I read about a lot of A-body owners swapping their old steering box for one out of a mid 90's Grand Cherokee. So I made a trip to the U-pull -it yard and picked up one for $20 including the GC steering shaft. It's about 2.5 - 3 turns lock to lock. Cleaned and painted, it bolted right up. I also cut the original steering shaft and ground down the end, so I could bolt up the GC shaft. This is just for mock up, I'll be installing a new column from I Did It or Flaming Rivers in the near future. I also looks like I'll be able to thread the LS PS lines into the GC box.
The first of many attempts of getting the LS to sit down in it's new home. I ended up unbolting the frame mounts, bolt the to the engine and positioning the engine where I wanted it. As you can see, I'm still running the alt. in the stock lower position. I have about 1/2" clearance between the alt. and the GC steering box. I've got about 1" between the firewall and passenger side head. I also need to order a new PS pump pulley, the original got shattered in the TA's wreck.
Now to relocate the wiper motor and body harness holes. The wiper motor will go under the driver side fender and the body harness will move over a couple of inches for now. Once I smooth the fire wall, I'll wait until I see what wiring harness I use before making that hole.
On 6-3-14 - I sent my LS engine harness and ECM out to Jeff @ my-efi.com in New York. He received it Thursday and gave me a call to go over what all I wanted done. He's going to trim down the harness, add relays, ORBII port and it will be a 3 wire hook up. He's also going to flash the computer, but is going to leave the stock specs for now until I find another rear end and figure out what tire/wheel I'll be running. He said that I should get it back in a couple of weeks. My cousin and I were going to tackle the harness ourselves, but for the price Jeff is doing them for, it was a no-brainier.
With the help from my cousin Norb, an automotive professor at our local college, we used their metal shear to cut the metal for the firewall. Hope to start tacking it in, the next day or so...
I also pulled out the engine again, so I could have better access for welding up the firewall.
Small update: I've just got back from taking the family on a much needed vacation. Before we left, I was able to start tacking in the firewall (pics to follow). Also while we were gone, I received the reworked harness and computer, from My-EFI.Com. When I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised... Everything was clearly marked and re-loomed.
Now I'm trying to figure out the easiest fuel system, without breaking the bank.
I know a lot of people are running Rick's tanks, but that's way out of my budget. I'll be doing some research and explore my options
I'm planning on running hard lines and a Corvette filter/reg.
I need your feed back or suggestions...
Small update: Finally have some paint on the smoothed out firewall. I'll have to finish the lower areas of the toe boards, when I get to point where I can take the body off the frame. I'll also have to finish the trans tunnel once the engine is where I want it. Next step is to get the engine reinstalled so I can lay out the reworked harness and see where everything is going to go. Still trying to decide which way I'm going to go as far as fuel tank/pump.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
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