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Vortec V6 in a flatfender with a power Saginaw conversion.

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Sgt_jarhead, Jan 13, 2016.

  1. Apr 13, 2016
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
    Messages:
    5,798
    Wow thats tough. The fan I purchased was inexpensive and seems to work fine. I dont have but maybe 2 hours on it though, so the verdict is still out. Mine is a 2900cfm 14" as well.
     
  2. Apr 25, 2016
    Sgt_jarhead

    Sgt_jarhead Sponsor

    Fallbrook, CA
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2015
    Messages:
    183
    Ok, so the vet bills set me back a bit, but at least I solved one problem... The lower radiator hose. Originally with this setup, the radiator outlet dumped directly into my tensioner pulley. After cutting/welding at an angle, I still had a helluva time figuring out what hose to use. I tried a few options, including a standard flex hose, but just couldn't get something that could make the bend off of the water pump, clear the serpentine belt, and connect with the radiator I used. I spent a couple hours at the local parts store, thinking I could use a pre-formed hose, strategically cut and end reassembled with some 90* and straight couplers. After looking at the 3 or 4 best candidates, I gave up on that option as well. I bit the bullet and ordered the Spectre Magna Kool Stainless hose kit 7781 - Spectre , Magna Kool 24 In. Radiator Hose Kit . At ~$60 it was about $20 more than any pieced together option would cost (that also would've had at least 3 separate sections (6 hose clamps). I am happy to report the solution, although expensive, worked excellent. I really like the look, and if the generic upper hose I installed ever gives out, I will spend the money and use this stainless hose kit there as well. I was able to make a nice, tight bend off of the water pump route around the belt, and into the radiator. The hose is stiff enough to hold it's shape. Overall. I am happy with it...

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  3. Apr 25, 2016
    Sgt_jarhead

    Sgt_jarhead Sponsor

    Fallbrook, CA
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2015
    Messages:
    183
    I also decided on a Odyssey 1100 battery to power my '42. At less than 4" wide, it is a perfect fit to be mounted under the passenger seat. Hope to get it bolted in/ installed in the next few days. Pics to follow...
     
  4. May 24, 2016
    Sgt_jarhead

    Sgt_jarhead Sponsor

    Fallbrook, CA
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2015
    Messages:
    183
    Wow! It's been a month since I updated this thread. Progress has been slow, but at least it's moving forward.

    Got the battery bolted in under the passenger seat. Bought the bracket made by Odyssey for the battery. It holds the battery very securely.

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    I put down some 1/8" thick rubber mat between the battery and the floor.

    Because the terminals face the front of the jeep, I took some 18ga sheet steel and made a front cover to protect tools and such from rolling into the terminals and shorting the system out. I also used some contact cement to line the inside of the shield with the same rubber matting. The cover removes by loosening the 2 front bolts.

    [​IMG]

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    I added a terminal point under the hood for easy access so I could attach jumper cables or a charger without getting under the seat.

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    I plan on running 2AWG cable from the battery positive to the remote point. I will ground the negative terminal directly to the frame.
     
  5. May 24, 2016
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
    Messages:
    7,540
    That's pretty cool...I've never seen that before.
     
  6. May 24, 2016
    Sgt_jarhead

    Sgt_jarhead Sponsor

    Fallbrook, CA
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2015
    Messages:
    183
    Spent a few days routing the engine/computer wiring and also tackled the full chassis wiring harness. Almost everything is now wired. wires are ran for the tail lights, just not hooked up yet. Also waiting to finish a few under hood connections until I am done pulling fenders on and off. Solved a few issues, but sorry - no pics. Added a speed sensor in line with the speedometer cable. This is necessary for the computer to make fuel management adjustments. I went with the Dakota Digital version, but ran into a couple issues.

    Placing the sensor between the cable and my Dana 18 would require removal of the parking drum (mine isn't hooked up anyway, I use a Mico lock, but I didn't want to spring for a new yoke at this point - budget is getting tight) and it would be in the way of the passenger side exhaust. As luck would have it, the fittings on it also enabled it to fit between the speedometer and the cable under the dash. The folks at Dakota confirmed it would work in that location as well, and was not a directional sensor - either direction would work. Of course this also required drilling a new hole in the firewall directly behind the Speedo. The cable did not have enough room to bend and exit the firewall through its original hole. That also required a new cable 6" longer than what I had. Oh well. I'm sure the 40 year old cable was tired anyway....
     
