[armywrench94]

What did you do about the gas pedal? Did you use one out of a Chevy truck to convert to wire or get a mechanical for the throttle body to make it compatable with your Jeep pedal? I got a quote from Fuel Injections Specialist in San Antonio to redo my wiring harness off of the engine for $600 and $300 to reprogram my PCM, just wondering if you had any reason why you went with Howell Engine Harness? I am trying to make it go as quickly as possible because I only have 18 days of leave in September and wont have the time I would like to troubleshoot all the little stuff, Lookin for a more plug and play set up. If I had more time it wouldn't be a problem to trace wires and stuff but as you know it is pretty time consuming. I think that is an awesome rig you have built!!! I stumbled across Novak Conversions about 3 weeks ago and 5 days later had purchased an engine and trans off E-bay, Really looking foreward to having the extra power.

[V-8unlimited]

I used the stock jeep throttle cable. I took the small arm from the jeep throttle body, cut it, and then cut off the arm from the gm throttle body. I placed the jeep arm on the gm TB, and checked for full throttle at wide open and closed. Then, just welded it in place.
I had used Howell before on another jeep v-8 swap, and was extremely happy with their service and product, so I decided to use them again.
As for the jeep wiring, I simply unplugged the computer, and tossed it, then unplugged the large 3 plugs on the firewall, most of which feed tranny, fuel, etc. and capped them off.
I traced down the signal wire from the harness to activate the starter relay, and bought a GM peice ($30) which I have pictured already, and it will now start. I am doing another v-8 now for a guy, and he wants to keep the jeep computer and gauges, so I have his harness apart now, pulling everything that is not needed. I'll try and post some more on that build.
What are you doing for transfer case? Can you weld or have access to a welder?

My fuel system was very easy. I should have posted some pictures of my tank sending unit. I basically took it apart, and drilled out the plastic rivets in the stock regulator (which is the last thing the fuel goes through before leaving the tank). I completely removed the stock pump also. Hindsight I should have ran or at least tried this system, as my jeep was a 2005 and supposed to supply enough fuel pressure. I then drilled a hole right beside the line (on top of the tank) where the stock feed line hooks up, and used a bulk head fitting then connected a brass tube (flared at the bottom to re-use the factory "sock") cut to within 1/8" of the depth of the tank and simply ran 8AN feed line. My motor had the regulator on the fuel rail, so I needed a return line from the engine.
Another option depending on the engine is the corvette regulator mounted right after the pump. You would not have to run braided steel lines, as Howell has a nice pump that will feed this engine, however I decided that I had already setup my tank for 8AN, and the fuel rail was setup for 8AN with a billet adapter from Jegs, so I just spent the extra money and done it.
I forget the price of the Howell harness, but it was completely new and labeled very nice. My stock wiring harness on the gm motor was damaged, so not usable.

[armywrench94]

I have a welder and a plasma cutter, why might you ask. Also I am planning on using my NP231 transfer and putting a SYE on it. From all that I have read it seems up to the task, just don't have the coin to spring for an Atlas right now. I plan on ditching the factory gauges so I can have all of them functional. It seems a little overwhelming once you really start planning everthing. Did you use Advanced Adapters exclusively, have you heard anything about Novak? I saw your posting with the starter relay you used , just wondering about the whole key issue, arent the PCms set up for a microchiped key so that the can interface?

[Curlee]

I havnt really heard anything good about novak. I know TXjeepTJ had quite a few issues with them, and said their customer support wasnt that great, but he was dealing with their adapters.

I did order a radiator through them, and the guy on the phone just seemed a little weird to me. The radiator looks great, but I have yet to see how it functions.

I do know for a fact that advance adapters is awesome. They took great care of me, and the atlas I got through them is awesome. Would definitely buy from them again. Also bought their cable shifter set up for the atlas. Bolts right into the stock location, no issues. It was a brand new product when I bought the transfer case, and they suggested it, but in no way pushed it on me which I liked. Simply told me what it did, the purpose, and what some people had said about it, and even that some people really dont like it.

