Jomanche Posted March 30, 2020 Share Posted March 30, 2020 Ok so who has a good write up and advice reference putting a LT1 and 4L60E out of a 95 Formula into a 88 Comanche 4x4? Already have the motor and tranny!!!!! The harness will be done this week. Anyone know of the total price of the Novak kit or another kit? What would be the best headers / manifolds to use? Thanks I will post pics as I can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted March 30, 2020 Share Posted March 30, 2020 The LT1 has a lot of unique things associated with it and it's kind of the redheaded step-child of the Chevy small blocks. Few people want to bother with them. I seriously doubt there are any writeups anywhere, unfortunately. The only advice I can offer is to keep absolutely everything from the donor that you can and install it all together. The LT1 block is a slightly tweaked Gen 1 350. Most of the changes are on the front and with the intake. The mounts should be standard SBC so the Novak kit would put the block in the right place. The transmission will be standard 4L60 so the trans mount will be like everyone else. Engine accessory locations may be an issue. And finding relocation brackets, if needed, may be "challenging". Running the dash may require some creative engineering or just punting and wiring up extra sensors, leaving the ones for the computer alone. Best of luck to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jomanche Posted March 30, 2020 Author Share Posted March 30, 2020 This has basically started from the BA-10 going out and the renix 4.0 having had seen its better days. So this is now taking place to hopefully add to the mighty Comanche being more reliable. I did go with the 95 Formula LT1 and 4L60E because it was all there and Ive read some stuff about trying to use the car V-8s as they are not as tall vs the trucks. Just saving some time on switching out the upper I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted March 30, 2020 Share Posted March 30, 2020 the Epic Tech subforum has several chevy v8 MJ swaps, but I can't recall if one was specifically the LT1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jomanche Posted March 30, 2020 Author Share Posted March 30, 2020 Thanks I'll def check it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted March 30, 2020 Share Posted March 30, 2020 1 hour ago, Jomanche said: This has basically started from the BA-10 going out and the renix 4.0 having had seen its better days. So this is now taking place to hopefully add to the mighty Comanche being more reliable. I did go with the 95 Formula LT1 and 4L60E because it was all there and Ive read some stuff about trying to use the car V-8s as they are not as tall vs the trucks. Just saving some time on switching out the upper I guess. The tall intake issue is with the LS truck blocks 1999 and newer. The 4.8, 5.3, and 6.0 from the early 2000's at least have a very tall intake that hits the hood. The LS1/LS6 intake manifold from the cars is quite a bit shorter and bolts right up. And it fits better under the hood of an XJ. The LT1 has a slightly taller intake manifold and may suffer the same problems as the truck style LS intakes. But I can't say for sure. The only way to use an LT1 is to get a full running/driving donor with an intact wiring harness and computer. Take absolutely everything for it at once. Don't cut a thing. You won't be able to find many replacements for things like that. And there isn't much aftermarket that supplies alternatives. Like I say, the LT1(and LT4) are the red-headed step children. They were only produced for 6 years and they are full of unique parts. The block, the heads, the OptiSpark distributor in front of the engine, all of it. It's weird. It's unique. And not many people like it. It works fine if you're set on using one. Just know the aftermarket is worse for these engines than it is for the MJ. But a unique, limited run engine in a unique, limited run truck would be appropriate. Look at Novak for the conversion kit for the 4L60 so you can run a transfer case. It will put a speed sensor on the transmission tail shaft so that the computer can shift things correctly no matter if you're in high range or low range. In fact, you don't connect any transfer case wires to the donor computer. You can keep the speedo cable in your transfer case to run your dash. For dash gauges, you're better off adding factory sending units for oil pressure and water temp somewhere you can find room. Some conversion radiators (hoses switch sides so you need a new radiator) have a port for a temp sender. You can put a "T" fitting on the oil pressure tap in the block and run 2 senders. Keep the one that goes with the engine for its computer and take the one out of your Renix engine and connect it to your factory wiring harness. Other than that, it should be pretty straightfoward. As unique as the LT1 is, it's still just a modified first gen small block chevy. Once you get outside the block and heads, it looks like many other small block chevy engines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jomanche Posted March 31, 2020 Author Share Posted March 31, 2020 Well looks like I may have screwed up on the engine not doing my homework thoroughly like I thought I did. But with that being said I am getting everything from the donor car... computer flashed, harness made from a specialist etc etc.... and the tech support on the back end as the seller of the engine is an F body specialist and has / is familiar with repurposing engines. I have driven many L-98 & LT-1 cars and have been happy with its performance and think that it would compliment the comanche well. Much the same as any 5.3 might. The LT1 IMO has more of a power band / torquey motor than any 5.3 Ive ever driven. Any suggestions or ideas on what manifolds might work the best? FYI I'm not doing this myself but am assisting the guy with "ideas" on whats been done and what may work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted March 31, 2020 Share Posted March 31, 2020 It's a decent engine, and will work well in a Comanche. It's just not used often and lacks aftermarket support. Since you have a specialist that knows these engines and has experience swapping them, a lot of the potential problems will be mitigated and make this an easier swap that trying to tackle it yourself. Exhaust manifolds should be block huggers. I'd recommend starting here for basic information: http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/engines/swap-guides/chevy-buick-gm/xj-swap/ That's a good starting point for general swap information and advice for a GM engine into an XJ/MJ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted March 31, 2020 Share Posted March 31, 2020 Oh, and please take pictures and post details as the swap progresses. I'm still tossing around lots of ideas for my own engine swap. I'd like to do something more in the unique side myself and have been looking at several options. If this goes well, I may put the LT1 back on my list. