ZMotorsports Shop Projects 2.0

[zmotorsports]

oh boy. let the pictures flow. time lapse on youtube maybe?

Don't know about time lapse but I plan on doing a few videos of the swap.

 

[zmotorsports]

Pressure washed what??!!, gezzis mike I could eat off your frame as it was.


Oh boyyy, let the fun begin.

Do you have any time off thru next week? And why is it I have this feeling that you've done you're homework so well this thing will be running within a couple weeks.

I had to clean the Jeep as I've driven through some foul weather roads the past week or so and didn't want to tear it down looking like ****. I try to clean vehicles before any major work at least.

No time off, I have some carryover vacation days into the new year that my wife has been encouraging me to take off and do the swap but I hate to use my vacation days to stay home and work. I want to use them to go play once the Jeep is done.

I have done my homework but you know how it is Cam, there will still be something that pops up, there always is no matter how much homework you do prior to a project. I've done enough engine swaps and major projects to be expecting something and will just have to deal with it when it shows up.

My #1 goal throughout the entire thought process and build has been to increase the drivability and keep everything as OE as possible. Unfortunately I have been dealing with a minor steering issue for the past week after installing my hydraulic assist steering. My first thought was I was just going to move forward with the swap and worry about the handling issue after the engine was in and running. However, after keeping me up the other night I knew that was not the right way to approach this so I have been sorting out my handling issue the past couple of days and finally resolved it last night and after a few test drives at all speeds and road conditions I confirmed that everything chassis wise is dead nuts on and NOW I can tackle the engine swap.

I knew the handling issues would just worsen after more than doubling my HP and torque so I am glad I took the time to sort everything out. This way once the engine is in I can focus on getting exhaust done and then breaking in the engine and dialing everything in with a properly handling chassis.

Thanks for all of the interest and please stay tuned. Hopefully many pictures will follow over the next couple of weeks.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

What was your issue with the hyro assist? I've been contemplating doing hydro assist on my Bronco, but I've had headaches in the past on other vehicles.

 

[LXCam]

I'm with you on not working with a mess. Everything that comes in my shops gets as thorough a cleaning as possible. There's even been times when after gutting the engine bay when you can finally get to all the nooks and crannies I've both cleaned in place (which I despise) or gone through the hassle of getting it back outside. There's nothing worse then dealing with debris when trying to put out a nice product.

And I don't blame you one little bit about fretting over and resolving the steering issue. That's not something you want to have a problem with especially if it required a fixturing mod after fitting up all that new work. But it sounds like your problem was just getting the pressure dialed in, congratulations. I built a modern challenger where I moved the engine back 4"'s for clearance of the blower belt drive. I know that doesn't sound like much but it then took me a couple hundred hours and quite a bit of round filed money for parts to resolve my self inflicted steering wounds. What a major PITA.

 

[zmotorsports]

What was your issue with the hyro assist? I've been contemplating doing hydro assist on my Bronco, but I've had headaches in the past on other vehicles.

I'm with you on not working with a mess. Everything that comes in my shops gets as thorough a cleaning as possible. There's even been times when after gutting the engine bay when you can finally get to all the nooks and crannies I've both cleaned in place (which I despise) or gone through the hassle of getting it back outside. There's nothing worse then dealing with debris when trying to put out a nice product.

And I don't blame you one little bit about fretting over and resolving the steering issue. That's not something you want to have a problem with especially if it required a fixturing mod after fitting up all that new work. But it sounds like your problem was just getting the pressure dialed in, congratulations. I built a modern challenger where I moved the engine back 4"'s for clearance of the blower belt drive. I know that doesn't sound like much but it then took me a couple hundred hours and quite a bit of round filed money for parts to resolve my self inflicted steering wounds. What a major PITA.

Thanks guys. My issue with my hydro-assist steering was actually two-fold. First was my pressure and flow issue which I was able to sneak up on by drilling and removing some shims but I did it in small increments until I landed on the desired results. Not all that difficult but messy with hydraulic oil spilling all over each time I had to remove the pressure line and fitting.