[V-8unlimited]

Yes, I used Advance Adapters exclusively, if you need to ask why, see the above post from Crusty (AKA: Thean from Advance) he is a great guy, with lots of knowledge.
As for why, I have used them with great results in the past. I am doing another jeep now for a guy (95 YJ 14/60 combo with 4.3/265/205 drivetrain). He had bought some parts and when I started installing the engine, I noticed it wasn't going to work. 1 call to Thean, and we had the right parts coming. That seems like a simple parts combo, using all GM parts, but the motor is a new vortec 4.3, and tranny is old style granny 4-speed. We are keeping the stock jeep clutch in tact for that swap also.
Why on the welder? you will need to cut off your factory mounts, and reweld on new mounts. AA included a small jig to place your mounts as well. They also offer a nice several page instruction sheet, with simple little items like hose part #'s for the swap.
Could I do another in 18 days? Yes, but only if every part was sitting in front of me. The first hickup or lost part, and you are waiting on vendors and shipping companies.
My radiator/fan combo came from AA also, alittle more expensive, but well worth the lack of headaches.
Another thing to remember is the exhaust manifolds. I tried to keep the truck manifolds, but had to resort to a set of trans am stock manifolds. They worked awesome. But, I also had to make 2 little blockoff plates for them(that seems like a very small problem, however combine that with LOTS of very small problems, and you will get what I'm saying).
As for the 231. The V-8 jeep I am putting together now for a friend is using the 231, I did put every upgrade imaginable into it at the cost of around $1300. He should have found a used rubicon case if money was the issue. I would go that route at least if I were you, and save the headache of a broken case in the future.

[Curlee]

Yea, the 231 ought to be up for the task, but as I found out, they are not that hard to completely destroy. There were a number of factors causing it to fail, but regardless it exploded in a rather spectacular fashion, and I was only pushing it with the 4banger. If you have the ability to replace it I say go for it (cash mainly) but if you dont, then Im sure you would be alright with it as long as you weren't beating the all living hell out of it.

And Im still waiting on some videos of that beautiful jeep, Unlimited! I wont be able to drive mine for quite some time, being that Im going back home on leave, and wont return untill the 20th. After that its game on!

[V-8unlimited]

Hmmm, maybe I'll sneak down to TX, and get the shop to come out and play, we'll put up a video on you-tube of them drag racing or something. Bet you don't stay home for long then! LOL

[Curlee]

HAHA I already have my buddy telling me he is either A) going to steal my parts and put them on his jeep or B) steal my jeep and play with it while Im gone. I told him if either of those happen I WILL kill him and/or disasemble his jeep and reassemble it in his room for him. Its all good though he leaves the day after I do but returns earlier than I do. He knows better than to touch it.

[armywrench94]

Man, every corner I turn it is a new component, I know I need to do it right the first time so I will nut up and spend the money(if there is any left, I am suspecting I am going to need a second job So now I need a transfer, the 241 will be sufficent or do I need an Atlas?

[RnEmOvr]

looking good where u at in ohio?

[V-8unlimited]

Gallipolis, Oh. Southern tip.
As for the transfer. The rubicon case can be picked up used for around $800 from what I've seen. If you have the cash, go for the atlas. Another problem to a short time build is driveshafts. I used Tom Woods. They came quick, but you need everything mounted for correct measurments.
It really isn't that bad of a swap. If you were closer, I'd say come over, pull it into the garage, and we'll get busy swinging wrenches. I have been waiting on stupid parts now for the carb'd conversion I am doing. Silly things, like a small bracket for the power steering pump. The alternator bracket locates it so that I have to trim the inner fender, then rebox it in. I did place that motor to use the factory driveshafts however, which saved him some money, but cost me more time.

[armywrench94]

OK, been looking at the Atlas transfer cases, which one did you go with, I see there is a few different choices for gear ratio two speed, four speed etc. Crazy. my transfer will cost more than the total price of the engine and trans.

[V-8unlimited]

Call up Thean at AA, tell him your planned build (motor/tranny/gear ratio/tire size/etc) and he can steer you in the right direction. I went with a 3.8, 35" tires, 456 gears. I'm also on the lookout for a 6.0 motor now to build slightly and swap in the near future. I'm hoping to hit around 450hp with that setup.

[armywrench94]

What kind of wheelie bars are you putting on.LOL I know you said you are not sure what flavor Flowmaster you put on but does it sound pretty good? Is it loud inside or pretty mellow?

[V-8unlimited]

Exhaust is not bad, can still hear the stereo no problem. Wife thinks it may be alittle loud, but not really louder than my last TJ with a small muffler and the 4.0, until I really crack into it that is.