks?).

- Brian

 

[ufg8r]

It's time for my every-3-months update that's not really an update. It's sort of a "no news is good news" scenario --> The truck starts, runs, drives, stops, and does everything I ask of it on the trail, without fail.

That said, I took it to Mardi Krawl @ Hawk Pride Off Road over the weekend and banged it up a little. Didn't get too many action pics, unfortunately...I was last guy in line most of the weekend, so I could communicate with the trail leader (@ufg8r) via HAM.

Anyway, here's one pic (from the end of Lower Brokefoot, if you're familiar with the park):

View attachment 1947912

I managed to catch my bumper and fender on a rock on Diamondback - Same stupid rock dented that fender 3yrs ago at Mardi Krawl (and I subsequently banged it out):

View attachment 1947913

I hit the pass. side shackle reversal bracket at some point Had no idea until I rinsed some of the mud off last night:

View attachment 1947914

...but I know exactly what I hit with the rear bumper / pass. side. Probably saved the quarter panel from some damage, so it did it's job:

View attachment 1947915

...

So, a little paint and a lot of cleanup, she'll be ready to rock for GSMTR (in 5 weeks?).

- Brian

All that rain sure made the trails a little more difficult than normal...slick and muddy is an understatement. I may have a little more work to do than you...

 

[orion]

... The truck starts, runs, drives, stops, and does everything I ask of it on the trail, without fail...

So, I jinxed myself...

Actually, I have to admit that was sort of a lie (above) - It failed to start 2-3x on the trail at Mardi Krawl, late on Saturday. A quick wiggle of the big starter wire made it start each time, and I figured it was all the mud mucking things up. Not the case.

However, it started right up to drive off the trailer when I got home, I drove it to work and to run errands last week, etc...all without issue. Until This past Saturday after lunch, where I found myself laying under the truck in a parking lot while my wife and kids waited patiently .

Turns out, the 12v trigger wire on the starter solenoid was missing a split washer, and the nut vibrated loose. I couldn't see it on the trail, with all the mud, and wiggling the big wire was also moving the little wire and temporarily "fixing" the connection.

I simply tightened it up...then added a split washer when I got home. I don't expect any further issues with that.

Just had to confess...

- Brian

 

[cruisermatt]

Good thing it didn't come loose, hit a ground and cause a fire!

 

[orion]

Good thing it didn't come loose, hit a ground and cause a fire!

It was just the little trigger wire, not the big power feed, that was loose...so no fire hazard.

- Brian