73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: Mike Phillips on June 09, 2009, 09:39:15 pm
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1975 Jimmy 454 Magnum Project (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12484.0)
And it begins. Need the 700R4 Transmission out before noon tomorrow so I can take it to Dana Sniff's Tranny Shop during a trip to Irvine to pick up my engine. Dana rebuilt the tranny about a year and a half ago and it works perfectly but I figure while I'm swapping engines I want to take it in and let him inspect it and insure everything is in perfect condition.
I put the engine on CraigsList for the last 3 weeks or so and received lots of calls but no buyers. So I changed the oil and filter and then took her for one more small-block ride to cycle the new oil and now it's time for a little metal surgery.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject003.jpg)
My home for the next few days... (Upstairs)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/350EngineForSale03.jpg)
Wall to wall cardboard... (Downstairs)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject004.jpg)
I pick up the new motor tomorrow but won't be able to remove the small block till this coming Sunday. This is going to be a fun project; not sure about the rest of you guys but after a hard days work I find it very relaxing to work on old-school Detroit Iron. Nothing's that complicated and with about half a dozen standard wrenches you can take just about anything apart and then later put it back together again.
First things first, disconnect the battery...
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject005.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject006.jpg)
Next, remove the front driveline (Be sure to chock the wheels first)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject007.jpg)
Then remove the rear driveline
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject0008.jpg)
To make re-assemble faster and more Bubba-Proof place nuts and bolts from specific components together in a zip-lock baggie and include a note as to where they go.
(I usually just tell myself I'll remember and then when I go to assemble everything I forget)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject009.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject010.jpg)
Try to keep everything organized and clean.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject011.jpg)
Bellhousing bolts can be a pain to get to on some cars but on this Jimmy they're actually pretty easy to get to with a couple extensions and a wobbly.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject012.jpg)
(http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/images/smilies/props.gif)
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I love your truck! I'm gonna use this thread as a guide for doing mine, so chronicle it well! LOL ;D
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Transmission and T-case came out without a hitch, tranny is at the tranny shop t-case is just going to get cleaned up and re-installed.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject013.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject014.jpg)
Here's Black Beauty...
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject015.jpg)
This is what the engine was at one time going into...
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject016.jpg)
I'm guessing the guy that assembled this put it at top dead center on the firing stroke in preparation to install the distributor.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject017.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject018.jpg)
Both sides of the block have this fitting? Not sure what it is?
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject019.jpg)
Never seen a freeze plug with this doohickey in it?
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject020.jpg)
Timing Chain Cover, appears to be some kind of composite?
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject021.jpg)
One piece rear seal, I'm guessing this is how it's supposed to look.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454JimmyProject022.jpg)
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Does it have provisions for mechanical fuel pump on pass side and shift pivot on driver's side?
If not, you have a genV block. if so it is genVI.
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Does it have provisions for mechanical fuel pump on pass side and shift pivot on driver's side?
If not, you have a genV block. if so it is genVI.
Was told it's a Gen VI block and you're correct, there's no provision for a mechanical fuel pump or a shift pivot on the driver's side of the block. It's actually the engine in the link below only it's been bored 30 over and it's supposed to have a little hotter cam than what came in the boat stock.
link removed per vendor request
Next up the old 350 is coming out tonight after I get off work.
;D
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Those are knock sensors on either side of the block (screwed into the water jacket).
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The doohickey in the freezeplug is what the machine shop put on it for "tracking" purposes.
The thing in the block appears to be the water outlet for the boat setup.
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The capsule in the core plug will burst if overheated voiding your warranty.
Like event said, knock sensor
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i didnt think it bursts i thought it just melts...never saw it happen so i dont really know.
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Once they heat up they melt. AKA the tabs burst indicating overheating.
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Removed the 350 small block on Sunday and cleaned the engine compartment.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval001.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval002.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval003.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval004.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval005.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval006.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval007.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval008.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval009.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval010.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval011.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval012.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval013.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval014.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval015.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1975JimmyEngineRemoval016.jpg)
Picked up an Edelbrock Air Gap intake off of Craigslist for $150.00 and some Ansen valve covers off Craigslist for $100.00 and some Block Hugger Headers too. Now it's starting to look like a motor.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454MagnumMotor001.jpg)
Just won this carburetor on eBay for $200.00
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/holley.080508S.jpg)
Talked to my engine builder back in Oregon and he said it's not the best of the best but for my application and $200.00 it will work fine.
