Sinister Progress!

[matts88yj]

Well I have been off of this board for a while so I figured I would give everyone some updates. Most of the older members know who I am and know my rig but if you would like more specs feel free to ask! I have been working on it for the past few months and finally had a chance to wrap things up for the most part. Here are some updated shots of my rig since I finally had a dry day to swap tops. First up, and the most noticeable is the new cage done by Mike at Down N Dirty. I didn't need a really crazy cage and this one is a heck of a lot better than what was in there from the factory. The seats are PRP Premier Highbacks made out of Cordura which is a waterproof material that most hunting gear has a layer of on somewhere. 5 point harnesses were done up by CROW. Let me tell you that if you ever get another set of harnesses, CROW has the option for sewn in shoulder belt padding. By far the best $25 I spent to have this done.

Also I swapped in a Dana 300 that I built myself. It was my first ever transfer case build and it wasn't that bad. The hardest part was getting all of the old crap out! Specs are JB Conversions front and rear 32 spline outputs, LowMax 4:1, NorthWest Fab cable shifters, Go2Guy clocking ring and a homebrew drain and sight tube.

A HUGE thank you goes out to Mike at Down N Dirty for working with me and building what I wanted, all of my friends that helped me out, and my dad for lending a hand in the steps that needed 3-4 hands while building the 300!!

Ok enough jibber jabber, here are some pics!

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/84/l_eacbdbb648f6d89ad9ef4ca5765e1a42.jpg

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/30/l_4bd0f2b5df7a832e11b3a55a8b8b3760.jpg

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/75/l_dbc1fb0d85273c95a2b9c4e35bea61f2.jpg

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/122/l_fa9a1b224eb9b00d49e01caf3c9b572e.jpg

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/27/l_54067f09493ca79ed65bad418e3f7a54.jpg

[matts88yj]

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/89/l_f6e63c3ae43fd8cb84c8be524a2a4611.jpg

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/58/l_85a47c7a37e539537029f925786d32e7.jpg

If this isn't in the right section mods please move to Off Topic.

So what does everyone think?

[Bada-Bing.]

What axles? and why didnt you do a flat belly plan when the 300 went in?

[matts88yj]

What axles? and why didnt you do a flat belly plan when the 300 went in?

Up front is a HP30 with TJ shafts but that is all about to change over the fall. I have one of the new RuffStuff 9" housings that will be going in with 60 outers and a True Hi9 thirdmember along with some other beef. Out back is a built 8.8 with a super 88 kit and Detroit locker. Nothing too crazy at the moment but I'm not a throttle jockey when I wheel.

I'm currently designing my boat sides and flat belly pan as well as an engine skid as we speak. It will be 3/16" steel but skinned with 1/2" UHMW. It will be a nice flowing skid with no edges to get hung up on. The cage will be tied into the 'runners' of the boatsides and the rear of the cage will be tied into the frame as well once I decide if I'm going to highline it or not.

Lot's of things to consider while still keeping it street legal but you have to take it one step at a time right? I'm letting the money tree grow a bit more before I start any new projects. Right now, it wheels it's arse off!!!

[Bada-Bing.]

Real sweet... keep up the progress pictures.


And I just noticed our sig lines are eerily close

[matts88yj]

Thanks!! I will try to as much as possible!!

Haha whoa that they are...

[4LWranglerTJ]

haha i was just looking at rauschcreek forum and saw this. Nice rig tho

[rockyjeep]

i need to go clean my shirt. drool stained it a bit.


nice, bro. very nice.

[DrLewall]

good to see you back on here..the upgrades are really cool! MUST BE NICE! When my jeep grows up, it wants to be just like yours!

[matts88yj]

haha i was just looking at rauschcreek forum and saw this. Nice rig tho

Haha thank you! I'm up at Rausch Creek quite a bit since I also help Dean out taking photos for 4 Low Digital Labs! It's great getting to see the rigs up close and personal!

i need to go clean my shirt. drool stained it a bit.


nice, bro. very nice.

Thank you! It took a few months to get that done but it's all worth it in the end! The longest thing was getting the cage how I wanted it and also fitting everything I have in there as well. It was like trying to cram 100 beans into a 10 bean can!

good to see you back on here..the upgrades are really cool! MUST BE NICE! When my jeep grows up, it wants to be just like yours!

Thank you! Honestly I don't consider my rig much since it's a 'sleeper' of sorts. It isn't lifted a lot and doesn't have a flashy paint or anything but I don't mind at all. I kinda have to chuckle to myself when people just walk by my rig and think it can't really do much on the trails. Even at the All Breeds Jeep Show this past weekend I had a few people take a good look at it but when I put it in low range and walked to rock course, most were like 'Ok now he has to have something done to it in the drivetrain!' I love it to death, even when I was scrambling to get it running again before the show!!!

