AutoPros V8 Build - Photo Thread

[AutoPros]

Tie down strap.

[Riff Raff]

Does anyone have a source for the exterior emblems?

Here you go; ask for "Merlin" in parts dept. I hope you are going to "flip-flop" the numbers on the emblems to read: 5.3L

http://isuzu.stcharlesauto.com/Department-Parts.aspx

[AutoPros]

Driveshafts are done and the VX is back for us to do the A/C lines before heading to the exhaust shop. Pics to follow very shortly.

[AutoPros]

[VxSport]

Even with losing the action of the TOD, it is still a awsome build. I have a chevy with the 5.3L in a truck 2x the weight. combining the two, sweet.

[AutoPros]

Working out small bugs and making the a/c lines today. This thing is a beast, and very responsive!

[Ebenezr]

Just doing the e-rod motor, trans, transfer case, adapters, drive shaft, wiring & programming... you are probably in the area of 20-25K. This build is also getting a/c, suspension upgrades, brake upgrades, audio upgrades, lighting upgrades, tires, intake and exhaust, and more... should be around 35K when he is done. But until all of our numbers are in, this is a guess-timate.

I will be putting pictures up today as the intake gets completed.

Ah COugh!! ....cough.. gag inhale.. I'd gladly pay you Tuesday for an engine swap today.

[AutoPros]

Little updates...

Refresh Head Light Lenses... DONE
Install HIDs... DONE
Speedometer & Tachometere Calibration... DONE
Refresh Exterior Plastics... DONE
Exhaust... SCHEDULED
AC Lines... ONE MADE, AWAITING ONE FITTING
Tires... ORDERED

Anyone else getting as excited as we are?

[HeckaTrebeka]

I can't wait to see detailed pics when this is completed!

[Triathlete]

While ya still got the old tires on there you need to put them to use...



.BURNOUT VIDEO!

[yellowgizmo99]

X2 on video

[Ebenezr]

I have a question for the builder: On the first page of pictures you show one where you have ground away the corner of the steering gear in order to get clearance. Was there not enough to move the engine 1/4 inch to the passenger side.??? When you dropped the engine in and positioned it - did you spot weld the motor mounts then unbolt and lift the engine in order to do a more permanent mount of the mounts to the frame??? Just curious. Eb.

[89Vette]

Ah COugh!! ....cough.. gag inhale.. I'd gladly pay you Tuesday for an engine swap today.

I'm not surprised at the cost. I bet the hours spent are way more than a person would think. If anything, I'm surprised at the condition of the starting specimen for this type of investment/project. The undercarriage rust LOOKS horrible. It makes me think frame-off-restoration -- before starting with the engine transplant.

Obviously, it's not QUITE that bad...but a bad enough I wonder if the owner didn't consider selling/buying a lower-mileage...or, at least, lower rust unit? Maybe that's the norm in the NE though? I'm in the midwest and own a Florida truck. Seems like FL would be pretty bad with salt-water and such. But my rust level can't be 10-15% of what I see in the rear undercarriage (and engine compartment) pics.

Would LOVE to drive a V8 VX though! I'm thinking 383 stroker with ZF6 transmission!....then one in my vette of course!

[Ebenezr]

I've been wondering if a Jeep wrangler 4.0 I6 and transmission wouldn't be a decent fit. I know the HP is less but most VX's are probably running on the same HP more or less with worn out engines. ?? The 4.0 lasts forever and are easy to find.

[LittleBeast]

Ah COugh!! ....cough.. gag inhale.. I'd gladly pay you Tuesday for an engine swap today.

Wimpy

Haha, nice refernce :-)