Next up we're going to prep the engine compartment for paint and then paint it so it can dry all day Thursday and Friday and then Saturday the motor is going in.
(http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/images/smilies/pepper.gif) (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/images/smilies/pepper.gif) (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/images/smilies/pepper.gif) (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/images/smilies/pepper.gif) (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/images/smilies/pepper.gif)
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Just curious, you mentioned your engine builder is in Oregon. I'm only 20 Miles from Portland could you let me know who the builder is? Have you used him before?
Thanks,
Mark
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Mike, you have some seriously low-profile tires! ;D
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Just curious, you mentioned your engine builder is in Oregon. I'm only 20 Miles from Portland could you let me know who the builder is? Have you used him before?
Thanks,
Mark
Tim Briggs is my engine builder in Oregon and he's one of the best. He used to run a shop with Everett Hatch and most gear heads in Oregon have heard f "Hatch Engines". He's building a new shop in Eastern Oregon so he's quite a ways from you and unless you're wanting to build a racing engine you can probably find a quality shop local for your needs. I've known Tim since about 1980 and he's built 3-4 engines for me so he never cares if I call him and ask for tech advice.
:)
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***Update***
Engine compartment is painted and dry, came out very nice. Engine is ready to go in tomorrow!
Quick question, do I need the Knock Sensors? I'm not sure why I need them or even what they're for?
Was thinking about removing them and installing threaded plugs.
Suggestions?
???
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You don't need them if you are running a carb. They are used by the ECM on FI engines to retard ignition timing if knock is detected. Also, there are aftermarket knock alert gauges you can use as a tool to help dial in your ignition timing.
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They were also used on carbureted engines with ESC. If you aren't running that they serve no purpose and can be plugged,
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Thanks eventhorizon66 and VileZambonie, I'll remove them today and pick up the correct plugs at Napa.
Just picked up my new-to-me ignition, it's not the best system for my application but the price was right. I obtained a MSD 7AL-2 and a MSD Distributor, PN 85551
All I need to get now is the right coil for the above components and some wires. I'm waiting for the MSD discussion forum to approve my account so I can post some questions to their forum.
Not sure which spark plug wires to order that work best for a 454 with block hugger headers? Anyone been there and done that? I have the heat shield from the 1986 Suburban 454, haven't tried to see if they'll work with the headers yet.
Well out to the garage to get back to the project.
:)
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I would get a set of universal cut-to-fit wires. It's easy to assemble ignition wires and the best way to ensure a good fit.
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She's in!
My Sony didn't want to work for some reason so this is the best I could get using the camera in my iphone.
This is my 10-year old son Rand who's a true "Car Guy" in the making, I had him assist me in the install because it's not every day you get to put a big block Chevy engine into something and he's actually a pretty good little wrench monkey. That's his sidekick Daphne "The Dark Overlord and Destroyer of Planets" in the picture with him, she's not as innocent as she looks.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454MagnumInstalled001.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454MagnumInstalled002.jpg)
The intake manifold kept coming out all washed out in the pictures but you get the idea.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454MagnumInstalled003.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454MagnumInstalled004.jpg)
Tomorrow we'll install the 700R4 Transmission and NP208 Transfercase and then start buttoning her up for a test fire.
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These Ansen valve covers fit but you have to carefully wiggle them a little to snugy them into place and that was without the gasket installed. :o
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454MagnumInstalled005.jpg)
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Looks right at home. 8) Be sure to watch that valve cover clearance with the engine running.
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Lookin good
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Suhweet!
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***Update***
Removed, inspected, cleaned and reinstalled the transmission, transfercase and torque converter and it appears to be all correct and ready to go.
today I installed the starter, transmission cooling lines, transmission shift linkage, transfercase linkage, MSD coil, ignition box, distributor and valve covers.
Here's shot of the visible progress.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454MagnumInstalled018.jpg)
Need headers, fuel pump and finish bolting on components like alternator and power steering pump.