[Bada-Bing.]

Whats up with the water spouts going into the barrels on that brick wall?

[OhioYJ]

Whats up with the water spouts going into the barrels on that brick wall?

I'm guessing to catch rain water, to be reused for water the lawn, plants, non-potable water uses.

[matts88yj]

I'm guessing to catch rain water, to be reused for water the lawn, plants, non-potable water uses.

BINGO! You have no idea how many people have asked about that! We use it to water the garden and the plants around the house, as well as the lawn when it gets pretty dry. We are thinking about expanding our tank capacity as well but as it sits we have about 150 gallons of water we can use. We would like to double that if at all possible because we figure it can never hurt to have too much water available to water the vegetation!

[Knuckelhead]

Honestly I don't consider my rig much since it's a 'sleeper' of sorts.

Sleeper is better...:cool:

[matts88yj]

Sleeper is better...:cool:

Oh that it is but sleepers get no respect!

[Bada-Bing.]

Puts lots of crome on it for some more "respect"

[matts88yj]

Puts lots of crome on it for some more "respect"

BWAHAHAHAHA that is so not right on so many levels!!!! The only stainless items were the items that were so rotted from when it got painted AND before the black stainless line came out. Oh well I think it compliments the green color.

[longboy]

Looks badass dude! I need to post up a thread about my project "Bolt-On". :D

[Knuckelhead]

Oh that it is but sleepers get no respect!

I don't need respect...:cool:

[matts88yj]

Looks badass dude! I need to post up a thread about my project "Bolt-On". :D

LMAO!! Everyone has to start somewhere!! :p

I don't need respect...:cool:

Me either! Respect is earned, not given in my book! :D

[DrLewall]

I don't need respect...:cool:
same here..I just need to be left alone! :thumbsup:

[longboy]

LMAO!! Everyone has to start somewhere!! :p

Wasn't trying to insinuate that your Jeep was a bolt-on project, but mine is :D

[matts88yj]

Wasn't trying to insinuate that your Jeep was a bolt-on project, but mine is :D

Oh no I know that wasn't aimed at me! I just know that mostly everyone that starts a project it's mainly all bolt on's until the Jeep venom in our veins goes insane and we get crazy thoughts brewing!! I'm just happy where my rig is at now and where it is going in the future! I just need the money tree to start growing again and once it does, oh boy look out because it will be SINISTER!!! :D

[machineryrepairman]

Looks Good!! I like the sight tube on the transfer case. I need to do that to my dana 20. i have to over fill it becuase of the clocking.
What is the rubber hose on the shifter?

[matts88yj]

Looks Good!! I like the sight tube on the transfer case. I need to do that to my dana 20. i have to over fill it becuase of the clocking.
What is the rubber hose on the shifter?

Thank you! The sight tube I thought was a nice little addition to help keep an eye on the fluid level. I put on a short nipple from the old fill plug and put a T fitting off of that. The one side of the T fitting is used for the sight tube and the other is used for a drain. Where the sight tube connects to on the top of the case is on the inspection cover. I just used a 90 degree elbow fitting and connected the hose and that is it for the sight tube install! The breather I drilled and tapped into the rear output shaft housing 180 degrees from where they had it drilled from JB conversions. I actually do need to add more fluid in it. I have some AMSOIL synthetic 80W90 oil coming my way! :D

That rubber hose is for my train horns. Reason being that I have it on my shifter is so that I can still downshift while laying on the horn and have my other hand on the steering wheel. My grandfather found these old horns in his barn and as soon as he tested them out, I knew he wanted me to have them! After all, a bigger rig has to have a solid sounding horn! Not that cheap sick sounding goat one that comes from the factory! :D

[matts88yj]

Just thought I would update this since it seems a few members like the way I'm going with my build. It was a VERY hot and humid day 2 weeks ago when I went wheeling. I'm going down the trail and all of a sudden, she sputters and the engine just quits on me. I tried restarting and nothing. It vapor locked!!!! The engine temp was holding a steady 195 but the radiant heat from the outside and the engine must have been pushing the fuel to it's limit. I opened the hood, let it set for about 15-20 mins, pumped the fuel pump a few times and she fired right up and I boogied right out of there back to the access road where it quit on me again. After repeating the process another time I got it back to camp and let her sit for over an hour.

Now I thought to myself that all would be well since I would be on the street and have plenty of air flow to get it home. Boy I was wrong! It locked up again on the biggest hill climb about 200' from the very top!!! My friend towed me to the top and we decided the best bet was to call for a tow home. A few hours later I'm home and it fires right up when I unload it off the flat bed. Go figure!

