Yet another LS Swap - CO

[wyodog]

Was able to get out to the shop this afternoon and hammer out a few small items.

I got my new DS in and I mocked it up just to make sure everything looked good, and it did! Thing is solid... Any guys in the Northern Colorado want a spare front drive shaft let me know. I will make you a good deal on mine. Good U-joints still..

New DS

• wyodog
• Jan 2, 2016

Broke down the rear axle getting it prep to install the new Detroit Locker. Also installed new brake shoes and new rotors. Decided not to replace the bearings. They look and feel great. I have a feeling these were just done not to long ago.

Ohhh fancy brakes

• wyodog
• Jan 2, 2016

Big hole

• wyodog
• Jan 2, 2016

Also got the new power steering line in and put it in place. I picked up the hose I need to finish off the low pressure side, so that is on the list for tomorrow. I also relocated the washer bottle with my handy dandy slee recolo kit....

Also, I know it will just be in the way as I try and finish up the front end, but I starting messing around with the front bumper. I got the shortbus bumper from slee, and I just want to see it on the truck... So will grab a few pics on how it looks. I have a TruxStuff 8000LB winch new in the box for over a year. I don't think it will fit in this bumper... But we'll find out.

Tomorrow I am hoping to spend a good chunk of time on the wiring. I won't complete it all, but really want to feel like that isn't the biggest thing on my list.

One last thing guys, I fear my wife might stumble on this thread and see how much I have spent so far, I will be changing my online profile to be "John Smith" from Dallas Texas. If you all could help cover for me would be appreciated!

 

[LS1FJ40]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

 

[RockJock82]

My thoughts exactly. I know it can be done much cheaper but in the end there are several items you are always questioning when you are driving it around. I don't want to have doubts about anything between the top of the valve covers all the way down to the hubs on the wheels. You pay more to remove those doubts, thats why Mr. Slee's v8 swaps cost so much $$$, because when you get it back you know its as good as a factory job.

Yeah but Mr T v8 only leaves you with 230hp . That's a lot of work and $ for minimal gains... One would be better off just adding a turbo if you want to keep it all Toyota and gain some real power.

 

[wyodog]

Well - I know I haven't posted in a long while, but I have lost a battle with the EPA and Sate of Colorado. The Truck is done, engine in, conversation was a success. I got temp tags on it and have been driving it back and forth to work, thing is awesome. Tons of power, rides and shifts he ways it should. All in all everything I was looking for.

Started the process of getting it inspected and signed off on so I could get a deal that would let me go through the emissions lines. Here is where the hard slam into the brick wall came in. Took it to them, and found out at some point Colorado now follows Federal laws along with California emissions standards. So while my truck if they were to test it I am 100% confident it would pass, does not meet the law of California which somehow now impacts my way of life in Colorado.

I got flagged for :

* Non-factory tune on computer
* Computer in unlocked mode
* Cylinder casting does not match VIN type in computer
* Non OE injectors (I have a set of 5.3 injectors and the engine is a 6.0)
* Modified Camshaft
* Modified Engine
* Disabled DTC sensor/s
* Engine combination is not a certified package for Vehicle Type
* Altered Catalytic converters (I have two of them on, but I don't have them in the "right" place)
* Missing OS rear sensor (I pushed back on him, but he told me all LS 6.0's have rear O2 sensors)

This is all the stuff he put down, but basically he said the only way I can be legal with what I did, is I have to transplant a non-modified motor, from a donor, and can not modify the computer, wiring, emissions. I have to transplant the exhaust as well. And even then they could still fail me cause I guess there is a list of certified engine packages for vehicles, and the LS is not certified for the Model 80 land cruiser.

When I started this project, I had a different list of rules and laws I thought I had to be following. The Federal EPA / CA laws threw me.

So... If you're in a state that does not require emissions and is in the market of a awesome LS powered model 80... I will be posting it for sale here soon.

 

[CascadeCruisen]

Whoa...how much? Do you have final pics of it all?

 

[wyodog]

I will get pictures this weekend. I want to clean it up a bit. I have for it 4x4 labs rear bumper, ladder, jerry can holder and spear tire holder with two swing arms that I have, but have not installed as it's the kit. I have a buddy who is a great welder who was going to do it for me. But the bumper will come with the truck... I need to think on what I am selling it for. I have 15K into everything thus far...

 

[Colo yeti]

Can't regester it in Wyoming?

 

[wyodog]

You know I could, and I did consider it. I still have family in Wyoming and I could make it work. But I don't know for how long. My mother is looking to move in the next year, and while I could make something like that work now, it just feels like it would be a ticking time bomb of I am going to get caught back not able to register it in CO.

I would also say, fighting with the emissions people took the wind out of my sails. I was extremely proud and excited for this truck. Now I think the best thing is to sell it while everything is still new and in very good shape. The person I would sell it too though would need to be in Wyoming, Texas or someplace where emissions aren't the concern.

Just kills me cause the thing would pass emissions, the actual smog and pollution aspects I know the truck wouldn't have a issue. But because it's modified and I don't have the cats in the right spot, etc. Just kills me.