:)
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Looks great! Almost there man!
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Mike, What are the chances you live in sunny Twentynine Palms? I think I've seen your truck around.
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I like Rands shirt. The truck is coming along nicely.
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***Update***
Tomorrow is Fire Day, that is the day we test fire the engine. Everything's done except lower and upper radiator hoses, install the battery and then test all the new wiring for the Holley electric fuel pump and the electric choke.
I don't have a oil dipstick that fits the receptacle on the 8-Quart Marine Oil pan. I bought a Mr. Gasket dipstick because that's what I could find on the shelf but the tube doesn't fit correctly into the receptacle. I need to find a way to cover the receptacle so oil can't get out and dirt can't get in until I can locate and purchase the correct dip stick.
Here's a few shots of the engine compartment where we left off at around 6:00pm today.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454MagnumInstalled030.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454MagnumInstalled031.jpg)
Had a few unexpected problems like the MSD Spark Plug wire kit ended up having the wrong spark plug boots for headers so we installed a set of Belden wires from NAPA until I can send this kit back to Jegs and hopefully get the right set as a replacement.
Local owner of the local speed shop sold me some NGK plugs that I assumed were the right plugs for my heads because I assumed as a vetran Drag Boat and Car racer he knew his business. The counterman at NAPA said the threads were close but not correct for my heads and that's why they went in so tight. In the future I'll stick to Tim Briggs in Oregon for parts recommendations as he's never been wrong in my almost 30 years of business with him. (Not happy with the speed shop right now.) >:(
Crossing my fingers everything's right. Should know about noonish if the engine and installation is ready to rock and roll or move on to plan B, which doesn't exist right now.
:)
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Having a hard time finding a oil dipstick tube that will work with this oil pan in my truck.
found this,
http://bpi.ebasicpower.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=eBasicPower&Product_Code=MER818631A6&Category_Code=DIPSTICK
(http://bpi.ebasicpower.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/MER818631A6.jpg)
The picture shows the tube only, not the actual dipstick and it's $70.00!
Any Super Google Searching Sleuths with a little free time on their hands able to help me hunt down a solution?
I need to get back into the garage, can't sit here and surf the web but I need a dipstick and tube that will work on this Mercruiser 8-quart Marine Oil Pan.
Ugh and Ugh again...
:(
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Try Napa. The one by me has Marine Books to order from :)
Or how about one of these?
http://bpi.ebasicpower.com/c/DIPSTICK/Dipsticks
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Try Napa. The one by me has Marine Books to order from :)
Or how about one of these?
http://bpi.ebasicpower.com/c/DIPSTICK/Dipsticks
I'm heading to NAPA here shortly and I'll see if they can help. For now I'm going to stick the Mr. Gasket, chrome automotive BBC dip stick and tube into the hole and use some high temp silicone to seal it to the oil pan receptacle. Not a perfect match but my primary concern is to keep oil from sloshing out and to keep dirt from getting into the oil pain via the hole.
I change my oil often enough and because it's a brand new engine, dripping and burning oil shouldn't be a problem as far as oil loss goes.
Then when I can obtain the correct tube and dip stick I'll swap them.
Right now I'm trying to science out the lower and upper radiator hoses for the aluminum radiator, I'm trying to get as close to a perfect match as I can so as not to put any stress on the water necks coming off the aluminum radiator.
Then test some wiring I installed and then hopefull try to start the engine and time it as well as add the rest of the tranny fluid.
I honestly never thought it was going to take this long to get the engine in and running. It's a very snug fit and that just tends to complicate everything.
Thanks for everyone's help...
Mike
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***Breaking News!***
Right after the above post, a Marine Engine shop in San Diego returned my voice mail and they said they have lots of used engines and they think they have the correct tube and dip stick for my engine. The parts guy is off until tomorrow but I should find out first thing tomorrow morning.
Then I'll take my 1974 BMW Truck down to San Diego and in a few hours I'll be able to keep the dirt out, keep the oil in and know when if the engine is ever low on oil.
Shazam!
Persistence and patience pays off...
:)
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Do you have a pic of where your dipstick tube enters? Is it like this?