Now I know I should be running an electric fan but I never had issues before even in the heat like this last year. I'm simply tired of chasing down problems that are nickle and diming me to death. It's time to start with a new power plant and with me wanting to go auto as well for rock crawling, an opportunity came along that I couldn't pass up.

I have never really been happy with the stroker engine at all and wished I never did it to begin with so now, I'm doing what I should have done 5 years ago. It's V-8 time baby! :D Yes I know this isn't an ideal solution to my troubles since I'm not running an electric fan but it will be on my next setup. The other reason I'm doing this is I have a deal that I would be stupid to pass up. Sinister is getting a 5.3L and 4L60E out of an 05 Tahoe. Only has 30,000 miles on it and I have access to parts for this swap for a lot cheaper than most think. I'm picking up the engine and trans this weekend as I start to collect a lot of parts for my build! The swap won't be happening soon but as more and more parts start piling up I will update this thread with my progress so keep your eyes peeled!

I already have some parts and I know what I'm going to be swapping in but that list is long!! I hope you enjoy my next stage in my build! :cheers:

[1990JPYJ]

:worthless: post some updated pics

[matts88yj]

Nothing really pic worthy just yet. I'm gathering parts at the moment but trust me when I get some ones to post up I will! I will have some of the engine and transmission over the weekend!! Stay tuned!

[1990JPYJ]

cool beans. i will be waiting

[MechanicalMayham]

It was a VERY hot and humid day 2 weeks ago... It vapor locked!!!! The engine temp was holding a steady 195...

I was just reading a Rod and Custom or some variation of that theme and it had a simular story in the tech section. The answer was a few problems.
1: Gas cap not venting properly.
2: Fuel was overheated from high under body temps.
3: Fuel pump was overheating from same and hot gas.
4: Too weak a fuel pump.

These were some of the reasons given. The article mentions soaking a tee shirt in water and wrapping ice in it and securing it to the fuel pump. Not easily done on some of our rigs but they said it was a temporary solution at best to get you out of a pinch or a desert.

[Benjamon]

Hey Matt, you helped me over on Pirate the other day, about the YJ guage wiring! (username Schvin) Thanks, I really appreciated it!

[matts88yj]

I was just reading a Rod and Custom or some variation of that theme and it had a simular story in the tech section. The answer was a few problems.
1: Gas cap not venting properly.
2: Fuel was overheated from high under body temps.
3: Fuel pump was overheating from same and hot gas.
4: Too weak a fuel pump.

These were some of the reasons given. The article mentions soaking a tee shirt in water and wrapping ice in it and securing it to the fuel pump. Not easily done on some of our rigs but they said it was a temporary solution at best to get you out of a pinch or a desert.

I think it was a combo of the fuel being hot and the radiant heat from under the hood vaporizing the fuel before it was going in the rail. The cap is good and the pump was just replaced with a E2000 unit so that is fresh as well. I'm going to drive it around tomorrow when it's a bit cooler out and see how she runs. Thank you for the tips!

[matts88yj]

Hey Matt, you helped me over on Pirate the other day, about the YJ guage wiring! (username Schvin) Thanks, I really appreciated it!

Not a problem! Glad I could help you out! :cheers: Everything working properly now?

[Benjamon]

I haven't really had a chance to work on it. I'm in school and working full time, so I don't have much spare time. I'm gonna try and do some wiring within the next week, I'll let you know how it works out.

[matts88yj]

UPDATE: Not a whole lot of stuff going on for the most part that I may be buying a house soon. If that happens then this will be on the back burner until spring at the earliest.

Anyways I have been doing A LOT of homework on this swap. Figuring out what parts work, what don't, and where I can get the parts that do work at the best prices and best service! I have the list of trans mods ready to go and the trans will get the adapter kit for the Dana 300, Trans Go shift kit, HD clutches, HD sun shell gear, HD servos, Derale trans pan and trans oil cooler. The trans cooler, along with the engine oil cooler, will have their own fans on the cooler as to not take up any space in front of the radiator. For future reference, in front of the radiator is where the power steering cooler will go. The lines will be Russel Pro Flex hose with AN fittings. All of this will be completed over the next few months since I want everything built and ready to drop in come spring.

Since the engine is going to be left alone internally (for now) that makes it a lot easier of a swap. The PCM and TCM will be sent out and reflashed with a setup that flat out gets it! The harness will also be sent out and stripped of what I don't need in the system, every connector checked and then sent back. After that, it's plug and play as far as the engine management goes. I still have to get the engine mounts but that's another small item on the list.

I know which cat and muffler I will be running and I have a good deal on those items. The headers are already on the engine and once the entire exhaust is done it will be sent out to get coated. I figure I have everything apart so why not take the time to do it right!