The other issue was a stupid one that once I slowed down and looked at the geometry for a moment the problem jumped right out at me. I had WTOR (West Texas Off-Road) port my OEM steering box and I bought their hydraulic ram and hoses as it was just easier and less time consuming than researching and tracking down a cylinder and then running back and forth to my local hose supply house to have the hoses made up. I would have loved to have just bit the bullet and purchased the full-blown PSC setup but after purchasing all of my parts for the LS and not wanting to skimp I opted to go more budget friendly for my hydraulic assist and not spend the ~$2200 for the PSC kit.

When I got my OEM box back from WTOR clear back in August I simply set it with the pile of parts and really didn't look that closely at it other than open the box up and ensure all of the parts were accounted for.

When I removed my PSC XDII gearbox last week and reinstalled my ported OEM gearbox and hydraulic assist system I installed everything just as I had removed it but I guess I didn't focus enough on the actual pitman arm as I was so focused on the axle end where I had done all of the actual modifications. When I got everything installed I detected some bumpsteer and torque steer upon test driving. I focused on getting my pressure/flow issue resolved first then turned my attention to the bumpsteer issue. Upon closer inspection I noticed that my drag link and track bar were not parallel as they were before. I also knew I had just flipped my drag link as well as installed the Artec raised track bar mount at the axle so they should have been closer than they were but again kept my focus more on the axle end rather than more closely inspecting the frame end. As soon as I dedicated some time to look closer at it I noticed that at the frame end my drag link to pitman arm connection was actually about 2" lower than the center of my frame mounted track bar connection.

That is when I realized they must have sent me a dropped pitman arm by mistake rather than sending me back my OEM pitman arm. I called them and was told that it couldn't happen because all of the parts stay together when they arrive at their shop but I am 110% positive they sent me the wrong one back because my steering setup was 100% factory with no mods when I removed the steering box as I've owned the Jeep since it was stock.

Rather than argue with them and still have to buy an OEM pitman arm I just called my local dealer yesterday and they had a pitman arm in stock so I grabbed it and ran home and swapped it out. Now it drives with absolutely no bump steer or torque steer and is solid as can be going down the road. Absolutely no adverse handling issues whatsoever so I don't anticipate having any going forward.

Funny how a stupid little detail can throw you a curve ball. Although had I paid a little closer attention to the geometry when I was putting it together I probably would have saved myself some stress. I just assumed I was installing my original parts back onto my Jeep but evidently I got someone's dropped pitman arm that I am sure they are wondering what happened to it. Even with the little WTOR mix-up I think they were a good choice and I am overall happy with the feel and performance of my steering thus far. The real test will be once I get it off-road but being able to push up against a curb and turn the wheel in which the Jeep pushes away is evidence that the system has the potential to do what I will be asking of it off-road when I step to my 37" tires.

Oh well, problem solved easy enough and now I can move on to the power upgrade that I have been wanting to do for the past 4+ years now.

 

[zmotorsports]

I only had about an hour and a half to work on it tonight as my wife fixed me an awesome birthday dinner so I closed up the shop early.

Here is the starting point. Factory engine with mostly OEM engine bay with a little extra wiring in convoluted tubing for a few accessories. Some of that will be going away and I will relocate the couple of relays to one fenderwell or the other.


The C1, C2 and C4 connectors removed and the C100 OEM wire loom laying across the engine and removed from the fenderwell and firewall.


Most of the electrical in the engine bay disconnected as well as the ABS module and master cylinder removed from the booster and positioned to clear as the body is raised.


That’s it for tonight. Next will be getting it in the air and dumping fluids as well as disconnecting the small amount of electrical under the body.

Thanks for looking.

 

[GRN96WS6]

Are you selling the engine currently in it?

 

[zmotorsports]

Are you selling the engine currently in it?