    Last edited: May 25, 2016
  7. May 24, 2016
    Sgt_jarhead

    Sgt_jarhead Sponsor

    Fallbrook, CA
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2015
    Messages:
    183
    On to the fan....

    I decided on the Zirgo 14" 2750 CFM from summit. It was heavy, weighing in at almost 5 lbs. I've never been a fan of zip-tie mounts. Based on input in a separate thread, I decided to build my own shroud. I had a 30" x 30" piece of 16ga sheet cluttering the garage. I cut it to size and notched the corners with a plasma cutter.

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    I dont have a break press (Would've made this job a lot easier). So I clamped the sheet between 2 pieces of 1/4" flat stock I had and applied the flame wrench(torch). A little percussion engineering with a 3lb drilling hammer and I got the edges folded over. Not the prettiest, but functional.

    [​IMG]

    When all tabs were bent, I welded the corners, added a small tab on the bottom where the fan overshot the surface area, cut out a center circle with the plasma, and attached the fan.

    [​IMG]

    Put everything in place and it fits. As I have found may times in this build, tolerances are close, but they will work.

    [​IMG]
     
    47v6 and ITLKSEZ like this.
  8. May 24, 2016
    Sgt_jarhead

    Sgt_jarhead Sponsor

    Fallbrook, CA
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2015
    Messages:
    183
    Holy hell this thing moves some air. Put a 8"X11" piece of heavy cardboard on the front of the radiator and the fan held it like it was glued. I might need to add some flaps for high speed cooling, but overheating on the trail should never be an issue. I'll pull it apart tomorrow and paint it up.
     
  9. May 25, 2016
    GraySkies

    GraySkies Always late, never finished...

    Western Washington
    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2012
    Messages:
    63
    Just looked in on your build thread for the first time, Sarge. Subscribed.

    I am building a CJ5, so I will have a little more room to work with, but I am also going to use the 4.3 engine so I will be following to see how it all works out for you.

    I've enjoyed reading so far, and I'm sure I will benefit from observing your approach to solving some of these problems. Thanks!
     
  10. May 26, 2016
    Sgt_jarhead

    Sgt_jarhead Sponsor

    Fallbrook, CA
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2015
    Messages:
    183

    By all means sir. If my headaches and multiple attempts can save some heartache, then this thread has served it's purpose. Even though I am not yet finished, I hold this axiom to be true:

    It will cost at least 50% more and take at least 75% longer than you originally plan for... Once this is on the road and driving, I will add up all the receipts (saving them all) and come up with a total cost and timeframe...
     
    GraySkies and ITLKSEZ like this.
  11. May 26, 2016
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,466
    Another old Jeep Proverb - NEVER let your wife see that total or any of the receipts :)
     
    Sgt_jarhead likes this.
  12. May 27, 2016
    Rozcoking23

    Rozcoking23 RUN & GET BIT! 2024 Sponsor

    Stockton, CA
    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2008
    Messages:
    805
    I AGREE! If my wife knew what I spent I would be living in it. I never added it up, that way I can honestly tell her, "I thinks it's around....
     
  13. May 27, 2016
    GraySkies

    GraySkies Always late, never finished...

    Western Washington
    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2012
    Messages:
    63
    I used the stealth method. I quietly collected parts for about 10 years. Once I had most of what I needed, I told her "You know, we really just need to make one big push to finish this Jeep, or it will never get done. We should pull a line of credit. It's the same thing as if we went out and bought one with a car loan, anyway."

    She thought that was a great idea. Went to the bank and my budget has instantly grown by $10k, when I already had most of the parts I needed. Now I've finally gotten started on my build for real this time.
     
  14. Dec 15, 2016
    Bajatransit

    Bajatransit Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2016
    Messages:
    51
    Any update? Kinda doing the same thing you are doing/did.
     
  15. Aug 22, 2017
    57WillysCJ5

    57WillysCJ5 New Member

    East Texas
    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2017
    Messages:
    2
    Do you have a part number from Summit on these header?
     
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