The radiator will more than likely be the Advanced Adapters unit with their Spal fan or the Derale 2 speed fan. I'm still in the air (no pun intended) about which one to go with but that's a minor detail right now.

The parts that I have are the wideband O2 gauge kit, trans temp gauge kit, new speedo cable and a few other things. All of the trans parts are on order so that is a HUGE step in the swap! I will try to get pics as more and more goodies show up! I figured you all would enjoy an update and all of the research and planning I'm doing with this swap. If you have any questions feel free to ask!

[SHARPSHOOTER]

I run a spal fan on a three row radiator.... works great! Never had any issues with the spal fan... just run the curved blade fan... not the straight blade fan. ;)

[matts88yj]

UPDATE: Well I figured it was time for a good ol update. Parts have been coming in right and left for the swap. I have all of my coolers, GenRight gas tank, shifter for the trans and some changes in game plan. My girlfriend talked me into getting a Kevko oil pan for the engine and going with an Atlas transfer case!!! Yes I said that right, she told me to get it!!! I knew I found a keeper! :D So needless to say, I have already sold my built 300 and I'm getting a nice deal on an Atlas. Going with a 3.8:1 ratio since the auto tranny basically has a 1.7:1 reduction through the torque converter. That will put me right around a 93:1 with my 35's and should work well with the 37's as well.

Also received all of my gauges, trans pan, HD sun shell and servos. Soon to come are the Atlas, VSS adapter, the rest of the plumbing goodies, exhaust, radiator, fan and motor mounts. I should have some photos uploaded this weekend for anyone that is interested in seeing any of the parts before they are installed on the Jeep.

Swap is going to start around late March and go into early April.

[PAFirefighter11]

Useless Without Goodies Photos :-p

[YooperJeep]

Nice bro! Looks friggin sweet and nice mods you've done. How do you like that Hurst shifter? Been looking at putting one in.

Love that hitch cap too!!! LOL.

[matts88yj]

Nice bro! Looks friggin sweet and nice mods you've done. How do you like that Hurst shifter? Been looking at putting one in.

Love that hitch cap too!!! LOL.

Thank you for the compliments! That is actually the stock shifter with a pistol grip shifter mounted on top. I have driven one with the B&M short throw shifter and it is pretty nice.

I get called out over the CB a lot by truckers that want one for both their big rig and their regular 1/2 ton trucks! I figure if some dope wants to ride my butt, well then I will let the hitch do the talking. :D

[matts88yj]

The swap has been completed and I will post photos up shortly. Been busy enjoying it for the last part of summer. Going to the rock race this weekend up at Rausch Creek and will be taking it up there to help out on the race course.

I will say this, for anyone even thinking about swapping in a V-8 into their Jeep, DO IT!!! By far one of the best things I have ever done and a lot better than that POS 4.6 stroker I had.

Anyways keep an eye out for photo progress to be posted in the next few days. Figured I would give everyone an update from an older build.

[matts88yj]

I'm going to start with some photos of what I started with and progress from there. If anyone has any questions as to what something is please feel free to ask! I'll try and post captions up where I feel it is needed. I will also be updating this up until this weekend with current photos and completed pics so stay tuned.

Here are a few shots of what I started with. 4.6L stroker and a whole bunch of stuff crammed in under the hood.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs451.ash1/24858_582775456636_48501943_33642843_5849012_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs431.snc3/24858_582775466616_48501943_33642844_2198892_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs411.snc3/24858_582775476596_48501943_33642845_834952_n.jpg


Started by tearing the fenders and the grill off. The factory wiring was still in the Jeep and was hacked by the previous owner. This time I'm making it right as you will see in later photos.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs451.ash1/24858_582776339866_48501943_33642857_7533503_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs431.snc3/24858_582776359826_48501943_33642860_4177044_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs431.snc3/24858_582777263016_48501943_33642892_1379656_n.jpg

[matts88yj]

Now onto the good stuff. I wish I did have some more time to complete some things since I was so close to basically having a frame off resto but due to limited space (1 car garage) I could not pull it off.

Here I cleaned up the firewall and threw on a coat of paint. I went with a lighter gray color so when viewed at night time or any other time it will be easier to spot things in the engine bay. Plus I figured it dressed it up some. What do you think?