Yes, planning on it. Once I get it torn down I will be selling quite a bit of the original drivetrain. Engine, transmission, Rubicon 4:1 transfer case, Tom Woods driveshafts, OEM exhaust headpipes/cats with Magnaflow cat-back exhaust as well as PSC XD2 steering gearbox and Rock Krawler 7075 HD tie rod.

I’ll post them up on my local Jeep club’s site and try to help a fellow Jeeper out with pricing.

Engine/trans have a few miles on them but in good condition still. It would be good for someone who maybe has an oil burner or one that’s down on compression.

 

[LXCam]

thats right, itz'a yur burthday!!! Happy 50th Mike!


It was 50 wasn't it??

 

[zmotorsports]

thats right, itz'a yur burthday!!! Happy 50th Mike!





It was 50 wasn't it??

Yep. Half a century today Cam.

Thanks bud.

 

[MP&C]

Happy Birthday Mike!

 

[Duker]

Wow, the big 50.... Happy Birthday and welcome to the “old farts club!” I see you were already greeted by our president Cam! [emoji51]


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[jbmatth]

Great start to your 50th, happy birthday and enjoy the engine swap.

JB

 

[zmotorsports]

Happy Birthday Mike!

Wow, the big 50.... Happy Birthday and welcome to the “old farts club!” I see you were already greeted by our president Cam! [emoji51]


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Great start to your 50th, happy birthday and enjoy the engine swap.

JB

Thanks guys, I really appreciate all of the birthday wishes.

I mentioned to my wife last week while I was trying to hurry and get my hydraulic assist steering and gears completed in the Jeep that I would love to be able to start on it on my birthday and she has been great to allow me to work late for a few nights to make that happen. It felt good to finally start this project last night as I've had it bouncing around in my head for 4 plus years now and to see it finally coming together feels good.

Thanks again guys and I hope you enjoy following along on the LS swap into our 2011 JKUR.

 

[slodat]

Happy Birthday, Mike!!

 

[zmotorsports]

Happy Birthday, Mike!!

Thanks Steven, I appreciate that.

 

[Kiwi Canuck]

Mike, Happy 50th Birthday,

I really appreciate all the time you have taken over the years to detail and post the work you do.

David

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike, Happy 50th Birthday,

I really appreciate all the time you have taken over the years to detail and post the work you do.

David

Thank you David, I appreciate that.

I'm happy to hear someone likes my detailed replies/responses. I continually get comments on my YouTube channel that I talk too much and have been trying to refrain somewhat from giving so much detail. I'm glad to hear some actually like it.

 

[jhn9840]

Mike, Happy 50. Hope you have a great day. I follow along on your YouTube channel and think it's great the way it is.

jhn9840
John

 

[Finallygotit]

Happy birthday Mike!

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike, Happy 50. Hope you have a great day. I follow along on your YouTube channel and think it's great the way it is.

jhn9840
John

Thank you John, I appreciate the feedback and birthday wishes.

 

[zmotorsports]

Happy birthday Mike!

Thank you Dan.

 

[C_F]

Happy belated birthday, youngster! (I have 4 years on you )

I'm looking forward to following along with your current project.

 

[zmotorsports]

Happy belated birthday, youngster! (I have 4 years on you )

I'm looking forward to following along with your current project.

Thank you.

Stay tuned as I hope to ramp up the pictures of the project here shortly. I'm hoping for a productive weekend on the engine swap project.

 

[Bob Heine]

Happy Birthday Mike!



I have a relative with the same birthday as you but he's only zero -- my second great-grandson, Spencer.

 

[zmotorsports]

Congratulations Bob. That's awesome!

 

[Transcraft]

Happy Birthday! Enjoyed your shop build and projects. Ready to swap happen. Have a great new year

 

[lilscorpion]

I continually get comments on my YouTube channel that I talk too much ...

