Above 1200 Sq/FT The Warthog Hidey Hole

[Nlped]

Hey JBMATTH! I finally got my concrete poured on Friday and did my best impression of a concrete finisher... be afraid... VERY AFRAID! But, 24 days from today, I will be erecting my lift!!! I’ll be working on lighting, electrical & cleaning/organizing in the mean time. Thanks for the insight and direction to the concrete “retrofit”. I was seriously considering giving up!


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[shortykorte]

I was going to ride along with Bob but this weekend is beautiful beach weather so......did someone say bikinis?


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[mybigwarwagon]

I was going to ride along with Bob but this weekend is beautiful beach weather so......did someone say bikinis?


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The weather in NC is so bipolar lately that you could wear a bikini one day and a parka the next. That is when it hasn't been pouring rain or snowing. I am so confused I forgot what normal weather was.

 

[jbmatth]

Hey JBMATTH! I finally got my concrete poured on Friday and did my best impression of a concrete finisher... be afraid... VERY AFRAID! But, 24 days from today, I will be erecting my lift!!! I’ll be working on lighting, electrical & cleaning/organizing in the mean time. Thanks for the insight and direction to the concrete “retrofit”. I was seriously considering giving up!


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Nlped,
That is great to hear and I am honored to be able to help others out in any way I can. Do you have any photos or a thread about what you did?

I was going to ride along with Bob but this weekend is beautiful beach weather so......did someone say bikinis?


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Shorty,
I know the feeling, last week sometime it was in the upper 70's and I was stuck at work in a 3 week long meeting. You are more than welcome to tag along, I have a few extra jackets ya'll could borrow because I'm sure you don't have any down in Florida.

That brings up something I've wondered since moving to Oklahoma, it has been -25°F and 114°F and that was actually in the same year, if I'd have known how ******* the weather was going to be here I'd have just taken another offer in southern Louisiana. Oh well, I can always put in for a transfer.

The weather in NC is so bipolar lately that you could wear a bikini one day and a parka the next. That is when it hasn't been pouring rain or snowing. I am so confused I forgot what normal weather was.

War Wagon,
Good luck on getting used to the weather, it is really hard when it changes every few days, but I assure you spring and summer will come.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

Things are happening again on the Lil' Blue Truck, I got the V-band clamps in yesterday so I welded them on this morning and mounted them to the headers. Then I started to lower the body onto the frame, this is how far I got:
View media item 81023
It is a slow process because I don't want to take the chance on breaking anything. Down by an inch or less then check around everything I can to make sure I've got clearance. I then realized I didn't connect the ground to the back of the engine that goes to the cab. I think I still have room so I'll try to connect that tomorrow and drop the body the rest of the way down.
Wish me luck,
JB

 

[ODIS]

Big temperature swings in your area. Bet too, in summer, you have to deal with lots of bugs and high humidity.

Nice progress on the truck. Looking forward to seeing this one on road.

 

[jbmatth]

Odis,
We do have a lot of bugs, and sometimes the humidity is up there, but nothing like Louisiana when I lived there. I still haven't experienced mosquitos like I had around Prince George, BC, they were evil. All in all it isn't too bad, not my first choice, but it is home now and I like it.

The truck has been a fun project so far and I'm really looking forward to getting some miles on it while I work on the '57. The worst part has been parts sourcing, but I now have a complete parts list of everything I would need it I ever build another one. It would be nice to just set down at a computer and order everything up front and know it will all work. Even something as well documented as installing an LS into an S10 is, there are lots of small things that are rarely covered, or lots of questions with no definitive answers. I'll eventually do a complete write-up on one of the S10 forums so at least it'll all be available to the next guy if they need it.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

All,
More progress this morning, the body is on and I'm working to reconnect everything and install the remaining parts laying around the floor:
View media item 81052
I'm getting more and more excited, so close now I can feel it.

JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

I'm very impressed!

 

[BIGBAUM83]

Please post a link to your build/swap write up on the S10 in here when you do it. Great work by the way, I don't comment much but always enjoy reading about your projects!

 

[jbmatth]

I'm very impressed!

Thank you Andy.

Please post a link to your build/swap write up on the S10 in here when you do it. Great work by the way, I don't comment much but always enjoy reading about your projects!

Will do BB, and thank you for following along and commenting.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

Please post a link to your build/swap write up on the S10 in here when you do it. Great work by the way, I don't comment much but always enjoy reading about your projects!

