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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/12/2009 1:28:22 PM
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LS1 to Jeep swap.
Got some questions. Here are a few answers. If someone wants any info that I don't discuss here let me know. If you find this down the road from now and you need to speak directly to me and can't find me, Eric at novak can find me. Ask for the guy from Provo that did the LS-1 in the 87 wrangler.
Someone asked how it runs. The continual timing motor runs like a dream. The only mistake I made was keeping the original cats. Don't do that. One cracked and created back pressure and confused me for a day, but then I cut the cats out and it has been runnin sweet ever since. The only thing is, I have to get new ones for emissions.
It's nice, to have it in an 87, the only emissions requirement is fuel injection and cats for that year in Utah. I was able to eliminate evap, secondary air, and the other crap. I did keep the front O2's though for fuel air ratio info for the computer(highly suggested). Really though, check local laws if you want a legal rig!
Overall, the install was alot easier than I thought it would be. This was my first real engine swap and it has been running great for six months now without any problems. If I can do it, most guys can. I was even able to keep my original stock location for my shift boots using the 4L60-E and the Novak t-case shifter.
If you find a great deal on this motor sometime go for it! I got this setup with all engine components and the tranny from a wrecked car that had 60k. It cost me 4000 for the engine tranny combo then 2000 for novak adapters,output shaft, fixed yoke, cooling, engine mounts, 1100 for harness and computer programming from Street and Performance. On the harness you just plug in, then connect 1 wire to ground, 1 to positive,1 to ignition and 1 to fuel pump. Simple, clean, and worth the extra cost. They also turned it up to the race program. Another 400 for Lokar shifter throttle cable and dipstick. Plan on another thousand for misc. stuff, just do.
Street and Performance were great to work with. Using a few of their apapters I was able to keep my sending units the same from my 2.5L. I have original coolant temp,oil pressure, fuel level, and voltage.
For fuel delivery many motors need high psi. You can use a bosch lifetime warranty vortech fuel pump, anything from a astrovan to silverado works. Cut/drill or weld to adjust the mount on the sending unit to hold the bosch at the same height and position where the jeep pump use to go.(Keeping the same sending unit will also eliminate need for new fuel gauge, that's a huge plus). The vortech pump will deliver enough pressure to the regulator for a wide variety of motors and is close to the same size as the old jeep unit. To keep pressure right get an 01-02 corvette fuel filter then run one high psi line from tank. An excess line back to tank and one high psi line from filter to fuel rail. Use a Corvette filter because it has a built in regulator! All this will save you from having to use an external pump, which are known for being expensive and unreliable at times in high heat, not to mention, unprotected. And this way costs alot less. Also, custom stainless teflon fuel line was cheaper rubber line at my local hydraulics hose store.
S and P at hotrodlane.cc has all the fittings you would need.
A few more tidbits, throw in your motor with the tranny attached to check the placement and height of your mounts before you weld them! Including the the tranny skid plate. I learned that one the hard way. Take off your front clip, it's way easier that way. Ask a motor specialist about tips to prepare engine before starting the motor for first time. I got lucky and it started perfect first turn, but I triple checked everything and slept on it for a night to make sure I didn't screw up. A turbo shop will have whatever tube you need to make an intake.
Before you start to novak-adapt.com they have tons of info there. Ask for Eric, he is great help, super patient when you have questions, and can send you a pdf that has tons of know how for this swap. Plan it right. Do your homework.
All in all, this swap cost me about 8500.00 complete. That does not include the hours of research though nor the drivelines and a new reason to beef up the rest of your rig.
I just saved you tons of time though, and money with these tips. It took me several trips toward the wrong and more expensive routes before I figured out a few of these simple things mentioned above.
And yeah, it's worth it. This motor is nice on gas. It weighs 400 lbs. loaded. Funnest of all, plenty of reserve power.
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"I don't own that jeep, that damn thing owns me."
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Post #594815
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Mellow Yellow, 2003 JEEPY: Male Wheeler of Year!
Group: Moderators
Last Login: 6/4/2013 11:44:09 AM
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If I wanted it moved back to General, I would have left it there to begin with.
Bob  http://www.jeepaholics.com/rides/view.asp?id=147 Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved. <Will Rogers> Fat City Racing 2009 Baja 1000 Class Champions Dust Junkies Racing 1706
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Post #594816
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/12/2009 1:28:22 PM
Posts: 140,
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Sorry Bob, I forgot that I wasn't already in tech.
"I don't own that jeep, that damn thing owns me."
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Post #594817
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Mellow Yellow, 2003 JEEPY: Male Wheeler of Year!
Group: Moderators
Last Login: 6/4/2013 11:44:09 AM
Posts: 13,129,
Visits: 92,966
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No worries.