 

[scottryana]

Look at getting an LLC setup in Montana, many places do it, should cost you a $250-300, and then register the vehicle there under the LLC. Many guys do this with very expensive vehicles in states with high sales tax, saves thousands.

 

[Bella1992]

I can't believe the ending of the story!!! Some luck purchaser is going to pick up a sweet rig for "dirt cheap" considering what you might sell it for, close to 15 to 20 grand?

 

[Mieser]

Who built your skinny front driveshaft?

 

[wyodog]

Who built your skinny front driveshaft?

Home Northern Colorado Driveline. They've done so many for me. The skinny for this project to a 12 foot long three section one for my Mack Truck... They do good work.

 

[Mahlon]

This is why I can never live in CO ever again. Have they instituted emissions testing state wide now or is it still just front range? (That and magazine restrictions...) on a side note, since you are a ford guy, would you consider trading my 2000 3/4 ton E250 Quigley 4x4 and my unmolested 1991 80 series for yours? Nebraska has no registration restrictions

 

[Mieser]

This is why I can never live in CO ever again. Have they instituted emissions testing state wide now or is it still just front range? (That and magazine restrictions...) on a side note, since you are a ford guy, would you consider trading my 2000 3/4 ton E250 Quigley 4x4 and my unmolested 1991 80 series for yours? Nebraska has no registration restrictions

No emissions over here on the western slope.

 

[Heckraiser]

I have registered a few trucks that struggled with emissions in Park County (easiest) or Grand County. Just gotta come up with an address that does not receive mail service (lots of addresses like this in both counties). I used my in-laws cabin's address in Park County and a Winter Park condo in Grand County. Then stop in the local DMV and tell them to mail the paperwork to your business address in Fort Collins (or wherever your home address happens to be).

Honestly, it'll still be a LOOOOONG time before Clean Air Colorado infiltrates the mountain counties. Just not enough $$$ or infrastructure, IMO. Don't give up on your truck!

Also funny, I registered a v8-swapped fj62 from Arizona and they just checked to make sure it still had a cat, egr and pcv, and I was sent along to the sniffer (after receiving a piece of paper stating everything is present and accounted for). This is the first I've ever heard of these new rules. Maybe try a different station? Tech having a bad day and deciding to be an ass? If this is for real, I'm contacting my state congressman today. That really sucks!

 

[wyodog]

The tech at the emissions station was a okay guy. He told me, he has the ability to "wave" on certain things. But my configuration was "wrong" in every way. Modified engine, modified computer, modified exhaust, etc, etc. He told me technically nothing wrong but it has to hold to the EPA guidelines for engine swaps. He printed this off for me and sent me on my way.

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/engswitch_0.pdf

 

[lazy]

I do believe this is possible. Did someone program your computer and delete all the emission controls? Do you have everything in place but the fuel tank pressure sensor? Just curious, as I plan to try this later this summer.

The exhaust is no surprise. It's always been clear to me that you need to have the cats and sensors within the same distance as a stock GM vehicle. Along with all the O2 sensors in place and operable.

I didn't know performance upgrades were a no-no...but I had none of them planned.

 

[cool breeze]

Man what a kick in the balls! Thank god co springs doesnt have emissions. Where are you located? Have you talked to a local ls tuning expert? Clint at American intense racing tuned my ls1 and knows his stuff! He's in Arvada so sure he would be fluent in denver emission law too. GL!!

 

[wyodog]

I do believe this is possible. Did someone program your computer and delete all the emission controls? Do you have everything in place but the fuel tank pressure sensor? Just curious, as I plan to try this later this summer.

The exhaust is no surprise. It's always been clear to me that you need to have the cats and sensors within the same distance as a stock GM vehicle. Along with all the O2 sensors in place and operable.

I didn't know performance upgrades were a no-no...but I had none of them planned.

Yeah it would be "possible", you just have to leave everything stock. If you are planning this upgrade one issue you'll hit with using the stock manifolds is going to give you issues on the Drivers side hitting the frame. Which is why block hugger headers are a popular choice for this upgrade.

Had I used a stock LS, stock computer, stock everything then yeah possible. But for me, I didn't start off the project with a stock motor, so my whole foundation of my swap is getting dinged...

Something I did that was wrong, was I used the toyota e-vap canister, and they told me it has to be the GM one (this one I knew but I guess I was hoping it wouldn't be a issue...). I don't have a EGR on mine as we based a lot of everything from my engine off a 2002 Chevy avalanche which doesn't have a EGR. But they wrote me up for that as well.

 

[lazy]

You don't need to use the stock manifolds, just have the cats and sensors the same distance away as if they were stock. The path can be different, the distance can't. After the cats, you can do as you please.

It seems you were hoping they would hold you to '02 avalanche standards, even though avalanches never came with LS1's? I know a lot of people say they're doing an LS swap, yet they put a vortec in. But, avalanches, to my knowledge, never came with a 6.0 motor. Just LM7 and that 8 something liter beast.