ZMotorsports Shop Projects 2.0

[zmotorsports]

So would I be correct in saying that a rough translation is Mike is far more likely to do an LS swap for someone on this board than some rich *******?

Possibly Vincent. At this point I have several projects of my own that I am neck deep in before our RV'ing season starts and don't have the time but at some point in the future, if I have time then maybe.

The LS in our Jeep was predicated by two factors. FIRST and foremost, I needed something more than the little 3.8 liter could deliver. I know Jeeps aren't supposed to be fast but my 6k pound JKUR on 35" tires was pathetic on the highway. Off-road it did great so I tolerated it for the first 8 years and 90k miles of ownership.

Secondly, my wife thinks it was an itch I had to scratch. There are a few companies out there doing LS and Hemi swaps and I had talked about putting an LS in our Jeep for several years prior but was hell bent on doing it myself and maintaining 100% functionality of all of the creature comforts. Most of the DIY'ers are using standalone harnesses and very bespoke wiring in which only have the minimum items working and main focus on getting the engine to run. I wanted full integration with everything from my cruise control to HVAC working and wanted to do it in my home shop and wanted to confirm I could do as good a job as a professional shop.

Mission accomplished so now I have nothing else to prove so I am just set on enjoying it and racking up the miles.

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike, I don't think that is a bad character trait to paint for yourself. Having principles and a code to live by is a good thing. I would have done the same thing, and have done it in the past.

Job title/Salary to some, comes with an unearned sense of entitlement.

Yeah, I don't know what my hangup is there Marc. Just rubs me the wrong way and refuse to do work for people like that. Maybe you nailed it with the whole "entitlement" thing. That is something that burns my *** and I can't seem to shake it.

 

[ttpete]

Yeah, I don't know what my hangup is there Marc. Just rubs me the wrong way and refuse to do work for people like that. Maybe you nailed it with the whole "entitlement" thing. That is something that burns my *** and I can't seem to shake it.

There's a fine line between someone being an acquaintance and suddenly he becomes a customer who you work for, your "employer". After I retired, a good friend who had a mail-order parts business asked if I would help him out with his inventory. It involved identifying NOS items, putting them in the database, and shelving them in numerical order. I ended up with a computer and about eight linear feet of parts lists. It changed our relationship because my friend changed into being my boss. Although I didn't have to swat a time clock, the feeling was still there. I had committed myself to it and after 2 years, I just told him I didn't want to do it any longer. We remain friends, though.

 

[zmotorsports]

There's a fine line between someone being an acquaintance and suddenly he becomes a customer who you work for, your "employer". After I retired, a good friend who had a mail-order parts business asked if I would help him out with his inventory. It involved identifying NOS items, putting them in the database, and shelving them in numerical order. I ended up with a computer and about eight linear feet of parts lists. It changed our relationship because my friend changed into being my boss. Although I didn't have to swat a time clock, the feeling was still there. I had committed myself to it and after 2 years, I just told him I didn't want to do it any longer. We remain friends, though.

Could be why I don't have many friends.

I'm somewhat reluctant to meet new people for fear they may want something from me. Kind of f**ked up I know.

 

[XJSuperman]

Could be why I don't have many friends.

I'm somewhat reluctant to meet new people for fear they may want something from me. Kind of f**ked up I know.

In my experience friends will always want something from you. The key here is that real friends will be there when you want something from them. Right now I am personally in a spot where I need something from my friends more than they need it from me. But the moment they call, I have a warm garage they can use or tools I can bring to them. They are the same way when I need a trailer or a favor. When it needs to be done, further compensation isn't a problem.

You gotta wade through the ******** to get to the good stuff Mike.

 

[zmotorsports]

In my experience friends will always want something from you. The key here is that real friends will be there when you want something from them. Right now I am personally in a spot where I need something from my friends more than they need it from me. But the moment they call, I have a warm garage they can use or tools I can bring to them. They are the same way when I need a trailer or a favor. When it needs to be done, further compensation isn't a problem.

You gotta wade through the ******** to get to the good stuff Mike.

Maybe that's my problem. Unwilling to wade through the ********. Probably also why I refuse to ask for help.

When I called my electrician friend a couple of months ago to help with installing my exterior lights, I made it very clear I was hiring him, not asking for his help.