Here is the link, I just got it posted on S10Forum.com:

1st LS Swap, Going the "Bolt-in" Route

JB

 

[Nlped]

I haven’t got a build thread because I’m just not diligent enough to keep one as current as the threads that I enjoy the most. But I do thank you for the help with the right direction for my concrete “repair”. 22 more days!!! .


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[jbmatth]

I haven’t got a build thread because I’m just not diligent enough to keep one as current as the threads that I enjoy the most. But I do thank you for the help with the right direction for my concrete “repair”. 22 more days!!! .


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Here is to your upcoming erection. Only photos of the lift are required, I don't personally want to see your erection.



All,

This morning I cut and welded the steering shaft, I used a section out of a 99-04 Grand Cherokee, it is really close to the header, I now only have about 1/8" of clearance compared to an interference fit with the stock shaft. I then mounted the fans to check fitment, then removed so I could install the AC bracket. I then discovered the stock coolant overflow tank won't work with the high mount AC compressor. I'll get that on order today, but I specifically asked Current Performance if I needed to get the tank and they advised that most people don't buy it. Oh well, I also mounted the AC condensor to mark where I need to trim the core support to install the AC lines and also discovered they never sent the dryer that was supposed to come with the lines. On a good note I did use a section of the lower radiator hose from the Silverado and it fits great on the lower connection of the radiator and into the thermostat housing. You win some you loose some I guess. I have all of the fluids so really I could start the truck at any time if I want.

View media item 81091

 

[BIGBAUM83]

Here is the link, I just got it posted on S10Forum.com:

1st LS Swap, Going the "Bolt-in" Route

JB

Thanks JB!

 

[OutlawDrifter]

JB, you are making short work of it! Don't be afraid to clearance the header. It won't kill any performance, I know it's often against better judgement to pound on new steel! Engine Masters on YouTube did a pretty interesting dyno session beating up a set of long tubes.

 

[jbmatth]

JB, you are making short work of it! Don't be afraid to clearance the header. It won't kill any performance, I know it's often against better judgement to pound on new steel! Engine Masters on YouTube did a pretty interesting dyno session beating up a set of long tubes.

It seems to be going together slowly but surely, little by little I'll get it done. I'm not the least bit affraid to beat the header tube with a hammer, I already had to on the passenger side, I just don't have much room to get a good swing on it with the body back on. I've seen that episode and it was pretty impressive they were able to get so many dents in it.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I made a little more progress this weekend, I have the AC compressor mounted, all the hoses run I can run for the time being, trans cooler mounted and plumbed in after making a mounting bracket, and the power steering cooler mounted and plumbed in with yet another bracket:
View media item 81190
I also found the right belt I needed, it only took 2 tries so not bad at all, hooked up all of the hoses other than the radiator overflow, and all of the wiring is complete, I even installed the battery to try to start it up:
View media item 81192
I'm waiting on a few other odd and ends to get it to mechanically complete like radiator cap, coolant overflow tank, AC dryer and pressure switch, and some fittings for the air intake. I bought the air intake for a silverado and ended up needing about 3" of 4" pipe to clear the alternator. I was tempted to just cut a section of exhaust pipe off of my truck but cooler heads prevailed. I also ended up having to buy a shorter air filter so it would fit better. But for the time being I also installed the bumper, grill, and lights:
View media item 81191
I really need to work on the lenses at some point and fix the spoiler, but as bad as the fit is and as much as it is broken I think I'll just buy a new one and have it painted along with the hood and maybe the fender. The last big project left on the list is the exhaust, I have the parts but simply ran out of time.

The big conundrum right now is that I couldn't get it to run...It'll crank but not fire, I used HP Tuners to delete VATS and a few other things but it just won't start. I have some troubleshooting to do before I phone a friend for some help. I really wanted to hear it run this weekend, but it just wasn't in the cards. Oh well..

JB

 

[OutlawDrifter]

It's always a bummer when they don't fire right away. On my swaps first place I start checking is power to the coils and the injectors. I've also noticed the LS/LQ stuff is really sensitive to grounds, seems you can't have enough of them. On my '49, it was running horribly rich...hooked it up and the O2's were maxed out in opposite directions. Turns out my harness had them swapped, left was on the right side and vice versa. Swapped them around and it started running like a sewing machine. But only after I spent weeks with an ohm meter pulling my hair out!

 

[jbmatth]

Thanks for the feedback Outlaw, I was/am kinda sad it didn't fire right up but all I did was a quick read of the computer and datalog what it was reading when I tried to start. The problem is I don't know if any of the parameters are out of line. And for some reason I can't post on the HPTuners forum to even ask for someone to look at them. GGGRRRRR.

