'Da Chief : 5.3 Gen V / 6L80 Swap

[bkilby]

I'm interested to see how that pump/regulator works on a dead head system. I used a return with external regulator on mine.

[cu4whln]

Got the PS system fully installed today.
This keeps the original acc drive components... just changes the alt and AC comp mounting system. Note the billet brackets holding the alt / PS pump now. [See stock parts/set up in previous post]

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Note - there are 3 belts on a L83 Gen 5 engine.. One separate belt for the AC comp [lower left], one for the vacuum pump [lower right] - and a new longer serp belt for the added PS pump/ new idler pullies, water pump and alt.

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[cu4whln]

I'm interested to see how that pump/regulator works on a dead head system. I used a return with external regulator on mine.

Yea, me too! Expensive trial! BUT - I think it will be fine.. will detail out tank project when I get the stock tank out for rework. Pretty sure this should be a seamless install. time and trial/error will tell the story.

Now measuring the new rad .. looking for a PWM fan that will fit. BJs has a nice fan, but it is a 2 speed unit.. loud and not as refined as a PWM "On Demand" system controlled by the ECU. Need to ask them if it can be converted to a PWM control . . . Ryan ??

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[cu4whln]

Some progress.. not as much as intended.

Good news: The 401 powertrain sold.. so I can get it out of the Jeep now and it'll be out of my way. Found a good home !

Wasn't feeling good/motivated Sat.. BUT - Lots of research and planning... Spent some time reviewing what it takes to pull the front apart for engine removal and installation.

Started draining fluids and removing cooling system

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Then removed all my ignition upgrades... I am including those with the engine. And I need to remove everything anyway... That's all the wire piled on top of the engine. I plan to just cut the wires upstream. Then the new owner can figure it out from there. I shouldn't need much of the wiring on the new engine.

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[cu4whln]

More disassembly... grill, lights, harnesses, ets. Next bumper.

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Question:

I want to remove the front sheet metal to have good access to the frame for engine adaptation.
Is it easier to remove each part ( Fenders/inners/ hood etc ) OR remove the front clip as an assembly?
Can 2 people lift the front end off or are more needed?

In looking at it, it appears removing it as a full clip is better? No bodywork at this time, just plan to bolt the front back together and drive it [ Extended debugging of new engine ]

Thoughts please ??

[JPSwapMohn]

If you have an extra set of hands and back, I would remove the front clip as one unit. It is a bit of a pain to get the front valence separated from the front fenders, etc.

I have disassembled mine several times without the extra help, so took it apart in pieces.

[cu4whln]

If you have an extra set of hands and back, I would remove the front clip as one unit. It is a bit of a pain to get the front valence separated from the front fenders, etc.

I have disassembled mine several times without the extra help, so took it apart in pieces.

Thanks for the input ! I think I will go with the full clip removal. Will have to provide beer and pizza for my helpers . . .

I watched your build.. it is AWESOME ! Look forward to when it's "All Done"

[bkilby]

Another vote for Pull clip. Should be a lot faster providing you have the place to store it.

[bigwalton]

[cu4whln]

Hi Eric! I am working on getting "your" 401 out..

Dang it .. no matter how careful I am... Blood. I guess I own it now. [ ref sig below ]

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A buddy stopped by for literally 10 minutes.. to help me pull the hood. Found the PERFECT place to store it for a couple of months till this is running again. Hey, that's what a roof rack is for, right ?

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[bigwalton]

Nice! Looks like the perfect spot for the good indeed.

[cu4whln]

In Today's News . . .

Got the front bumpers removed, and everything under the hood disconnected. Next up: Underbody.. X-member, engine mounts and trans mount removal.

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Then got the front clip completely loose - except the 2 upper hinge bolts. Now I need some buddies to help lift the front clip off the Jeep. Dang social distancing !

One of the challenges of the day.. removing the 2 front body mounts. Not much bolt access.. and when it is loose? The nut falls down into the frame.. gone forever. Pic is in front of the driver side tire.. above the bumper bracket.There is a small slot to get at the nut.. but very tight.

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So.. what to do.. what to do? I added some tape on the bottom of my wrench .. after bringing the bolt to the end of the threads.

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Then, I lined it up and removed the bolt.. the tape trapped the nut in the wrench. Success ! Duct tape saves the day, again.

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[cu4whln]

Made some progress... I WAS going to remove the front clip as an assembly. Had everything loose.. and then the governor locked down Michigan for ANOTHER 3 weeks!
Can't get anybody over to help remove it ... Soooo - the heck with that.. took it apart

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Got the front clip disassembled and stored up in the rafters...

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Was pretty happy with what I found on the frame. Very minimal rust.

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You know what I hate? Old rusty exhaust bolts.... that you can't reach with any wrench. Got the exhaust cross over pipe off.. took WAY too long. The new owner wants the exhaust as well. I could have cut it off, but oh well.

Also "modified" the wiring. Next owner of the engine/trans/t-case is putting this into a 77 Wagoneer, so he can just match up the wire colors. I am leaving all my upgraded ignition stuff on - this will make it easy to hook up. I am planning to replace the original harness with one from BJs

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[rang-a-stang]

Ooooooh! This is gonna be goood!!!

[bkilby]

Looking good Jim. I'd come help but I'd probably be arrested a dozen times for crossing state lines. Lol. When did they start painting the inner fenders the body color?