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs411.snc3/24858_582778191156_48501943_33642904_6372743_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs451.ash1/24858_582778206126_48501943_33642906_2766918_n.jpg

While this is not just a typical engine swap, I decided that the stock dash and interior layout was just not going to cut it with the planned use of the 4L60E automatic trans and Atlas II transfer case. I contacted my good friend Dan from Double D Fab and he whipped me up a pretty sweet dash for my setup. Here it is pre-paint.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs448.ash1/24688_583979733256_48501943_33681627_7642480_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs448.ash1/24688_583979738246_48501943_33681628_8058981_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs448.ash1/24688_583979748226_48501943_33681629_1345289_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs428.snc3/24688_583979758206_48501943_33681630_3154237_n.jpg


Now that I had a sweet dash made, it was time to yank out the factory crap. I didn't realize just how much wiring is in these things but I believe I eliminated about 40 pounds of it from all of the old emissions crap. Here are a few quick photos of the teardown.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs428.snc3/24688_583979768186_48501943_33681632_1047265_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs408.snc3/24688_583979773176_48501943_33681633_761731_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs448.ash1/24688_583979778166_48501943_33681634_7035736_n.jpg

[matts88yj]

Now if any of you are still with me after seeing all of that wiring and having your brain fry wondering where all of that crap goes we can finally get to some of the good stuff!

Here are a few quick photos of our awesome 5.3L engine hauler along with a shot of my dad helping out. This started out as a father/son project and then I got crazy with ideas and I pretty much took over. Thanks dad for all of your help!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589070301716_48501943_33854212_1728496_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589070311696_48501943_33854213_755636_n.jpg

We got the engine down in the garage and sitting in front of the Jeep so that we could mate the 4L60E to it but first, I tore off all of the unused brackets and hoses. It really cleaned things up.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589070331656_48501943_33854217_4849019_n.jpg

Next up is a few general shots of the trans. It doesn't look like anything special on the outside but trust me, it is built and performs great.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589070336646_48501943_33854218_6021567_n.jpg

Here is the adapter kit from Advance Adapters to mate the 4L60E to the Atlas and also to provide a location for the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor).

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589070341636_48501943_33854219_8251418_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589070366586_48501943_33854221_3507166_n.jpg

And like magic here is the engine and the trans bolted together and ready to go into the YJ!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589070371576_48501943_33854222_8382414_n.jpg

Getting a feel for how everything will clear...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589070386546_48501943_33854225_4829244_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589070396526_48501943_33854227_3723588_n.jpg


After we got everything lined up it was time to burn in the motor mounts. Here is my good friend and great welder AJ doing what he does best.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589070411496_48501943_33854229_1982763_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589070426466_48501943_33854232_1605267_n.jpg

[matts88yj]

This will be the last set for tonight. I will post some more up over the next few days. Let me know what you guys and gals think so far!

Now that the engine was in the Jeep it was time to really get to work!!!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589070441436_48501943_33854234_853291_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589070446426_48501943_33854235_4834539_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589070451416_48501943_33854236_2571358_n.jpg

I actually ended up with about 1" of clearance before the 1" body lift between the top of the engine and the hood.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589070456406_48501943_33854237_4350807_n.jpg


While we were running through some trans mount designs and waiting for some parts to arrive, we decided to set the dash in to see what it would look like. Here is a quick preview.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589070466386_48501943_33854239_315037_n.jpg


The new engine harness arrived very well packed and neatly organized. I'm showing everyone these because this was money well spent. The amount of detail in this harness is great. Speartech did the harness work and I highly recommend them for anyone looking into going with a LSX based engine in your Jeep.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589070476366_48501943_33854241_6761529_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589070481356_48501943_33854242_2616419_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589070486346_48501943_33854243_1343397_n.jpg


Now that some more of the parts arrived it was time to move onto some of the plumbing since I wanted to get those systems all sealed up and ready to go. Here are a few shots of the engine and transmission cooler. They are mounted under the rear seat floor area under the Jeep.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589079797686_48501943_33854425_5306749_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589079802676_48501943_33854426_4290125_n.jpg


And here are the lines going into the trans. I used DEI heat shield on these lines since they would be about 5" away from the exhaust.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589079807666_48501943_33854427_6598010_n.jpg


Here is the Atlas mounted to the back of the trans and me dialing in the engine pitch and trans mount location.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589079812656_48501943_33854428_307456_n.jpg


Old body mounts next to new 1" lift ones... Yeah I think they were shot...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589079832616_48501943_33854430_7392987_n.jpg


And last for tonight and to leave everyone something to look at that's shiny, here are a few pics of the Atlas before being installed. A little side story is that I was actually debating on running the built Dana 300 but my better half actually convinced me to get the Atlas! Needless to say she is a keeper! :D

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589079842596_48501943_33854432_2004351_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589079847586_48501943_33854433_547681_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589079857566_48501943_33854435_6113258_n.jpg

[Rykker]

Dash looks friggen sweet! If you don't mind me asking what this whole swap run you, how much time involved?

[Djeep]

JEALOUS. Me want some to

[matts88yj]

Dash looks friggen sweet! If you don't mind me asking what this whole swap run you, how much time involved?