The couple of our true friends that we have had for many years were the ones who were quick to show up when my wife's mother had passed last year and when my mother passed about ten years ago even though we are not that close these days as we grew apart. Those are our true friends.

Anybody can show up when it's convenient for them but a true friend really shows up when it isn't convenient.

 

[4 FN 27]

The couple of our true friends that we have had for many years were the ones who were quick to show up when my wife's mother had passed last year and when my mother passed about ten years ago even though we are not that close these days as we grew apart. Those are our true friends.

My buddy Jason said it best a long time ago..."you can count the number of true friends you have on one hand minus a couple of fingers".

Me it takes both hands but we can go for years and not see each other, keep in touch and whatnot but when we get together it was like there was no loss in time.

For most of us, we developed the "true" portion of the friendship in times of need/hardship/duress, we were there for each other...and did the inconvenient without hesitation.

I hear you Mike!!!

Personally I don't like to be convenient for those who want to be friends.

 

[zmotorsports]

My buddy Jason said it best a long time ago..."you can count the number of true friends you have on one hand minus a couple of fingers".

Me it takes both hands but we can go for years and not see each other, keep in touch and whatnot but when we get together it was like there was no loss in time.

For most of us, we developed the "true" portion of the friendship in times of need/hardship/duress, we were there for each other...and did the inconvenient without hesitation.

I hear you Mike!!!

Personally I don't like to be convenient for those who want to be friends.

I hear ya Pat. I finally am to a point where I like who I am and don't feel like I need to impress anyone nor put up with ******** just so someone will like me. I am who I am and I'm too old to change, even if I wanted, and really don't want to.

I get along with some people when I have to but I cherish the friendships I've made over the years because they are real and not superficial.

 

[XJSuperman]

^ All true. Better said than my description in some ways, especially the convenience points.

 

[stockerwithalocker]

Mike since you work on such a large variety of vehicles, what do you use/recommend for service manual sources nowadays? Apologize if you’ve answered this before and i didn’t see it. Thanks, Parker

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike since you work on such a large variety of vehicles, what do you use/recommend for service manual sources nowadays? Apologize if you’ve answered this before and i didn’t see it. Thanks, Parker

For my personal vehicles I have FSM's (Factory Service Manuals) but when I need wiring schematics or certain specifications that I cannot find I use alldatadiy.com. I used to have a friend who worked for a local municipality as the supervisor for the city shop and he would print off spec's or schematics for me as they had the full-blown alldata subscription, but since he retired several years ago I had to switch gears.

The alldatadiy site is similar to the full blown alldata site but less money and you purchase the spec's vehicle specific. It's a decent price and the subscription for that vehicle lasts a year. Many times if I think I may have that vehicle or one like it in the shop I'll print off a lot of stuff within that year time frame while I have the subscription.

Thank you for stopping by and following along on my projects.

 

[signcrafter]

Mike since you work on such a large variety of vehicles, what do you use/recommend for service manual sources nowadays? Apologize if you’ve answered this before and i didn’t see it. Thanks, Parker

For my personal vehicles I have FSM's (Factory Service Manuals) but when I need wiring schematics or certain specifications that I cannot find I use alldatadiy.com. I used to have a friend who worked for a local municipality as the supervisor for the city shop and he would print off spec's or schematics for me as they had the full-blown alldata subscription, but since he retired several years ago I had to switch gears.

The alldatadiy site is similar to the full blown alldata site but less money and you purchase the spec's vehicle specific. It's a decent price and the subscription for that vehicle lasts a year. Many times if I think I may have that vehicle or one like it in the shop I'll print off a lot of stuff within that year time frame while I have the subscription.

Thank you for stopping by and following along on my projects.

Look into your local library. After BBBind.com shut down their free wiring diagrams I found my local library has mitchell on demand for free. I took the daughter there and signed up for library card and was able to access the website from home. Very convenient and free.

 

[zmotorsports]

Look into your local library. After BBBind.com shut down their free wiring diagrams I found my local library has mitchell on demand for free. I took the daughter there and signed up for library card and was able to access the website from home. Very convenient and free.

Good to know, thank you.

 

[stockerwithalocker]

For my personal vehicles I have FSM's (Factory Service Manuals) but when I need wiring schematics or certain specifications that I cannot find I use alldatadiy.com. I used to have a friend who worked for a local municipality as the supervisor for the city shop and he would print off spec's or schematics for me as they had the full-blown alldata subscription, but since he retired several years ago I had to switch gears.