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jomanche Posted March 31, 2020 Author Share Posted March 31, 2020 Cool man thanks and will do!!! If you think of anything else let me know. FYI I plan on being able to take this dude down,,,,,LOL!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jomanche Posted April 15, 2020 Author Share Posted April 15, 2020 Soooo the engine and tired BA-10 are out. FYI The engine still ran good if anyone is in the market for an 88 4.0 with under 130k. #1 Ran into an issue with the fuse box..... what fuse boxes are compatible as this one is basically shot from since before the days that the clutch master cylinder was replaced. #2 any ideas on what pedal assemblies can be used vs just cutting off the clutch pedal? next up test fit with the Novak engine and tranny mounts. Thanks In advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 51 minutes ago, Jomanche said: #1 Ran into an issue with the fuse box..... what fuse boxes are compatible as this one is basically shot from since before the days that the clutch master cylinder was replaced. #2 any ideas on what pedal assemblies can be used vs just cutting off the clutch pedal? next up test fit with the Novak engine and tranny mounts. Thanks In advance any auto XJ should be able to provide you with a 2 pedal setup and older auto XJs can be used as fusebox donors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omega_rugal Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 1 minute ago, Pete M said: #2 any ideas on what pedal assemblies can be used vs just cutting off the clutch pedal? you can unbolt it, or hide it behind the carpet too, no need to be hardcore Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jomanche Posted April 15, 2020 Author Share Posted April 15, 2020 Pete, What year XJs? or pre what year should I say? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 87-96 should work 96 fuse box may be different, since it's obd2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jomanche Posted April 15, 2020 Author Share Posted April 15, 2020 Well the engine bay is rattle red. Going to be at a little bit of a stand still as we figure out and get a fuse box. Anyways..... Engine mounts next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thecodemonk Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 FYI: Novak's adapter kit for the 4l60e to NP231 modifies the transmission. Advanced Adapter's kit modifies the transfer case. The t-case is WAY easier to work on, so that'd be my recommendation on that piee. Otherwise, it looks like Derf has you covered. The guys at Novak were very helpful when I called them up (it's not always easy to get a hold of them, but when you do, they have a lot of pretty good expertise). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 For the 700R4/4L60 (up to 92) and early 4L60E (93-96), the Advance Adapters kit only comes with a transmission tailshaft. Only the '97+ adapter comes with an option for a different input shaft for the t-case. And converting the 2WD donor transmission will require a tailshaft swap no matter what so it's a bit of a moot point. You may as well do the kit with the new tailshaft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jomanche Posted April 20, 2020 Author Share Posted April 20, 2020 Score at the parts yard today. This beauty is out of a clean 92 XJ. There was also a 95 that had a nice one as well. Never realized how bad mine really was until after seeing the salvaged one. Another victim to a clutch master cylinder. Like Pete says check it before it’s too late!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jomanche Posted April 21, 2020 Author Share Posted April 21, 2020 What year XJs steering shafts would be compatible with my 88 MJ? Mines locked up and won't slide...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jomanche Posted April 21, 2020 Author Share Posted April 21, 2020 Just a little bit of research an this makes sense... Lower Power Steering Shaft for 84-94 Jeep Cherokee XJ and 86-92 Comanche MJ Finding these two XJs is sure coming in handy. Might just get me an XJ. LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jomanche Posted May 7, 2020 Author Share Posted May 7, 2020 Ok so we got the engine harness back from the shop. Fuse block from the yard, Tranny and NP 231 are getting the good once over at Erie DriveTrain, Inc. (814) 833-8866, FYI Scott does exceptional and reasonable work. front and rear gears,,,,,,,,3:73s . Engine mounts. Headers in from Novak along with tranny mounts and 23 spline and LT1 4L60E adaptor kits. etc etc its been a bigger deal so far. Going back to to the yard where there are 2 beautiful 92 and 95 XJs with tons of nice parts, Going to pull the pedal assembley, battery tray, visor clip and left window regulator. If you need parts hit up Tony at Bizarro's Erie Auto Salvage and Towing 455-5741..... tell him what you need and some clean jeeps will appear. I also have a good running 4.0 110k ish that we just pulled out of the beast to trade out with the LT1. Really nothing wrong with this motor at all, lots of life yet. telling ya. if it wasn't for tor the BA-10 going itd still be in there, kinda regretting it unitl we get the lT1 in there up and running. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jomanche Posted May 7, 2020 Author Share Posted May 7, 2020 Thinking about pulling the doors and just putting them in the garage, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jomanche Posted May 7, 2020 Author Share Posted May 7, 2020 anyone got a nice 2WD? might just drop a LS in it and lower it this time hahahaha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash Posted May 11, 2020 Share Posted May 11, 2020 I do not. But I have also contemplated, a 2nd build whether to go LSx/T56 low/street Comanche, or prerunner. anyone got a nice 2WD? might just drop a LS in it and lower it this time hahahaha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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