My project is slowly coming together. Keyword slowly. I got the truck about 5 years ago with the intention of putting a V8 in it. I bought this specific truck with the swap in mind. I chose a 4.3 truck because the firewall doesn't need modification to install the V8. I chose the year because I didn't want an electronic transmission. I chose 4X4 because I want to convert it to All Wheel Drive. I chose automatic because for my driving, towing and "spirited" driving it's the best fit. Launching hard with an AWD vehicle is difficult in a manual, just ask my son with his WRX. A V8 has lots of torque anyways.
When I bought it....
And now....
So far I've got the engine, trans and AWD transfer case. The truck and V8 are both TBI and I can actually use the 6 cylinder wiring harness for the V8, just use the V8's ECM.
I also picked up a pair of MX3 buckets for it.
I hope in the end it will run in the low 13s.
Just a few of the basic specs, nothing in stone yet. The * means not done yet, ? means not decided for sure.
1989 S-15, 2 dr. Jimmy 4X4 automatic
Engine
5.3 LM7 295 HP *
LS1 cam
Wide band O2 *
3" CAT back exhaust
Concord/Intrepid electric cooling fans *
Transmission/Rear end
AWD Conversion
700R4 with shift kit *
Super servo
Valve body mods *
Ford 8.8 rear end with limited slip
Brakes
Front F-body brakes *
Ford rear disc brakes
Adjustable proportioning valve *
Hydroboost *
Suspension
Dropped 3" front with lowering keys
Dropped 2" rear with blocks
F41 Quick steering box - 2-1/2 turns lock to lock
KYB Monomax shocks
Rear anti-sway bar
17" C5 Corvette rims with 235/45R17 Kumho Ecsta tires
Body/Interior
Removed roof rack
MX3 front bucket seats
B&M Quick Silver shifter
I'll keep you all posted on it's progress.
F-Body brakes for the front