The alldatadiy site is similar to the full blown alldata site but less money and you purchase the spec's vehicle specific. It's a decent price and the subscription for that vehicle lasts a year. Many times if I think I may have that vehicle or one like it in the shop I'll print off a lot of stuff within that year time frame while I have the subscription.

Thank you for stopping by and following along on my projects.

Thank you both for the knowledge! Mike i’m going to PM you with a few more questions regarding FSM’s, one regarding the chevy silverado FSM. I have an 06 with the lbz and what i’ve read the lbz is not included in the fsm for an 06. Wondering if that is what you have experienced since the FSM covers i think 03 to 06 and your year falls in that range so you might know the answer.

 

[Nlped]

Sorry to hear your dad is having issues with his Jeep. That *****. I haven't heard or seen to awful many issues with the 2013+ 3.6 Pentastars.

Some good friends of ours that we wheel with in our RV/Jeep club that full-time and spend the winters around Surprise, AZ and Havasu area just flopped their 2011 JKUR a few weeks ago at a gathering, can't remember if it was Quartzite or Parker gathering. It didn't look like that bad of a flop based on the pictures but the insurance company totaled it so they sent us pictures yesterday of their new JLUR, Pumpkin orange in color. We probably won't get a chance to wheel with them until September or October in either South Dakota or Moab.

I just told my ole man (74 yrs young) to read through your stuff and maybe reach out for some knowledge. I told him you might be able to point him in the right direction. I told him I can help him but I live 2k miles from him.


Jeep totally screwed him on this mess. Hell, he drove the damn thing into the dealership; albeit with a check engine light, and now they say it’s a destroyed motor and even though he’s had every service (early) at a Jeep service center ...their responds is Tough ****. 2017 Rubicon with 38k miles and he bought the extended Jeep warranty as well. Offered him a remanufactured motor for $6800 and he told ‘em to, well you can guess what he told them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[zmotorsports]

Thank you both for the knowledge! Mike i’m going to PM you with a few more questions regarding FSM’s, one regarding the chevy silverado FSM. I have an 06 with the lbz and what i’ve read the lbz is not included in the fsm for an 06. Wondering if that is what you have experienced since the FSM covers i think 03 to 06 and your year falls in that range so you might know the answer.

My FSM covers the 2006 model year, not the range you’re speaking of.


It wasn’t cheap but is a four volume set and very detailed.


It does cover the 6.6 diesel (Duramax) engine. As well as the 4.8, 5.3, 6.0 and 8.1 liter gasoline engines.




One thing worth noting because you specifically mentioned the LBZ, the LLY and LBZ in that model year were the exact same engine with all the same components and specifications/procedures. The only difference between the LLY and LBZ in that year were the tunes in the ECM which determined their slightly different HP and torque numbers.

The earlier LLY (2004.5-2005) was a different engine. Don’t know why GM kept the same RPO for those two engines knowing the 2005 and 2006 were different.

Hope that helps.

 

[zmotorsports]

I just told my ole man (74 yrs young) to read through your stuff and maybe reach out for some knowledge. I told him you might be able to point him in the right direction. I told him I can help him but I live 2k miles from him.


Jeep totally screwed him on this mess. Hell, he drove the damn thing into the dealership; albeit with a check engine light, and now they say it’s a destroyed motor and even though he’s had every service (early) at a Jeep service center ...their responds is Tough ****. 2017 Rubicon with 38k miles and he bought the extended Jeep warranty as well. Offered him a remanufactured motor for $6800 and he told ‘em to, well you can guess what he told them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That ***** that Daimler/Chrysler didn't take care of him even with the extended warranty. Something's fishy there I think.

I see where his buddy Don Phelps and his wife recently sold their property in Surprise and are moving somewhere up to the Pacific Northwest. Don and his wife are sure good people, I hope I still get to see them and wheel with them sometime.

 

[zmotorsports]

I didn’t get done what I actually went out into the shop to do last night.

I had a new palm sander/DA show up and while I was looking for a place to store it I noticed my grinder/sander rack was at capacity. I thought I’d take a minute and fab up another smaller one.

Although this was 10-gauge P&O and a little thicker than my new DiAcro pan brake is spec’d to handle, I thought it only being 2” wide I’d give it a try. It worked perfectly and created a beautiful bend. I can tell already I’m gonna love this piece of equipment.


