Well I got the wind knocked out of me on my motor mount design, so I've got a bunch of other types on order so maybe I'll finally get those mounts made next week. So I decided to start mocking up the exhaust. It's probably the worlds worst down-pipe design, from a performance standpoint. But it'll work perfect for my needs, misses everything and leave plenty of room for air gaps. I'm going to leave it all tacked until the mounts go in, just to be 100% sure it'll all work out. Also got the steering and oil pan back in. I haven't finished my new track bar brackets yet though. The frame side is done, but I have to make a new axle side and, again, I'm waiting for the engine mounts to be done. Should have more next week.

 

What are you trying to clear with the S bend? There was nothing in the way on mine to require that. The motor mounts I used are holding up very well, over a year as my DD.

 

I didn't really care for the fit between the upper trailing arm and the starter body. It was really tight, like less than a 1/2" of clearance on either side of the pipe. So the "S" wraps it around the starter front to rear. Yeah I decided to go with the "sandwich" method. I was trying to do something "cooler" but time and space aren't allowing it. I probably should have snagged that Flux-Capacitor from the DeLorean at the car show last night.

 

You must have your motor placed differently than mine cause my down pipe drops beside the front of the bellhousing,so not much heat on the starter.

 

I think it has more to do with the placement of the starters. You kept the Benz starter on your swap, didn't you? That keeps the starter up high and tight. I'm using the OE Jeep 4.0L starter. It sits lower and further away from the block and it's tilted so that the solenoid sticks out a little bit more. The YJ's that my adapter plate was designed for have a little more room, as there is no trailing arm to get in the way. This is what happens when you get lazy and use parts not designed for the vehicle you're putting them in.

 

Thats right, I forgot you are using the jeep bell/starter. I guess thats the "fun" of doing these swaps, change one thing and it causes two more issues to solve!

 

Well we got all the plumbing done and fired the engine up in the truck for the first time. It wasn't as impressive as I'd hoped for. Guess I should have used that cammed out SBC on the stand if I'd wanted fireworks. I've got a few bugs to work out still, but it's almost there. I'll get some pics up later.

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Hmm..I actually don't have any good pics of the engine now that it's in. I guess I'll have to fix that. I do think I have a problem with my vacuum pump though. I can't get more than 3" out of it. I can't find any leaks, so I'm guessing it needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Anyone know a good supplier for kits?

 

Welp we finished up all the little stuff today and got to take the Jeep around the block. I am waiting on a new oil cooler to show up, the first one I tried using was a little restrictive and was screwing up my oil pressure readings. The new one should be in Monday. I'm going to try and get some "good" video of it tomorrow, but I might just veg. The wife and I have been on this like a TV show, but with two people not eight.

 

Well the truck started DD duty for the wife today. I'll post up some mileage numbers once we run through the tank of fuel. But I can finally get back to my other projects.

 

did you sell it I am trying to PM you but I am having problems