drivetrain swap checklist

[AlsChopShop]

trying to get all the main components all written down and things checked off so i don't jump in and forget something huge that will hang me up on the drivetrain swap. like it says in my sig, i'm dropping in a tbi 350 sbc, sm465 manual trans and np205 t-case. here's my current list broken down on parts to have (or already have) before the install and parts that will have to wait until its slid into place or completed all together.

pre-build parts check list:
motor
trans
t-case
fuel tank
efi fuel system
radiator
ecm/wire harness
motor mounts
clutch pedal
hydraulic clutch
hydroboost brakes


the rest:
crossmember modification
driveshafts
exhaust (+o2 sensor)


it looks like i'm getting close, but what am i missing?

Al

[etjeep]

Al,
I would pick up hoses, plugs, fluids, gaskets, sensors (exept O2) to name a few.

[mdill]

Make up a wiring plan, what are you going to use from the Chevy, what from the Jeep, where are you going to splice ...

Mike D.

[AlsChopShop]

Al,
I would pick up hoses, plugs, fluids, gaskets, sensors (exept O2) to name a few. already have the rad hoses from the donor vehicle and they should be close enough to match up (if not i'll cross that bridge when i get to it) as well as all the sensors minus the o2 (on second thought, maybe i do have it...) plugs are in the motor... yeah, fluids!

Al

[AlsChopShop]

Make up a wiring plan, what are you going to use from the Chevy, what from the Jeep, where are you going to splice ...

Mike D. this is the one part that scares me a little. i've still got to dig up a schematic for the ECM. but from what i'd guess i'll only need a always hot 12v, ign, and ground to splice into the current fuse block. definitely needs some research.

Al

[Dr Teeth]

12 pack of beer

But seriously... it sounds like you have all the big items. Only thing I thought of that you may already have is exhaust manifolds. Also, are you using the accessories off the new engine, if so may have to make custom hoses for the power steering pump.

Might need to be prepared to play with the radiator mounts depending where your motor ends up and if you're mechanical or electric fan.

Two things to watch when locating the engine with the new mounts, make sure you leave the steering column hooked up as it can be a close fit, and make sure you address the location of the shock mount bolts as they usually hit right in the middle of the new mounts.

Todd

[YellowJeep]

this is the one part that scares me a little. i've still got to dig up a schematic for the ECM. but from what i'd guess i'll only need a always hot 12v, ign, and ground to splice into the current fuse block. definitely needs some research.

Al

TBI wiring is a piece of cake. You are right on with your assesment of what grounds and feeds the computer will need. On my wrangler, I used the original harness for lights, starter, alternator, then ran a 2nd harness that was for the fuel injection. That harness was just a GM harness that I pulled out of an old blazer and cut the extra stuff out of. I probably only have a few hours in on the wiring...it's pretty easy. Let me know if you can't find a schematic.

Also, not sure if you thought of it or not...if your x-case/trans doesn't have a speed sensor, you'll have to edit the computer to ignore it or add one. www.jagsthatrun.com (http://www.jagsthatrun.com) have an inline sensor for about $100.

[AlsChopShop]

chad, thats what i'm planning... only using the donor harness for the ECM. everything else will be from the stock jeep harness.

the t-case won't have a speed sensor, but from what i thought it only went to the speedo, not through the computer. and if it did, the only thing it would control/hinder is TC lockup, not an issue with a manual trans. or am i way off base?

Al

[AlsChopShop]

Only thing I thought of that you may already have is exhaust manifolds. Also, are you using the accessories off the new engine, if so may have to make custom hoses for the power steering pump.

Might need to be prepared to play with the radiator mounts depending where your motor ends up and if you're mechanical or electric fan.

Two things to watch when locating the engine with the new mounts, make sure you leave the steering column hooked up as it can be a close fit, and make sure you address the location of the shock mount bolts as they usually hit right in the middle of the new mounts.

Todd
thanks todd. the manifolds are already on the engine, as are the accessories. i'm already planning on custom PS lines, as i'm going to hydroboost for the brakes so i will need to get creative there as well.

thanks for the tip on the engine location, i've ordered novak mounts and i've heard good things about the adjustabiliy in them. i'm more worried about what i'll have to do for the crossmember though.

Al

[YellowJeep]

chad, thats what i'm planning... only using the donor harness for the ECM. everything else will be from the stock jeep harness.

the t-case won't have a speed sensor, but from what i thought it only went to the speedo, not through the computer. and if it did, the only thing it would control/hinder is TC lockup, not an issue with a manual trans. or am i way off base?

Al

The ECM uses the speed sensor for other things like deciding when to go into closed loop, what fuel tables to use, fuel curves at decel etc. I edited most of the speed sensor out of my ECM in my Wrangler and it is fine except on decel. If you have been going past 20 MPH or so, when you first come to a stop, the Jeep will run pig rich for a few seconds. It's mildly annoying mostly because of the smell when you have the top and door off the Jeep. I've lived with it for about 3 years, but I think I am going to spend the $$ and get one. From what I have read, you should get better mileage when using a speed sensor too because of the potential problems that I listed above.

[AlsChopShop]

chad, thanks for that info. thats going to save me a big headache down the road. i'll pick up one of those sensors. i want to be able to drive this daily if needed, and thats a big hang up.

out of curiosity, what transfer case are you running on your setup? also, what are you doing for clutch linkages or did you go hydraulic?

Al

[YellowJeep]

chad, thanks for that info. thats going to save me a big headache down the road. i'll pick up one of those sensors. i want to be able to drive this daily if needed, and thats a big hang up.

out of curiosity, what transfer case are you running on your setup? also, what are you doing for clutch linkages or did you go hydraulic?

Al

I wouldn't say it's a big hangup, it'll run and drive without that sensor, but if you want to do it right and make it nice, buy the sensor.

I'm running a NP231 in the Wrangler with a short conversion from Advance Adapters. Seems to work great and takes beating. I've busted axles and u-joints but x-case holds up great!
I'm using a hydraulic clutch setup. I got it from www.PartsMike.com (http://www.PartsMike.com). He has a prepackaged kit which is all factory Jeep parts and a special bracket. It works fantastic and I highly recommend it. He also has the best price on Advance Adapters stuff too. Cheaper than you can buy directly from AA. Call him if you have questions, very helpful friendly guy!

[AlsChopShop]

after spending most of today at the parts hosue, i've got the hydraulic clutch setup sqared away (just need to fab a bracket to hold the slave) and i was able to find that painless wiring has a speed sensor that plugs inline with the speedo cable. granted the list price is almost $300, but i know the right guy and i got it for a song.

now i'm just waiting on the motor mounts from BJs. i'm only a couple weeks out from the build now. :thumbsup:

Al

[JeepinPete]

On the wiring issues, you have it pretty much nailed. You will need 12v in (heavy red wire currently connected to the alternator output), 12v switched out (red/tracer 10ga), the starter circuit (light blue 14ga), and the oil pressure (purple 18ga wire) and water temp gauge (purple/tracer 18ga) wires (assuming you are keeping the stock instruments), and the AC clutch wire (brown 16ga)(assuming the ecm isn't controlling it). You will have to disconnect/remove the heavy yellow wire going to the amp gauge. Finally, you will have to jumper the neutral safety switch, or just leave the gear selector in park...

[AlsChopShop]

thanks pete!

motor mounts arrived today.... :thumbsup:

Al