Thank you! I started saving for this swap during the middle of last summer and slowly gathering parts as the funds would allow. I figured if I'm going to have it all apart I'm going to do it right. If I just stuck to the engine, trans and transfer case swap with nothing else believe it or not it was right at 6k. That is with the cost of buying the engine, trans, Atlas, coolers, mounts, wiring harness and all of that stuff. Since I did some more interior work as well as gutted all of the wiring harness on the firewall side of things, that took some more time and cash as well. With everything all said and done I believe I'm hovering around 8k. Yes I know to some of you that is a lot but for everything I have done to it, it really isn't THAT bad. Nothings cheap and it's always the small items that get you. Total time for the swap just working on it during weekends and some nights after work was about 4 months.

JEALOUS. Me want some to

Haha thank you! No need to be jealous. Just last year at this time I was dreaming about completing this swap. Granted not everything went to plan but months of doing my homework really paid off. When I started it up for the first time it was totally worth it. There is so much you can do with the tuning in these engines and transmissions it's amazing. Sinister flat out gets it now. I'll keep this segment towards the engine swap but next in line is going with axles and a suspension that will be able to keep up with this new drivetrain. :)

[Rich Deuce]

Outstanding bro!

[matts88yj]

Hopefully everyone is enjoying the build! Now onto some more updates. I decided to paint the inside of the fenders and the grill so everything is uniform.

Before

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589080146986_48501943_33854453_3113761_n.jpg

After

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589080156966_48501943_33854455_386673_n.jpg

Before

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589080151976_48501943_33854454_4597701_n.jpg

After

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589080166946_48501943_33854457_6013588_n.jpg

Next up is the trans mount. Here are some tabs I made that will be fully welded around a piece of tube.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589080171936_48501943_33854458_1033149_n.jpg

And here is a shot of the trans mount welded up.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589080206866_48501943_33854465_1100821_n.jpg

Close up shot of the mount.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589080226826_48501943_33854468_5559204_n.jpg

Now we move onto a part that I could not wait to replace, the gas tank. I went with the Genright EXT gas tank because of the extra fuel capacity and still being able to use my rear leaf springs (for now).

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589080191896_48501943_33854462_5777273_n.jpg

Here is a shot inside of the tank where the fuel pickup is located. It is a very nice tank!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589080196886_48501943_33854463_2295683_n.jpg

[matts88yj]

Now moving onto a part that I wasn't too sure about at first but I think it turned out pretty nice. This is the start of the center console area. Since everything is shifted via cables, I could place the shifters wherever I wanted. Here is a shot of the skin over the skeleton.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589081274726_48501943_33854499_4584379_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589081284706_48501943_33854501_4550064_n.jpg

Now moving back onto some of the engine goodies. I needed a nice header that would provide great flow but also hug the block well. I found some in the form of Sanderson headers. They are made here in the USA and the fit and finish on these are simply awesome. Here is a quick shot of them on the engine.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589081289696_48501943_33854502_3902533_n.jpg

And the drivers side

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589081294686_48501943_33854503_4138796_n.jpg

I decided to ditch the factory truck oil pan since it hung down way too low. I went with a Kevko gated oil pan which you will see in the next few pics. The amount of clearance while still retaining the same amount of oil capacity in the pan was worth it.

Here is a shot of the oil pickup tube.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589081314646_48501943_33854507_5759791_n.jpg

New pickup tube depth.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589081344586_48501943_33854511_847206_n.jpg

Inside of the new pan

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589081329616_48501943_33854508_3518395_n.jpg

New vs. Old

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589081339596_48501943_33854510_3585053_n.jpg

Oil Pan Installed

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589081349576_48501943_33854512_2587376_n.jpg

Now the trans pan and the oil pan are on the same level!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589081354566_48501943_33854513_4620330_n.jpg

[matts88yj]

Now moving back to the trans mount (can you tell I jump around a bit?)

Here is a shot with it fully installed. The tabs and pieces of DOM tubing all came from RuffStuff. They make very beefy brackets and the pieces of tube are actually tapped with a zerk fitting so they can be greased. Poly bushings that are used in leaf springs are used in these mounts. She isn't going anywhere.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589081374526_48501943_33854515_5225302_n.jpg

After I got the grill in I decided to start tackling the plumbing of everything. Here is a shot with the radiator being test fitted as well as the fan. The radiator is from Advance Adapters and the fan is a Spal fan. Going down the highway she stays at 185. Around town the fan kicks on and she stays at 190 even on hot summer days and me flogging on her.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589081384506_48501943_33854517_2576725_n.jpg

I think I got the rad pretty level...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589081389496_48501943_33854518_7786139_n.jpg