(http://www.richperformance.com/catalog/mor-19540_1050_1.jpg)
If so this one will work http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ALUMINUM-CHEVY-BB-ENGINE-OIL-DIPSTICK-CHROME-TUBE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZQ7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a30QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em14Q2el1262QQhashZitem4ce9edda77QQitemZ330342193783QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ebayphotohosting
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Do you have a pic of where your dipstick tube enters? Is it like this?
(http://www.richperformance.com/catalog/mor-19540_1050_1.jpg)
If so this one will work http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ALUMINUM-CHEVY-BB-ENGINE-OIL-DIPSTICK-CHROME-TUBE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZQ7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a30QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em14Q2el1262QQhashZitem4ce9edda77QQitemZ330342193783QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ebayphotohosting
The triangle patch welded to the side looks the same but the receptacle is flaired out like a funnel, not cylindrical like the one in the picture. I'm hoping one of two SoCal boat shops I've contacted will be able to supply me with the correct tube and dip stick. I should find this out tomorrow.
Thanks though for your time looking for a solution.
:)
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The one shown is tapered... That's standard bbc oil pan dipstick. Usually I install the dipstick and bend the tube and baracket accordingly. Then I bolt it in and take it back out. A small bead of RTV and reinstall.
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***Update***
Test fired the engine a little; that is we turned it over and it tried to run but we shut her down until tomorrow. Waiting on two lower radiator hoses, hopefully one will fit. The aluminum radiator I bought for the truck has a larger lower neck outlet than a stock radiator so the hoses in stock didn't fit.
2 problems discovered and fixed.
The first problem was I hooked up the gas line to the fuel pump backwards. This was a simple mistake and fixed by switching the lines. The reason this happened was because the first time I scienced out the fuel system I had the custom bracket mounted in a different location and when located in that location the routing of the lines would have been correct. When I changed the location I forgot to switch the in and out lines to the new position of the pump fittings and thus put them on wrong. This is fixed and the carb now gets gas.
Second problem: Somehow didn't see the rear oil pressure hole in the block so it was unplugged and after turning the motor over a few times my son noticed oil pumping out of the engine and onto the ground. This is now fixed with the right plug in the hole.
One more little problem, before installing the spark plugs I squirted some oil into each cylinder to make sure the rings and cylinder walls were well lubricated. This engine sat wrapped in plastic for 4 years and I wanted to insure the the cylinder walls were well lubricated before turning the motor over. End result was hard to start and lots of smoke coming out of the headers as she tried to fire when turning the engine over.
We turned it over enough to blow-out most of the oil and as soon as she tried to run/idle I shut her down to wait till tomorrow when we get the radiator hose installed so we can put water into the radiator/engine.
The good news is, so far, no other problems have surfaced. The MSD system appears to be working, I appear to have installed the distributor correctly and the fact that when you put the key in the ignition and turn it the starter motor works without any problems and the motor turns over is a very good sign.
Confidence is high that I'll be test driving the Jimmy up and down the road in my neighborhood tomorrow. Once we get to that point then it will be time to take her to an exhaust shop and have the exhaust system hooked up to the new headers.
Fingers are crossed no other surprises show up.
:)
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The one shown is tapered... That's standard bbc oil pan dipstick. Usually I install the dipstick and bend the tube and bracket accordingly. Then I bolt it in and take it back out. A small bead of RTV and reinstall.
The Mr. Gasket BBC oil dip stick and tube resemble this one but it isn't fitting into the receptacle. I'll try to bend it a little as the tube is straight but the path between the headers and the block isn't exactly clear, straight path.
Thanks and will post what I find out.
:)
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you can see how I routed my dipstick in the pic I posted in your other thread. It worked fine. I've never had a direct bolt in fit on a bbc
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12799.msg96982#msg96982
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***Success***
Well almost... :)
Fired the engine up yesterday and so far so good. Somehow the rear flange of the duel feed gas line for the carburetor was leaking gas onto the intake manifold so that's going to be replaced today.
Somehow missed plugging the hole in the back of the block for an oil line and had oil pumping out of the engine when we first started the engine so we plugged off that hole.
Ran the water temp sensor into the intake manifold and forgot to put a plug in the head where I originally was going to install the sensor so when we added water to the engine that hole had water flowing out of it. Plugged.