Bob http://www.jeepaholics.com/rides/view.asp?id=147 Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved. <Will Rogers> Fat City Racing 2009 Baja 1000 Class Champions Dust Junkies Racing 1706
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Post #594818
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/11/2011 10:22:02 PM
Posts: 428,
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Nice conversion, I see you worked with street and performance, I am doing a conversion in my cj7 with a 5.7 hemi and I also have been working with them Espically Mark Campbell he has been a wealth of knowledge. I got there harness and computor programed from them also,Im still working on it and I know what you mean about all the stuff necessary to do a conversion like this. Hopefully it'll be worth it.
do it once do it right
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Post #594819
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 2:55:27 PM
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So did you do anything about the known oil starvation issue with the LS1, or did you just slap it in and go? All factory-stock LS1 engines can/do suffer from oil starvation at high lateral G loads or off-camber operating positions due to the oil pickup design and insufficient oil pan baffling (this was corrected for the LS2, LS6 and L92 engines). An aftermarket oil pan or redesigned sump pickup will correct this issue.
Other than that, I'm glad you posted all this, as it has solidified my decision whether or not I do an LS1 swap in my YJ. Being on my 3rd LSx-based car, I'm intimately familiar with the LSx family of engines both mechanically and electronically (including tuning). I was seriously considering popping an LS1 under the hood of my YJ since my 4.0L is starting to show signs of age (oil consumption/burning, lack of power, dropping fuel mileage, etc.).
But there ain't no way I'm dumping $10k into an engine and tranny on this rig - too rich for my blood (and income). I'll just stick with boring and stroking my 4.0L and rebuilding my AX-15 (also pretty damned tired) if that's what it costs to do an LS1 conversion with a junkyard engine pull...
On the other hand, I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has done an LSx in a YJ and whether the cost was more than, equal to, or less than VetteJ's conversion.
-Brian
"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. " -Douglas N. Adams
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Post #594820
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/19/2013 12:24:28 PM
Posts: 4,157,
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quote:
Originally posted by Nightclaw
So did you do anything about the known oil starvation issue with the LS1, or did you just slap it in and go? All factory-stock LS1 engines can/do suffer from oil starvation at high lateral G loads or off-camber operating positions due to the oil pickup design and insufficient oil pan baffling (this was corrected for the LS2, LS6 and L92 engines). An aftermarket oil pan or redesigned sump pickup will correct this issue.
Other than that, I'm glad you posted all this, as it has solidified my decision whether or not I do an LS1 swap in my YJ. Being on my 3rd LSx-based car, I'm intimately familiar with the LSx family of engines both mechanically and electronically (including tuning). I was seriously considering popping an LS1 under the hood of my YJ since my 4.0L is starting to show signs of age (oil consumption/burning, lack of power, dropping fuel mileage, etc.).
But there ain't no way I'm dumping $10k into an engine and tranny on this rig - too rich for my blood (and income). I'll just stick with boring and stroking my 4.0L and rebuilding my AX-15 (also pretty damned tired) if that's what it costs to do an LS1 conversion with a junkyard engine pull...
On the other hand, I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has done an LSx in a YJ and whether the cost was more than, equal to, or less than VetteJ's conversion.
-Brian
You knoooow you want an LS7 in your Jeep. 
Texas A&M Off-Road
1973 J2000 Gladiator, 258/T14/D20
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Post #594821
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 2:55:27 PM
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quote:
You knoooow you want an LS7 in your Jeep.
Nah, I'd rather yank the LS2 outta my GTO, slap it in the Jeep, and put the LS7 in the Goat - along with an APS TT setup at the same time.
But then I'd have to start selling organs to afford it, so that just ain't in the cards any time soon... 
"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. " -Douglas N. Adams
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Post #594822
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/19/2013 12:24:28 PM
Posts: 4,157,
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quote:
Originally posted by Nightclaw
quote:
You knoooow you want an LS7 in your Jeep.
Nah, I'd rather yank the LS2 outta my GTO, slap it in the Jeep, and put the LS7 in the Goat - along with an APS TT setup at the same time.
But then I'd have to start selling organs to afford it, so that just ain't in the cards any time soon...
Ah, you have a Holden Monaro, eh?
Texas A&M Off-Road
1973 J2000 Gladiator, 258/T14/D20
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Post #594823
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 2:55:27 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by TexTJ209
Ah, you have a Holden Monaro, eh?
Yep - I do indeed, straight from Oz! 2006 Spice Red Metallic, M6, 17's, JBA Headers, Magnaflow cat-back w/ OEM tips. Built December 2005, and I bought it new in March 2006. 
"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. " -Douglas N. Adams
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Post #594824
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