NOW it's starting to look like something!!! This is one shot I'm particularly proud of since I have the heater core plumbed and look, NO MORE WIRES ALONG THE FIREWALL!!!! I wasn't going for the street rod theme but it looks so much better than the rats nest that was up there.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs310.snc3/29130_589081409456_48501943_33854521_4598351_n.jpg

Here I'm starting to do some of the rough wiring on the drivers side.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29130_589081429416_48501943_33854525_6050688_n.jpg

Remember how I said the engine wiring harness was really nice? Guess what, it's installed in this photo. The harness really laid itself out over the engine and installation was a breeze.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29130_589081434406_48501943_33854526_866530_n.jpg

Now back to some more plumbing. A remote oil filter setup was required with the use of the Kevko oil pan so I decided on a spot that is out of the way yet easy to make filter changes. Here is a shot before installed.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs179.snc4/38308_594983252116_48501943_34081988_867779_n.jpg

And here it is tucked behind the washer bottle on the drivers side.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs075.snc4/35092_594983341936_48501943_34082002_3889008_n.jpg

The fenders and grill went back on so I could start seeing where I would mount things and any clearance issues I may have.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs179.snc4/38308_594983257106_48501943_34081989_4894464_n.jpg

Since the gas pedal was wayyyyy long I decided to chop it down some while still using the full range of motion. Trust me, I only need to press this pedal half way down to pin myself in the seat.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs052.snc4/34987_594983287046_48501943_34081993_5039132_n.jpg

While AJ was welding I decided to whip up this piece. Remember the Sinister logo in the dash? There is a plate that goes behind it to hold some LED lights that come on when the interior gauges are on. You will see what I mean in a bit.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs086.ash2/37627_594983307006_48501943_34081995_7007096_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs086.ash2/37627_594983311996_48501943_34081996_5836456_n.jpg

[matts88yj]

More fabbing time! Here is a shot of the console skeleton.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs086.ash2/37627_594983311996_48501943_34081996_5836456_n.jpg

And here it is installed between the seats. Hopefully you can see how this is going to turn out.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs200.snc4/38352_594983351916_48501943_34082003_4688181_n.jpg

MORE WIRING!!! It felt like I was wiring forever...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs086.ash2/37627_594983321976_48501943_34081998_1751348_n.jpg

Starting to look like an engine bay!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs055.snc4/35092_594983326966_48501943_34081999_4366376_n.jpg

Main fuse block

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs200.snc4/38352_594983356906_48501943_34082004_2259948_n.jpg

Since my fingertips felt like they were going to fall off that day, I decided to move onto something a little easier. Here in this photo you will see how I tied everything together from the throttle body to the air filter. Since the MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor needs to be as close to the air filter as possible, I purchased a silicone reducer to fit on the back side of the MAF sensor and then tie into a piece of 4" exhaust tubing that is hidden between the 90 degree elbow off of the throttle body and the reducer fitting.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs077.snc4/35237_594983376866_48501943_34082007_6234228_n.jpg

Here is where the radiator overflow bottle is. This is on the grill on the passenger side. It's a tight fit but worked out pretty well.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs057.snc4/35237_594983381856_48501943_34082008_6915247_n.jpg

Painted up battery tray.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs077.snc4/35237_594983386846_48501943_34082009_6341557_n.jpg

Headers with some paint... Did I mention that I love wiring?

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs040.ash2/35346_594983396826_48501943_34082010_7751838_n.jpg

Starting to get close!!!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs060.snc4/35346_594983401816_48501943_34082011_5065918_n.jpg

[matts88yj]

Now getting back to the interior and for the first shot of the dash painted and loaded with gauges!!!! I went with Autometer Phantom gauges since I already had most of them and I believe they look pretty good, especially at night. You'll see why...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs040.ash2/35346_594983406806_48501943_34082012_4496880_n.jpg

I had to check out how it looked at night. No the one gauge is not bad, it comes on when you have the engine running since it is a wideband O2 gauge.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs080.snc4/35346_594983411796_48501943_34082013_2047428_n.jpg

This was my idea all along and I think it came out awesome. Just a nice touch for the dash.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs060.snc4/35346_594983416786_48501943_34082014_194100_n.jpg

Passenger side shot.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs075.snc4/35114_594983441736_48501943_34082015_2355054_n.jpg

Here I have the steering column installed as well along with the new steering wheel. Note to anyone thinking about aftermarket steering wheels, do not get a polished finish, get a brushed finish (like this one) or black. Sunlight + polished steering wheel = You not being able to see ANYTHING.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs099.ash2/38308_594983242136_48501943_34081986_1213850_n.jpg

Now back onto the center console. Here are a few shots of the skeleton being mounted in place. I'll leave off here for this evening and upload some more this weekend. Hope everyone is enjoying it thus far!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs075.snc4/35114_594983446726_48501943_34082016_1402272_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs075.snc4/35114_594983451716_48501943_34082017_2500380_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs035.ash2/35114_594983456706_48501943_34082018_2052174_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs055.snc4/35114_594983461696_48501943_34082019_5502403_n.jpg

[Rykker]

Can I have a ride when Sinister is ready for the trails??

p.s. everything looks sweet!