After plugging all the leaks we added the tranny fluid to the transmission and topped off and cycled the new power steering pump. Then we cycled the transmission by driving the truck backwards and forwards in the driveway selecting all the gears.
Next we had a local Tow Truck company tow the truck down to one of the local muffler shops to cut and fit the old exhaust system to the new Hedman headers. The old exhaust system is Flowmaster mufflers and is in great shape but needed the Ball & Socket flanges welded on to mate to the Ball & Socket flanges on the headers.
After that, I got to drive it for the first time! When you push down on the throttle the truck wants to jump. Nuff said. :)
Just for fun I drove it to a friends shop to show the guys the results and that's where I discovered the fuel leak so I left it there until the local speed shop opens up and I can get the new duel feed gas line and then go install it.
While the truck was at my friend Fernando's shop Fernando started inspecting the install and since firing up the engine and then driving it about 10 city blocks the engine has already shifted as the new rubber motor mounts settled in and now the headers are hitting the frame in at least 2 places and maybe 3 places.
Fernando said he could do a little cutting here and there and in one place do a little bending and make it right.
Summit Tech Rep helped me to order the right MSD Spark Plug Wires and in so doing sent me a set with 45 degree boots which snugged right up against the headers so we installed Belden wires for now and hopefully Summit will send me the right boots so I can install the correct wires for this ignition system.
That's about it. We're going to try to get everyting dialed-in enough today to hook up the boat and take off and go camping tomorrow morning at Big Bear Lake. Just had a Bimini Top made for the boat so we don't get sunburned.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/Bimini001.jpg)
If everything is working good with the truck and boat at Big Bear then we're going to either take off for Lake Havasu or Oregon for a week for some more fishing and camping. Probably will go to Lake Havasu as it's closer and this project used up too much of our time we planned to use to drive to Oregon and back.
It's been a ton of work with more surprises and setback than I ever imagined, but driving the truck yesterday and knowing the truck now has the power to pull my boat to Florida where I'm moving in about 2 weeks for a new career is comforting. (And a ton a fun)
More pics and some videos shortly....
:)
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Congrats! Looks like everything went seamless (for the most part ;))
Man, I am seriously jealous! Your K5 is awesome!
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She's up and running. Didn't take into consideration the effect the extra weight would have on the suspension so I need to upgrade the springs in some fashion in order to put the 35" Boggers back onto the front axles.
It's very fun to drive and sounds very nice too. Without further ado,
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454MagnumInstalled033.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454MagnumInstalled034.jpg)
Will install the grill tomorrow.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454MagnumInstalled035.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454MagnumInstalled036.jpg)
Won't mention having to replace a brakeline, cut the frame again in two places, re-do the gas lines to the carburetor and replace two brake caliper bolts. ;D
At this time the lock-up is getting power but it's not locking up. Going to troubleshoot it tomorrow so I've been driving it around in 3rd gear.
Haven't really put my foot into it too much but the two times I have it's spun the rear tires.
A HUGE thank you to everyone on this forum that has helped me with this project. Without your help it would have taken much, much longer.
:)
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Don't neglect a front end alignment, the extra weight has an effect and you'll ruin your tires within 300mi.
I put a 396 in my 79 305 LWB and after 300mi of highway driving, was showing cord.
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Cool. Now what about those videos you promised?
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No doubt. I want to see one going WOT from a dead stop, just to see the tires light up :)
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Going fishing...
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/454MagnumInstalled037.jpg)
Again, thanks for all the help guys!
Mike and Rand
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Sweet, they almost match.
Are you running different size tires on it? Don't lock it in...
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***Update***
After getting everything road worthy and driving to both Big Bear Lake and Lake Havasu with about 700 miles on the new engine I had to remove everything and fix a few things.
Transmission
The 700R4 overdrive transmission wasn't locking up so I took the tranny to Bowtie which is in Hesperia a few miles from my house and after testing the transmission they found a valve was stuck in the transmission and the torque converter was bad. So $300.00 later she's ready to go back into the truck.