I am pretty sure the grounds are all in good working order, I cleaned the connector and ground point before each was installed. But now that I think about it I can't remember one going from the engine to the frame...

I have plenty of troubleshooting to do still but just ran out of time. Good news is it cranks, I just need to find out if it is something I've already done wrong, or if it something I haven't done right yet.


JB

 

[jbmatth]

A little update, I modified the bracket for the trans shift linkage and starting to mock up the rest of the exhaust. I am waiting on a few odds and ends so it seemed like good timing. I also need to borrow or buy a fuel pressure test kit to see where I'm at on that front as well.

JB

 

[RickP]

Nice job getting the blue truck back together - it's almost there. I'll bet the problem with it not starting will end up being a simple fix. (Be careful or you might end up with a mark on your forehead resembling the palm of your hand ;-)

I've followed along with your car and truck adventures but haven't been able to contribute anything useful. I think I'll try tackling some more complicated engine repairs based on your example though. I also enjoy hearing your comments about work - I worked at a refinery near New Orleans many, many years ago.

Keep plugging away at your cars and trucks!

 

[jbmatth]

Nice job getting the blue truck back together - it's almost there. I'll bet the problem with it not starting will end up being a simple fix. (Be careful or you might end up with a mark on your forehead resembling the palm of your hand ;-)

I've followed along with your car and truck adventures but haven't been able to contribute anything useful. I think I'll try tackling some more complicated engine repairs based on your example though. I also enjoy hearing your comments about work - I worked at a refinery near New Orleans many, many years ago.

Keep plugging away at your cars and trucks!

I'm sure I'll have a face palm moment in the not too distant future. I try to be very meticulous when working on vehicles but some things get missed unfortunately. I don't know if I'm being a good example or not, I should have done a lot of things differently like actually clean the engine and engine bay, maybe even checked bearings. Oh well if I looked they would have been bad, but if I don't know they are bad they must be good right? Oh look Schrödinger's cat.

What refinery did you work in and what was your role? I haven't been to any of them yet but I know we have one there and there are many around the area. I'm sure you don't miss the turnarounds and the hours they bring about.

JB

P.S. Thank you for following along on my random crazy adventures in the Warthog Hidey Hole.

 

[RickP]

Ha -- you sound like me when I'm trying to convince myself I don't need to check the tractor bearings...

I worked at Alliance Refinery in Belle Chase when it was owned by SOHIO (before BP bought them), and now it's owned by Phillips 66. I'm a MechE, so it was basic design stuff -- pipe runs and HVAC systems. That was back in the 80s, and I also did a rotation in Cleveland at BP America's HQ. Neither was really the job for me, so I moved east and got into construction scheduling.

The biggest crisis during my time at Alliance was a massive drought (worst since ~1960), with salt water coming up the Mississippi -- we needed about 8 mill gallons of fresh water a day, so we had a bit of a problem. We ended up buying New Orleans drinking water and also filling barges upstream with fresh water. But we still had to cut production in half (with a $500k daily hit to the bottom line...) The steam boilers wouldn't have done well with salt water, so it had to be done, but it was painful while it lasted. Stressful at times, but I remember the fun times better!

 

[jbmatth]

Ha -- you sound like me when I'm trying to convince myself I don't need to check the tractor bearings...

I worked at Alliance Refinery in Belle Chase when it was owned by SOHIO (before BP bought them), and now it's owned by Phillips 66. I'm a MechE, so it was basic design stuff -- pipe runs and HVAC systems. That was back in the 80s, and I also did a rotation in Cleveland at BP America's HQ. Neither was really the job for me, so I moved east and got into construction scheduling.

The biggest crisis during my time at Alliance was a massive drought (worst since ~1960), with salt water coming up the Mississippi -- we needed about 8 mill gallons of fresh water a day, so we had a bit of a problem. We ended up buying New Orleans drinking water and also filling barges upstream with fresh water. But we still had to cut production in half (with a $500k daily hit to the bottom line...) The steam boilers wouldn't have done well with salt water, so it had to be done, but it was painful while it lasted. Stressful at times, but I remember the fun times better!

I'm familiar with the refinery, I know a few people that work there. I don't want to know what the boilers would have done with salt water, I know we feed ours with RO water to keep them happy. When I worked in Lake Charles, La. one thing I found interesting was the gate(?) on the river, it would open and close depending on if the fresh water was going out or the salt water was trying to go upstream. I'm glad you found something you enjoyed more, I'm still having fun here so I plan to stick around for the foreseeable future at least.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I managed to get a few more things done this morning, the exhaust is as done as I plan to get it for the time being:
View media item 81248
I know if I did a crossover it would help with scavenging but I really want to hear what it will sound like with true duels for the time being. In the future I may take it further back and make a crossover where the mufflers currently are. I also installed a ground from the engine to the frame and still no start.

