Another LS 6.0 engine swap - many pics!

[CAPTSmith]

I have just started a major mission of swapping my entire drivetrain in my '88 JGW to include:

GM LS 6.0 Vortec:


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Tranny - 4L80e (painted in Eastwood AMC aqua blue - leftover paint from my '74 Javelin AMX 360 ci paint job!):

Before tranny pic:

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After tranny pic:

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NP241c transfer case (rebuilt - had to put a 32 count spline shaft vs 27 count, seals, etc.):
Before TC pics

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After TC pics

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This will be a major project for me, as a 'shade tree mechanic' and an old Navy Captain, but with help from all of you, planning, research, hard work and prayer, I hope I can have a successful project and provide some nice pictures, like many others have done, that might be enlightening and helpful for others (by the way, this FSJ Network content managment system is a breeze to use and very nice - thanks)! Full steam ahead, here she goes!


Untitled (2013-01-13 21:04:54) by mdsmithrd, on Flickr

[mrtazwrench]

Good luck! I'm in the beginning stages of a 5.3 swap as well so we both have some of the same problems to solve, lots of info out there on these swaps though.

[CAPTSmith]

Roger that, two heads are better than one!

[CAPTSmith]

Front clip comes off and motor is pulled as a unit (motor, tranny, & TC):


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[CAPTSmith]

Getting ready to put the 6.0 Vortec into the cleaned and painted engine bay:

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[CAPTSmith]

Engine is in the second set of motor mount holes, nearest firewall, and the jeelinpete custom motor mounts fit nicely on the LS block. Also, I have good clearance of the stainless steel shorty headers over the mounts and inside the frame rails.

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[husker77]

You got a manufacturer and part # for the headers?

[jaber]

Looks like it going well so far.

[AwesomeJ10]

Very nice!

I'm interested to see how you are going to wire the PCM and what chip you will use...

[CAPTSmith]

The headers are from LaMonte Performance Parts at: http://lpparts.com/store/page7.html . For $250, they seem like a quality built header. Ryan Hart, from BJ's Offroad, has used LPP headers before and bought some also for his waggie.

Regarding the ECM and wiring harness, I have sent that off to Wayne Hartwig to clean up the wiring, label and program the ECM. Ryan Hart has done the same for his engine swap and got back a nicely thinned harness which looks like it should be an easy plug n' play - at least I'm hoping for this, but will keep all posted!

[Jerry Blair]

I'm jealous Captain!

You've made good progress. I can't wait till I'm back in the garage to bring my swap along. I am shipping my computer to Wayne tomorrow and have decided to work on the harness myself (I can't do the heavy lifting but I can work on wiring!).

Keep it up!

[CAPTSmith]

Good luck Jerry and we can learn from one another! However, on the wiring, you're on your own as I'd rather take a beating than work with the wiring harness!

[CAPTSmith]

Also, almost forgot, upgraded to a low profile oil cooler adapter with -8 AN fittings that I will be running stainless steel flexible hose to an B & M oil cooler radiator (see coolers and hoses below). Also, this low profile adapter allows more room that the OEM part and helps with more header space room, etc. Will be running the same hose from the 4l80e to an B & M cooler also (see tranny pic above for fittings which had to be custom ordered just for the tranny due to fitting internal length).

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[CAPTSmith]

Some other essential, or desired, parts include:

Dakota Digital e-gauges from BJ's Offroad custom made for different model FSJs, which is really a nice touch for quality gauges (BJ's had the best price & excellent customer service!):

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Griffin radiator from Summit Racing (would have gotten one from BJ's, as they have excellent reviews on their radiators, but they are changing vendors and were unavailable at the time) with outlets on the right side and exact size for factory radiator hoses - no more mix, matching hoses!
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B & M super coolers and stainless hoses, with -AN fittings, for both oil and tranny fluid:
I took this photo with Pro HDR for the iPhone! by mdsmithrd, on Flickr

Also, used a magnetic base tool to insure that the angle of the tranny and drive shafts are between 1-5 degrees angle to prevent any vibrations, etc.:
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At about a 3 degree angle, had to lower the cross member more than I wanted, but not that bad. From looking at other LS swap forums using the same of similar drivetrains, they have had to lower cross members also:
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To complement the heavy duty 4L80e tranny, got a nice Lokar 16" black floor shifter, which should be really cool with my black, short np241c TC shifter:
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[Jerry Blair]

I used a Griffin Radiator in my 1995 YJ with a Ford 5.0 swap. Nice radiator. What is the part number for the one you ordered?

[CAPTSmith]

From Summit Racing, the part # is: GRI-8-00009-LS RADIATOR. From my research on other jeep forums, vendor websites, etc., a lot of swaps were using a variety of radiators but none seem to have the right outlets and they were constantly piecing together different size hoses to work. Looks like Griffin Thermos has a good gig going re: LS swaps!

[CAPTSmith]

Took carpet out of front seat area to get ready to put in the floor shifter and floor board is in decent shape with only a few minor rust spots to repair. Also, the tranny floor plate makes it really nice to be able to put floor shifter in from the cabin area!

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I took this photo with Pro HDR for the iPhone! by mdsmithrd, on Flickr

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[CAPTSmith]

Has anyone taken off the auto shifter lever from the steering column before? Since I don't need it anymore, I'm sure there might be a secret on the best way to take it off. Thanks!

[Clean Racing]

Hey Capt.

Nice job on the install.. I am curious, because I am in the middle of the same swap 6.2L 6L80E into my 82 J-20. What is the angle of tilt on top of the engine from front to back with the crossmember so far down? I have mine installed in the back set of holes at factory height and might have to raise the trans mount. My current angle of tilt is 6* on top of the engine. Same Jeepin Pete mounts, as your set up. Keep up the great work..

[Gumby]

Hey Capt, good work on the swap so far. Have you thought about building a custom transmission mount? I would hate to hear that you ripped out your drivetrain the first time you make contact, those two bolts may not be enough support in my opinion. Keep us posted great build "Skipper".

There is a push pin under the collar that holds the shift handle inplace.