Full Size Jeep Network

Well it's that time to update on the project. I finally got my transmission cross member notched and reinforced to clearance the front driveshaft. It worked perfectly. Since I was getting my four wheel drive in "working order" I figured I might as well replace everything. So I pulled apart the front axle, put in new seals, bearings, disc assemblies, and hubs. I went with the brass Warn hubs to replace my old ones. They look great. I also had put on my custom decals. The hood decal is self explanatory, but I also added my business logo to the tailgate. I couldn't pass up another photo opportunity, and here in Utah, you are never short on beautiful scenery for backdrops to take pictures.

Putting some of the finishing touches on the engine swap as well. On Novak's website they say if you use their motor mounts the original Vortec engine cover will not fit. This is a lie! Even with the cover I still have over an inch of clearance. I'm also getting the carpet all finished up. I couldn't find a carpet trim piece to replace my old one for the tailgate/cargo area. A trip to Home Depot and $10 fixed that. This is a home carpet door strip, it looks and works great. And again just some more great pictures. And my cute kids. They are good helpers.

Gorgeous. Did you remove or paint the drip rail trim above the doors?

Here is the last post of the day. One of the fun things about having a Vortec/LS motor sitting under your hood is that fact that you now have an OBDII port under your dash. By using a $10 ELM 327 blue tooth scanner, and a $5 cell phone app called "Torque", I now have "real time" engine data. All of my original gauges work (after much sensor converting), but you are still left with no tach, and just general analog gauges that don't tell you any real information. This cell phone/tablet APP lets you get sensor information while the car is running. You can add and customize the gauges on the app to whatever you want. Square, round, digital looking, classic, etc. You can change colors and customize size and location. You can have up to 8 different screens that you can swipe between to keep a close eye on what is going on under the hood. I have three screens, my main driving screen is a tachometer, and a temp gauge. My second screen is a speedometer (my original gauge is off a little now because of the bigger tires), the speedometer can be either computer generated or GPS generated. I also have throttle position, fuel ratio, transmission temp, intake air temp, etc. I even have a "ECO" Widget that is a tree. If I drive around heavy footed, the tree starts to die. If I take it easy and drive nicely, the tree gets greener and greener. I also have a list of all sensor functions and if they are reporting or not. This app allows you to read/remove engine codes. And will do 1/4 mile times and 0-60 times. This sensor and APP can be used on any car that is a 1995 and newer. I often take it out and put it in my other cars to read engine codes.

jstev4610, I removed the trim and painted it. I was originally going to replace it but come to find out, that stuff is difficult to come across. Along the same note I am looking for the rear tailgate glass chrome piece. Mine looks horrible so I left it off. I am looking for something to replace it with. Any suggestions?

You got me there, I've been trying to find something to use as well since mine are all cracked/yellowed. I was looking at getting them hydrodipped chrome but I didn't like the look, too silver. Someone posted up a replacement on here that I neglected to bookmark but it was straight and couldn't make the bend for the rear window. I was going to end up painting them when I get the exterior done.

Sorry if I missed it but can you give any detail on how you converted all the stock gauges? Sensor part numbers, issues, tips, etc.

srobertsfsj, I retained my original transfer case, so the speedometer cable still bolted right up. Since I went with bigger tires the speedo is off about 5 mph, but not bad. For the temp gauge and the oil pressure gauge I used the original sending units from the AMC 360 motor. For the temp sender I pulled the alan plug from the passenger side head and installed a temp gauge capillary tube from these guys.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Temp-Gaug ... ,7197.html
For the oil pressure sender. There is an option on LS motors for an external oil cooler. Most of the time it is capped. Well you can drill out the cap and tap the for the right pipe thread. The sensor then screws into it and you hook the single wire to the sender.
I used my original fuel tank with an external fuel pump so my gauge still reads correctly for fuel level.
Lastly is the amp gauge. There is a guy here in Draper Utah (I'll look for his name), that converts the amp gauge to a volt gauge.

That app looks great. Which bluetooth scanner did you get? There are hundreds of them...

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ShawnQ, here is a link to the blue tooth scanner.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/400580684530?lpid=82

Thanks! Im a long way from needing it but that will be a good way to verify parameters on first startup if I haven't purchased gauges/sending units yet!

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Your waggie looks brand new- well done! The use of technology is great, too. What year and vehicle type did your 4L60E come out of?

Which holes did you use on your Novak engine plates?

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It was originally a 2003 Chevy half ton truck.
I used the most rear set of holes to set the motor back in the engine bay as far as possible.

How much clearance do you have on the passenger rear of the engine? Mine is very close if I use the rear holes

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Nicely done! I really like your interior, I have a set of cherokee seats that I want to have re-upholstered and installed in my J10.

The OBD2 port iphone app is pretty neat idea. I plan on swapping new guages but not for awhile.


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Really nicely done. Looks great! You guys all have me considering doing the vortec swap... geeze just when I thought i was close to being done.

There's not that much room back there. I access everything on that side from below the Jeep, but there are no clearance issues. Oh and the spark plug is a bitch to get to from the top, it is super easy to get to from underneath. That Torque app is available for iphone and android phones/tablets. I would suggest the Vortec swap to anyone who has an engine or transmission blow up. I have been doing fuel mileage tests lately and have been very happy. I'm averaging 17 around town and 23 on the highway at 80 (and that's Utah highway, lots of ups and downs and wind). I am running the 4L60E trans with 3:31 axle gearing and 31X10.5R15 tires. Runs about 2000 RPM at 80 mph and still has tons of power for towing.

Any chance you can get a picture of the heater box and passenger firewall clearance?

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I've been following my mileage for the past few months. I finally have some good MPG numbers. I am getting 17 MPG around town, and 23 on the freeway. Remember, this is Utah freeway at 80 mph. Lots of ups and downs. I couldn't be happier with this mileage. Tons of power and still running great. No engine codes have been thrown so far and all systems are reporting. This has been an awesome vehicle.