While working to install the E-brake cable I noticed some odd wiring, I was trying to get a better look at it when I ran out of time but it appears as though there is some sore of aftermarket alarm system on the truck. My brother doesn't know anything about it so that will be something to dig into more.

JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

Aftermarket alarm which prevents starting in case somebody messes with the truck.

 

[Finallygotit]

Aftermarket alarm which prevents starting in case somebody messes with the truck.

That's kinda what I thought......

 

[jbmatth]

Aftermarket alarm which prevents starting in case somebody messes with the truck.

That's kinda what I thought......

That is what I'm leaning towards, I don't know what all it ties into but by the look of the connectors it wasn't installed very professionally. Hopefully they didn't cut TOOOOO many wires and it is easy for me to remove, but time will tell. I feel like I need to get that removed before I do too much on the computer side of things.

I didn't get the fuel pressure test kit borrowed yesterday, I did order one though so next time I'll have one at the ready. This truck has given me an excuse for a few odd tools though.

JB

 

[OutlawDrifter]

JB, is the harness "stand alone" or does it tie into the wiring bulkhead at the firewall(integrated with S10 factory stuff)?

 

[jbmatth]

It ties into the rest of the truck stuff at the fuse box and another connector by the computer. It turns the fuel pump on but I haven't gotten a chance to check anything else out just yet. I'm sure once I dig into it I'll be able to find it pretty easy but time will tell.

JB

 

[OutlawDrifter]

I guess I should clarify...I'm speaking in terms of the LS swap harness.

 

[jbmatth]

I'm pretty sure it integrates into the rest of the harness, everything was a plug in and the only "wiring" I had to do was for the AC clutch. In this photo:
View media item 80961You can see on the left the one small plug (black with purple in the middle) that connects near the computer I think this is the C100 plug. Then in the bottom middle you can see the ********* C2 plug next to the ECU plugs.

It is supposed to be wired so the Silverado ECU can control the AC and talk to the truck to get the cruise control to work as well as the fuel pump. Hopefully I'm answering the way your question was intended.

JB

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Yes you did!

Definitely figure our they alarm situation. But also check your fuses for the coil packs and injectors. If the pump cycled to prime, you should have enough fuel to start it. I think you have a "fire" issue.

 

[jbmatth]

I'll go through it with a fine tooth comb in the next couple of days and report back. I've been doing a lot of research on some of the LS specific things to investigate and have a list made up of things to check. Oh and I ordered a couple of tools to help in the future as well.

JB

 

[Finallygotit]

JB

You might want to look at a Noid light test kit to see if you can diagnose the no-start issue. They aren't that expensive but if you have a hard time finding them, I would be more than happy to lend you mine.

 

[jbmatth]

JB

You might want to look at a Noid light test kit to see if you can diagnose the no-start issue. They aren't that expensive but if you have a hard time finding them, I would be more than happy to lend you mine.

Great minds think alike Dan, I just picked one up yesterday on my way home along with a fuel pressure test kit. Well I found the problem I believe...

I wasn't getting any fuel pressure up to the rails, but I could hear the pump running. I went back to the filter and first removed the return line which immediately gave me a face full of fuel and soaked my clothes. I put out my cigar and turned off the butane torch I was holding and went to rinse off. So apparently the S10 has a 5/16" supply to the filter and a 3/8" out of the filter to the engine. There is also a 3/8" return with the same style fitting at the filter. So naturally I bought a 3/8" in and out filter and hooked it up accordingly which was wrong. I'll pick up the right filter today and update my notes, fingers crossed it'll fire tonight.

JB

 

[mybigwarwagon]

I put out my cigar and turned off the butane torch I was holding and went to rinse off. :lol_

JB

I was tinkering with a garden tractor the other day. I got it running and then lit a victory cigar. A short time later it started to smoke. A fuel line had a tiny pin hole in it.

As I was pulling the line my wife walked over and asked, " Is that smart to do that with a lit cigar?" It never even crossed my mind. Fortunately it was pretty windy, although my hands were covered in gas.

 

[jbmatth]

I hate to admit it, but I wasn't smoking a cigar, the thought of it was funny though...well not the thought of being on fire that isn't the least bit fun. I know I've made plenty of bone head moves this is just another one to add to the list.

On a side note I did pick up the new fuel filter today so I should be in business tonight, fingers crossed.
JB

 

[Finallygotit]

Fingers crossed here!