Ignore the YouTube peanut gallery. Quite a few of the channels get similar feedback. Unfortunately, the lowest common denominator has figured out how to get on the inter-webs now and have nothing better to do with their time than heckle. If you do the math those comments likely only make up for less than a percent of those who follow you. I think you should be you. That’s what I’m tuning in for.

 

[LXCam]

Ignore the YouTube peanut gallery. Quite a few of the channels get similar feedback. Unfortunately, the lowest common denominator has figured out how to get on the inter-webs now and have nothing better to do with their time than heckle. If you do the math those comments likely only make up for less than a percent of those who follow you. I think you should be you. That’s what I’m tuning in for.

To add to this very true statement I'll just say these are the same knuckleheads who haven't a clue about nor appreciation for the free education they are getting. Nudder wurds, don't change a thing Mike. Us true fans, the guys that hold you on a pedestal and want to learn from you would be missing out.

Loooong ago one of my mentors taught me that that with anything you do in life, you do it to bring value to this world if not for any other reason. Your knowledge and skills are invaluable to those that are willing to learn.

 

[Finallygotit]

To add to this very true statement I'll just say these are the same knuckleheads who haven't a clue about nor appreciation for the free education they are getting. Nudder wurds, don't change a thing Mike. Us true fans, the guys that hold you on a pedestal and want to learn from you would be missing out.

Loooong ago one of my mentors taught me that that with anything you do in life, you do it to bring value to this world if not for any other reason. Your knowledge and skills are invaluable to those that are willing to learn.

Well said.

 

[C_F]

Well said.

Absolutely.

 

[manwithtools]

To add to this very true statement I'll just say these are the same knuckleheads who haven't a clue about nor appreciation for the free education they are getting. Nudder wurds, don't change a thing Mike. Us true fans, the guys that hold you on a pedestal and want to learn from you would be missing out.

Loooong ago one of my mentors taught me that that with anything you do in life, you do it to bring value to this world if not for any other reason. Your knowledge and skills are invaluable to those that are willing to learn.

Very well said, and a wise neighbor to boot.

 

[zmotorsports]

Thanks for all of your comments guys. I am very flattered and I appreciate them very much.

I realize the numbskulls that leave those comments are probably bored and that’s how they get their rocks off by criticizing others so I’ve tried not to let them get to me but that’s easier said than done.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[NUTTSGT]

Happy Birthday Mike and tell those heckling Youtubers they can always turn the volume down or off.

 

[zmotorsports]

So I am 7.5 hours into my engine swap project so far and I feel I’m making good progress. Especially seeing as how my helper had other things going on today and wasn’t able to help me much. He did have a few minutes to help me when it came time to actually lift the body off the frame. Sometimes an extra set of eyes help to ensure something didn’t get forgotten is a good thing.

It took me about 4.5 hours to get to the point where the body was actually coming off the frame.






My son was going to test it out.


Getting ready to pull the engine and transmission by unbolting the exhaust at the manifolds.






Engine & trans out.






Pushed it outside for pressure washing.






Back inside the shop to dry off.




Old 3.8 Chrysler engine with 42RLE trans next to the new 6.2 L94 and 6L80E transmission.


All in all a very productive day and the frame is in great condition. I have a couple of places to touch up some paint then I can start installing the new GM powertrain.

Thanks for looking.

 

[Bighead38]

Awesome. I would rather be doing that than the heads and bearings in the C4 corvette I’m working on.

 

[Finallygotit]

Very productive day Mike!! I am envious of that lift.

 

[GRN96WS6]

Mike,


Do most newer vehicles have a main disconnect to make lifting a body off the frame fairly simple?

You waste no time! I'm envious and you're one guy that if I was local I'd come offer a hand just to learn and have fun.

Your son sitting there just shows that we as guys never grow up! [emoji23][emoji23]

 

[zmotorsports]

Awesome. I would rather be doing that than the heads and bearings in the C4 corvette I’m working on.

That’s a big project.

 

[zmotorsports]

Very productive day Mike!! I am envious of that lift.

Thanks Dan.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal