johnnyc Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 (edited) A pic of my buddy Scott's MJ has been on this board before. Here's another pic to freshen your memory. I just got back from the Off Road Expo in Pomona, where Scott's MJ was on display. And this is what I saw. This V8 conversion is absolutely beautiful. Much of the work was done by a shop un Las Vegas. And it was just recently completed. Scott drove the MJ to SoCal from Sacramento and he said it performed flawlessly. I'm more than a little jealous. ;) Edited October 7, 2012 by johnnyc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ftpiercecracker1 Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Sweeeet. :chillin: I would like to see some dyno figures from that thing. and a price sheet :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89eliminator Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 was that the MJ that was used in Rubicon Express ads? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyc Posted October 7, 2012 Author Share Posted October 7, 2012 Yes. Scott used to work for Rubicon Express. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Johnny, that is one fine looking engine compartment. I see dual electric fans that look like the stocker Jeep fan shrouds. Is that what he's using to stay cool? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyc Posted October 7, 2012 Author Share Posted October 7, 2012 I'm not sure what he's using for fans, Don. But we were talking about the cooling issues that people have when stuffing a V8 in an XJ/MJ. He says that he hasn't had any problems. And he flew over the Grapevine, a section of Interstate 5, notorious for causing overheating Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyc Posted October 7, 2012 Author Share Posted October 7, 2012 The shop in Vegas made a custom wiring harness. Everything works - gauges, A/C, everything. It's California emissions-legal and gets 20+ MPG. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COFFMAN Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Cool would love to see a build tread, Top radiator hose looks a little high Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW86 Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 damn that thing is awesome. did he change out those blacked out bug eyed looking headlights? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incommando Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 So let's see some pics of it in action.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyc Posted October 7, 2012 Author Share Posted October 7, 2012 No pictures of it "in action", but here it is with an ARB tent. You can also see the cowl hood, which was needed for clearance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyc Posted October 7, 2012 Author Share Posted October 7, 2012 Damn, since seeing Scott's MJ yesterday, I've been thinking about lowering my truck back down to three inches and 31s, like in this old pic. And doing some sort of engine swap, be it a stroker or V8. I've actually been thinking of this for a while, but yesterday was the capper. I could sell my built axles and I already have a line on a D30 and 8.25 with higher gears and ARBs. I think I'm over the rockcrawling scene, but I still want to be able to venture into the backcountry. A lot to think about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 I think your rig is beautiful as is. With as clean as yours is body wise, I think you should finish the paint though... Marvin has been naked for quite awhile. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny quest Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 any idea of $? pm me if youd rather not publicly disclose... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyc Posted October 8, 2012 Author Share Posted October 8, 2012 Thanks Rob. But I think the wheels are in motion already. :) Johnny Q - We never talked about the cost. That's a good question. I'll ask him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexia Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 any idea of $? pm me if youd rather not publicly disclose... Probably $10,000 to start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outfitterguy Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 Probably $10,000 to start. pretty much right on the money,... to start :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexia Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 pretty much right on the money,... to start :) Oh hey there! :D Welcome to the forum. Engine cost alone for a decent used Vortec is going to be expensive in the first place. Custom wiring harnesses? People stop asking when I tell them how much I charge to make them. Copper wire with good quality insulation is certainly not cheap. Then there is the brand new usually never been fabricated before cost for mounts which includes trial and error. That is why I am doing a 4.0L -> 4.7L stroker. :P The only trial and error there is screwing up the rebuild! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyc Posted October 8, 2012 Author Share Posted October 8, 2012 pretty much right on the money,... to start :) That's for regular people. YOU probably got the good-guy price. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outfitterguy Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 I did get the good guy price Johnny however I have been very, very, very patient... the total build has been going on in sections for about 4 years now. The MJ has been to quite a few top notch shops that have helped me along the way, such as T&J performance, Extreme Gear Off-Road, Walderens Auto Body,Driveline Services, WestCoast Differentials, Motec,Turn Key, etc; not to mention the multiple companies that have helped with product for the build up like LubeLocker, ARB, MetalCloak, Barnet Performance,Teraflex, Rancho Jeep Recycling, Bestop,Goodyear, Cargo Master, Powertank, Currie, RoundEyes, and thats just off the top of my head. I have to give special thanks to my friends that have helped inspire me and I would not have been able to do it without them: first and foremost My amazing Bride of 12 years, and then to my pals Justin M, Eric E, Jim, Seth G, Lizzard, Steve S, Scott A, Robbie, Jim C, Matt D, Mike B, Robin S, John C, Ray C, Bruce W, Bob S, Colby, and I am sure there are plenty I am forgetting that when I sit down to make it official I will be sure to list. The motor swap alone started in March of this year and took a pro-shop (doing it on the side) 4 months to get it all figured out; I was told that getting the A/C in and working correctly took more time than most complete engine and harness swaps. The swap would have been much easier and quicker if it was not slated for a CA registration. I was going to do a stroker however after doing the research the cost of building a smog legal stroker and having to run premium, crappy gas millage, and always wondering about longevity and wishing for more power I opted for the LS... I am very happy with the results. Motec LS 4L60 Currie HD 35 spline ARB 9inch tubed and trussed 30 spline ARB lo-pinion 30 NP231 6pak shocks MetalCloak dualrate coils Duroflex control arms and track bar and lots more goodies... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyc Posted October 10, 2012 Author Share Posted October 10, 2012 Yeah, it would be tough to be that patient, Scott. But the result is fantastic. Can't wait to go for a ride. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now