Drilled and countersunk for grabbers.






Measurements came out spot on.


Gave it a wipe down with wax & grease remover and a shot of Miller blue to match my other grinder rack.




That’s much better. Now they’re not stacked on top of one another where I have to play musical grinders when I need one. I don't know why I have so many grinders, I don't use them that often and they are far from my favorite tools.


Talk about project creep for the night.

While I was using my DiAcro pan brake I remembered that I purchased a piece of expanded steel several months ago for the lower shelf but never cut it to the exact size or installed it. Well I decided to take a few minutes to do just that.

Cut & deburred.


Tapping four 10-32 holes.


Installed and secured in place.


Maybe tonight I will actually get going on my next project.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Always nice to knock out some of those smaller projects, good sense of accomplishment for not a lot of effort!

 

[zmotorsports]

Thanks guys.

Yeah, it wasn't what I had intended when I opened the shop door last night but knocking a couple of jobs off the white board did feel good.

I think I've been procrastinating on the next project so I was easily distracted.

 

[MP&C]

Some nice clean bends on that Diacro!

 

[OutlawDrifter]

I think I've been procrastinating on the next project so I was easily distracted.

Don't feel bad about procrastinating a project, Mike.

I've had all the stuff do do the AC on the '49 GMC for over a year now, most of it has grey whiskers now

 

[zmotorsports]

Some nice clean bends on that Diacro!

Thanks Robert. I'm pretty pleased and impressed with it so far and it's only my first real bend with it.

 

[zmotorsports]

Don't feel bad about procrastinating a project, Mike.

I've had all the stuff do do the AC on the '49 GMC for over a year now, most of it has grey whiskers now

Thanks Marc, but procrastinating just isn't me. I feel like I'm slowing a bit and not looking forward to a couple of projects I have to do so I think I'm dragging my feet and when something come up yesterday I was all to eager to take a detour.

 

[stockerwithalocker]

My FSM covers the 2006 model year, not the range you’re speaking of.

Hope that helps.

Apparently i dont have enough posts to PM. Thank you VERY much Mike for taking the time to take pictures of your FSMs, the tidbit about the lbz, and answering my questions. That helped a great deal.

 

[lilscorpion]

I don't know why I have so many grinders, I don't use them that often and they are far from my favorite tools.

Though it’s not what one dude typically says to another dude - nice rack mike. A perfect example of why I enjoy shop organization. A fairly quick and not super technical project can make a big difference in shop time enjoyability. I’m a blue guy thru and thru too so I appreciate color selection as well.

Grinders are weird tools. I never really cared to even have one but after I switch pad grits in and out more than a time or two, or when I realized the one I had was under powdered, or it spun too fast or too slow for a given application, there quickly developed a justification for another one multiple times. Then factor in they tend to be quite durable tools and they more commonly make noise then fully fail, I tend to keep ‘em “just in case”.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[alexb2000]

Mike-

What are your thoughts on insurance while doing work on other peoples cars for money at your house? I know you are meticulous, but "S" happens.

 

[Just Fishing]

Probably the wrong place to post this, but I might have a job where i need your assistance Mike.


So long story short, I saw a hint of brass sparkles right before i did the camshaft, lifters, oil pump, and timing chain on my old 5.3 tahoe...

I dismissed it for the most part since i drained my oil in a very dirty pan that had just changed the oil after i reseated the piston rings in a snow blower.

And i was never able to catch the brass sparkles again.

I expected to see a damaged camshaft when i yanked the original, but everything looked great.
Including the cam bearings...


Just completed my 500 mile drive with the new camshaft with break-in additive (for good measure)...

I also bought one of those oil filter cutting tools with this in mind for a little peace of mind.

So i cut that baby open.
Only to find the same sparkles as before.


Looks like i can't post images directly here.
But i sent you a text with the image.

I'm open to thoughts, but I'm thinking short block, or try and source a 6.2 and do my converter at the same time.

 

[zmotorsports]

Apparently i dont have enough posts to PM. Thank you VERY much Mike for taking the time to take pictures of your FSMs, the tidbit about the lbz, and answering my questions. That helped a great deal.

You are very welcome. Thank you for following along and happy to help.

Though it’s not what one dude typically says to another dude - nice rack mike. A perfect example of why I enjoy shop organization. A fairly quick and not super technical project can make a big difference in shop time enjoyability. I’m a blue guy thru and thru too so I appreciate color selection as well.