[matts88yj]

Can I have a ride when Sinister is ready for the trails??

p.s. everything looks sweet!

She is ready for the trails and I'm actually going up to the rock race to help out this weekend. One the way of cleaning up after the race I may find some spots to stretch her legs out. We will see.

Thanks!! I'll try and get some video this weekend of how she sounds and some street acceleration runs.

[matts88yj]

Okay I must admit, between the time that I was finishing up the center console and some odds and ends under the hood, I forgot to take photos mainly because I was so anxious to get it out on the road and trails again!

Here is a quick shot of the circuit breakers under the hood. I haven't mounted them down yet since the fenders will be getting redone in a few months.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs061.snc4/34432_606357602826_48501943_34419125_4400015_n.jpg

Here is a completed shot of the center console and dash. I think it came out pretty nice. The shifters are packed in there as well as the switch panel but everything is within easy reach once I'm harnessed in.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs785.snc4/66566_606357627776_48501943_34419126_648059_n.jpg

Here is a top down view. It is a snug fit but it fits perfect in there. I wish I had just a hair more room but it will work just fine.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs944.snc4/73719_606357642746_48501943_34419127_3478936_n.jpg

Here is my "stubbie" gas pedal that I had to shorten up about 5". It may look as if the pedal is tilted a lot but that is only because my foot is not on it.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs834.snc4/69471_606357657716_48501943_34419128_4780066_n.jpg

OBDII Port and check engine light easily accessible under the left side of the dash.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs463.ash2/73668_606357692646_48501943_34419129_6350288_n.jpg

Yes Sinister has heated seats! :D

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs008.snc4/33779_606357722586_48501943_34419130_2423814_n.jpg

Here is an overall engine shot with everything in place around where they will be located for good. Again nothing is really in their spot on the fenders since they will be getting redone in a few months. After that a lot of the items will have their own little panel which will be bolted to the fender itself. Basically with a few bolts being removed, I can take off the entire fender in case I need to do any maintenance.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs156.snc4/37146_606357787456_48501943_34419133_2253537_n.jpg

Here are my transmission and Atlas breathers. If anyone is running a factory breather, get rid of it!!! These bad boys are where it's at! I wish AEM would have made a dry flow filter this size but I'll settle for K&N. :)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs831.snc4/69108_606357807416_48501943_34419134_3508068_n.jpg

Here is the fuel pressure sending unit and adapter fitting. This is located low on the firewall and you can not see it when you are looking around the engine bay unless I told you where it is at. I located it here to keep the fuel line clean and so you only see the last 6" of line going up and into the fuel rail in the engine bay.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs807.snc4/68755_606357827376_48501943_34419135_4785029_n.jpg





Well that about sums up my build. I'm very happy with the performance of everything and I will say this, the 5.3 is the new 327. The 6.0 is the new 350. I'm pushing 425hp at the flywheel which is right around 360 at the rear wheels. This is more than enough power out there for 90% of the Jeeps and their intended use. With the 4.56 gears and 35's I'm running currently, I can lay rubber if I wanted to easy (but I like saving my tires). The performance over the 4.6L stroker engine is nothing short of phenomenal. To be honest with everyone I should have done this from the beginning but all good things take time.

I do have a good bit tied up into this swap but I also went above and beyond in some areas to ensure that I would have a setup that would last for many years to come. If anyone is even thinking about doing this swap, DO IT!!! Even without any internal engine work this setup blows me away. Eventually I may throw a mild cam, a set of heads and a few other goodies at it but I wanted to start off with a baseline as far as power. To me this is just about perfect. I'm getting 15-18 MPG depending on how much I have my foot in it and that is all mixed driving with some highway and some back roads. I did have a tank that was 20MPG and that was mostly highway and going 65-70.

If anyone has any questions about this swap or wants any ideas or even questions about the parts used please feel free to post up here! I really hope you enjoyed this stage of my build. What's next for Sinister? Well for starters I'm taking this winter off from any Jeep related projects and saving up for the next stage which has already been planned out. Next up will be a 609 front axle, 3 link front, 4 link rear, coilovers, probably going 8 lug, 37's, some new body armor, new cage and finally, PAINT!!! I have to admit, she looks like crap now body wise and it is driving me nuts. Oh well that is another day! The next stage should take place in the Spring and I'll be sure to update this when items come in and we, or should I say the shop, starts work on Sinister.

Cheers!