Oil Pan
While removing the tranny and transfercase I noticed that the motor had settled downward into the engine compartment and now the oil pan was resting on the crossmember. Since I already had the tranny and transfercase out I figured I might as well pull the motor and find a solution for the oil pan. Since this is a Magnum Marine engine it came with an 8 quart oil pan, I mistakenly assumed if I purchased a stock oil pan it would have less depth overall and fix the problem. I was wrong. The front portion of the stock oil pan is the same depth as the 8 quart oil pan so now I have a GM Performance 5 quart oil pan "Paperweight". I did get a good oil dipstick out of the transaction though.
Since changing the oil pan isn't an option and there's not enough room to cut the oil pan and notch it, instead I've made 4 spacers using 1/4" plate aluminum. If I place two of these spacer plates on each motor mount that will give me a 1/2" of engine lift which should be more than enough to enable the oil pan to clear the crossmember. I also discovered that I was using small block motor mounts instead of big block motor mounts so I'm purchased two new BBC motor mounts. The size is about the same but the big block motor mounts look beefier and shouldn't squish down as much as the small block motor mounts did.
Metal Particles
After taking the oil pan out I discovered more metal particles in the oil pan than expected from breaking in the new engine. I had the head machinist, Rick, at our local NAPA store look at it and he said it looked like more metal particles than normal. He suggested I pull a rod cap and a main cap and inspect the bearing surfaces. I removed one of each and showed them to Rick and his experienced and trained eye said it looked like dirt had impacted onto the bearing and there was some marring of the bearing surface.
He suggested I install new bearings and clean everything really well. With the help of my friend and very talented mechanic Cary, we replaced all the main and rod bearings yesterday, then re-installed the oil pan. This also included taking off the timing chain cover so we put all new gaskets in too.
As I type this it's Saturday, July 25th, a little after 1:00pm
On June 19th I resigned from the best job I've ever had and that was running the www.MeguiarsOnline.com discussion forum and as the instructor for their detailing classes. My new job is going to be running the Autogeek.net forum and teaching detailing classes on the east coast for Autogeek. That's one of the reasons I started this project and that was because I want to take my Jimmy to Florida. Anyway, I was supposed to leave for Florida with my Jimmy and my boat last Monday so I'm a week behind.
Icing on the cake
Yesterday while using a Peanut Grinder to grind some metal in the engine compartment some abrasive particles off the grinding wheel or some metal particles flew into my right eye. Yes, I was wearing safety glasses with side shields. In the future I'll wear either goggles or a face shield. I thought I rinsed out all the particles but last night the pain became so great I went to the emergency room and the D. had to remove some metal particles embedded into my eye. It' hurts to blink, I'm wearing an eye patch and the pain killers they gave me are making me dizzy. My motor, tranny and transfercase are all out of the truck and I'm a week behind.
That's the update. LOL
Hopefully nothing too horribly bad will go wrong tomorrow as I'm going to try to install everything back into the truck starting at about 6:00am
:)
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:o Wow, be careful and protect your eyes!!! It would be a shame not to be able to drive or even see your newly finished blazer.
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:o Wow, be careful and protect your eyes!!! It would be a shame not to be able to drive or even see your newly finished blazer.
Picked up some goggles and a face shield today at Lowe's. Don't plan on doing any grinding but just in case. I can see today but yesterday I was pretty much blind in my right eye and the pain killers the Dr. gave me made me too dizzy to do anything so I quit taking them.
The big block motor mounts have different spaced holes on one end but because it's very apparant they are much more heavy duty than the small block motor mounts I drilled out a new lower hole in each of the BBC motor mounts, drilled the holes in the aluminum plates for spacers and am getting ready to drop the motor in again.
Have the tranny back with a new torque converter so I should be able to put it all back together and have it drivable by tonight. (He says with his fingers crossed)
It's supposed to be over a 100 degrees here today so that always makes for a good time in the driveway. LOL
Will take a video of the engine firing up for the first time, the second time. (If that makes sense).
Mike ;D
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It would be a shame not to be able to drive or even see your newly finished blazer.
Correction: your newly finished Jimmy. :-[
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waiting to see video ;D
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Like event said, knock sensor
Thats good!
Real nice job Mike
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Do yourself a favor and ditch that fram filter. A good filter might have cought that crap that ruined your bearings.