Grinders are weird tools. I never really cared to even have one but after I switch pad grits in and out more than a time or two, or when I realized the one I had was under powdered, or it spun too fast or too slow for a given application, there quickly developed a justification for another one multiple times. Then factor in they tend to be quite durable tools and they more commonly make noise then fully fail, I tend to keep ‘em “just in case”.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Yeah, I had a guy once tell me those that use grinders can't weld. It really stuck with me and bothered me to the point that I hate grinders. Probably why I focus on welding so much and I'm never satisfied with my welds.

I agree with having things organized and the enjoyment it brings to being in the shop. Even for the first six months or so I had my nice new shop I couldn't relax and thoroughly enjoy it because things were not organized the way I wanted them. Now I enjoy being in the shop much, much more.

Mike-

What are your thoughts on insurance while doing work on other peoples cars for money at your house? I know you are meticulous, but "S" happens.

All a person can do it be careful. I'm not going to open a side business like I did at my last place and really don't plan on doing much for others as I have my plate full with my own stuff.

 

[zmotorsports]

Probably the wrong place to post this, but I might have a job where i need your assistance Mike.


So long story short, I saw a hint of brass sparkles right before i did the camshaft, lifters, oil pump, and timing chain on my old 5.3 tahoe...

I dismissed it for the most part since i drained my oil in a very dirty pan that had just changed the oil after i reseated the piston rings in a snow blower.

And i was never able to catch the brass sparkles again.

I expected to see a damaged camshaft when i yanked the original, but everything looked great.
Including the cam bearings...


Just completed my 500 mile drive with the new camshaft with break-in additive (for good measure)...

I also bought one of those oil filter cutting tools with this in mind for a little peace of mind.

So i cut that baby open.
Only to find the same sparkles as before.


Looks like i can't post images directly here.
But i sent you a text with the image.

I'm open to thoughts, but I'm thinking short block, or try and source a 6.2 and do my converter at the same time.

As per our conversation Saturday Chris, I'd just key an eye on it for a bit and especially oil pressure. Make sure that doesn't start to drop, if it does it can be a sign of rod & main bearings opening up (ie. wear).

 

[casmurbax]

Hey Mike. How are things?

 

[zmotorsports]

Hey Mike. How are things?

Well. Just plugging away.

How are things with you?

 

[casmurbax]

Great thank you for asking.

I haven't seen you post anything in regards to the projects that you were not really looking forward tackle, hopefully they aren't anything to serious.

 

[zmotorsports]

Great thank you for asking.

I haven't seen you post anything in regards to the projects that you were not really looking forward tackle, hopefully they aren't anything to serious.

Been working on a new fuel system modification for the coach that's taking me longer than expected plus a few side jobs. Side jobs are nothing much but I'll post up a detailed installation of the FASS system that I am installing on our coach when it is complete.

Thanks.

 

[casmurbax]

Had to look up FASS that sounds interesting, of course everything you do in your shop is interesting.

Looking forward to the update!

 

[zmotorsports]

Had to look up FASS that sounds interesting, of course everything you do in your shop is interesting.

Looking forward to the update!

Thanks. The installation is probably about 70-75 percent complete. I was able to get a lot done on Saturday but also installing extra gauges and a few other modifications so I want to get everything complete before I post up pictures and the video.

 

[MacTexas]

I was reading Shopnut thread and he alluded to you as posting "must have stuff", so I thought I would follow you.

 

[zmotorsports]

I was reading Shopnut thread and he alluded to you as posting "must have stuff", so I thought I would follow you.

Awesome.

Thanks. Hope you enjoy the content of my projects thread.

 

[casmurbax]

I was reading Shopnut thread and he alluded to you as posting "must have stuff", so I thought I would follow you.

Watch out MacTexas, I just started following Shopnut 2 weeks ago and I have 2 new items on the way already.

I think Mike is responsible for me buying at least a dozen things in the last year alone.

Mike does some pretty cool things and has no problem answering questions if you ask.

 

[Mr.zippy]

Mike is the reason I joined this forum. I started to follow what he was doing, his perfection and attention to the details that matter. Just stunning work. I wish he was my neighbor! Of course, if he was, I would put up all my Christmas lights on the eaves of the house, (entirely white lights), and have one red light about a third of the way down!