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5.3, 4l60 zj

58K views 691 replies 54 participants last post by  badbird17x 
#1 ·
So I bought another jeep, it has fnr long arms 36in swampers and no doors. the engine has a hole in the block that leaks oil when I am vertical, so I decided this winter would be a good time for a engine swap. I know its a swear word around here but I am a gm guy, and have completed 2 ls swaps so I am familiar with these engines, and love them. I was looking the other day for a 6.0 for my wife's street rod and found a 5.3 that is all aluminum, around 300hp, without a tune, and flex fuel, which I'm a farmer so this is cool to me. I'm thinking I will get 2 and put one in the zj as well. I've seen other guys do this on the web, but would like your thoughts on the project, and ideas on transfer case options. This zj has a 231 in it now, but I don't see a reason why the gm one wouldn't work
 
#111 ·
He just said they are very shorthanded. I've been trying to order for a week. Email was the only way to get them to call me.
 
#113 ·
Finished painting the cage. Now tape off the cage, spray black, then engine swap time.
 
#114 ·
Pics
 

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#115 ·
Coming along
 

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#117 ·
Buzz98zj said:
Are you going to add anything in front of the engine to keep out sticks and such?
The fenders attach in the front to the main tubes, I plan on building a metal grill looking piece to tie the front together. More then that no. Lights will be mounted between 2 lower tubes. Really taking out the belt is really the only problem I could have in the front.
 
#119 ·
aircruiser said:
Damn man she is looking good! Haha I remember when you were considering not buying this thing cause it has the straight 6 hahahah, can't wait to see it in action!
Thanks man. This summer it will be. Headed to marble the week before the meccum auction in the cities, then hitting that on the way home. Planning on bringing all three, to keep from doing anything stupid at meccum.
 
#120 ·
Nothing to bruiser today, but the wife's mall crawler started on the first try. Bled the coolant system, looks like I have a cooling fan issue to sort out and I can drive it home. Sweeeet.
 
#121 ·
Rod is done so on to bruiser
 

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#123 ·
Thanks. Needs a bath, and for momma to pick out some wheels she likes. And for the snow to melt so I can drive it home.
 
#127 ·
aircruiser said:
Aren't those the new wheels? Didn't it have chromies on it?
Those are the steel chromies after plasti-dip. Just so my wife could see it needs black wheels.
 
#129 ·
Buzz98zj said:
I can only dream of a garage like yours. Lol
Lol. It was a farm shop for keeping things working, but since I've switched to John Deere, and only have one good employee, well it's a toy box now.
 
#130 ·
Finished trimming entry and rubber coating the floor, then welded the steering wheel in plus the hook to hold it.
 

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#131 ·
Engines out, one frame rail cleaned up, most the suspension figured out from extending the arms 2 inches, but just figured out my exhaust manifolds are way to wide. Now I have to decide if $200 block huggers will work without any measurements or if I should start cutting and make my own front frame. Damn it.
 

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#132 ·
Finished frame welding. Mounted the tb higher axle side making way better flex, I'm getting 19 inches on the pass and 22 driver, looks like I'll need limiters. Everything is working well so I set the engine in. Have to mount it way high to clear the pan, looks like a cowl hood is in my future.
 

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#134 ·
aircruiser said:
open headers are where its at!
Lol. Zoomies out the hood? Actually looking real hard at putting a flow master 40 where my engine fan would be and just dumping it there. This is if I can make the manifolds clear the ps pump and the ac
 
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