331 Stroker Swap

[Sandy]

My opinion again !
Consider using an AOD Transmission, the first gear is a little lower which can help in either off-road or when you first take off and the OD will help on the road, especially if you regear for larger tires. The OD is controllable be the gear shift and doesn't have to be use. The AOD will cost more than the C-4 but believe me, it will be worth it. I have been using a C-4 for almost six year and I have finally come to my senses, the RPM on the street is too much.

Good Luck,

 

[RFR2212]

Uh, maybe the AOD would be a better tranny if I were using an auto...But the AOD comes with a first gear some where around 2.46....where as the T-5 is either 2.95 or 3.35 or something around there. This will get me a better crawl ratio. Not to mention, if I went to an auto, I'd have to get the swap for that b/c my engine is setup for a manual.....this is why i am choosing to stick w/ the T-5 b/c it will be less work.......
Pete

 

[Kampy]

Originally posted by RFR2212
But the AOD comes with a first gear some where around 2.46....where as the T-5 is either 2.95 or 3.35 or something around there. This will get me a better crawl ratio. Not to mention, if I went to an auto, I'd have to get the swap for that b/c my engine is setup for a manual..... b/c it will be less work.......
Pete

Pete, the auto will give you a better crawl ratio because of the converter, it effectively doubles the gearsets ratio. Won't show it that way on paper but it will on the trail.
Just go to the boneyard and get the tranny and 1356 case out of a 4x4 truck, that way you'll have a manual case also. Grab the computer and harness to the tranny also.
I think this would be easier in the end than fighting with the clutch linkage and everything else.

 

[RFR2212]

Todd....I shot ya a PM...though my whole attempt is to keep you as far from this project as possible I need very lil harassment(Yer a tough one, but a damn good guy), and I know Matt is gonna give me enough. Also, I want to do as much of this to get my hands in there and say it was my work. I gotta learn, or start to, sometime. I do understand yer lookin out for me(so I don't screw up), and I love it...But I also dont want a wild guy all over me, like ya were Riff Although, yer more than welcome to share thoughts, ideas, opinions......and maybe spin a few wrenches But, any info is appreciated....
Pete

P.S.
I call the motor shop Thurs mornin to hear what shape the motor, heads and other parts are in....lets hope for the best

 

[Sandy]

T-5 vs AOD

OK on the T-5 setup.

Have you considered using the manual trans and T/C from an F-150. Should bolt up to a 5.0L and work more like a stocker. I am not sure what the ratios are but can't be much diff from the T-5.

How about an NV4500 w/6+ to 1 first. (A lot of money!)

Good Luck on the change over which ever way you go.

Keep the forum posted to your progress.

 

[RFR2212]

I just thought I'd add my weekend excursion to the thread. I picked up a mustang clutch and brake pedal assembly...It took alot of work to coax it outta the stang, but from the first look on my X...it looks very simple to swap in. Most of the bolts from the two match exactly, and the clutch hole in the firewall is already there, with only a plug in it...so that is optomistic.....I've ordered the engine rebuild kit...and total, it looks like it'll be about 1200 for the kit, machine work, and assembly of the short block....which is what I expected....So, the machine work will begin as soon as I get them the new parts, so the machining can be perfect. All my motor measurements will match stock specs of a 90 302 HO motor, except the pistons and rings will be bored .30 over, which is fine with me I'm busting my ass at work, to rake in all the OT possible, b/c I can use and money I can make....So, I am still optimistic about the project, and will shortly start cleaning up parts, painting, and oiling bolts under the hood to hopefully break em loose by the time the swap rolls around.....
Pete

 

[RFR2212]

Update

Well, I got the motor back and it looks beautiful! Slowly, I'm rebuilding it...And with in a few weeks, I'm gonna start ordering the swap parts, seeing as the swap is less than 1 MONTH away
Pete

 

[RFR2212]

Just thought I'd add....

Just thought I'd let y'all know, the swap has officially begun! I started with the removal of the hood (yes I marked it for easy reinstallation)and some of the interior so I can get my clutch pedal in as well as tranny shifter and T-case shifters. Many pictures will be taken, it's all a matter of getting them online
Pete

 

[Sandy]

Sounds like you have taken the first step.

Good Luck and I hope all goes well,

 

[RFR2212]

Well, it's sunday evening, and I've called it quits for the night. Andre came and made a huge difference on saturday! We ganked the old motor out, and started the new motor mounts. Today, I finished the mounts and with the help of my brother and friend, dropped the motor in and got it bolted down. I've got the headers in for testing purposes in, and half the accessories. More will continue tomorrow..
Pics will also arrive shortly.... Dre, got any to post?
Pete

 

[RFR2212]

I thought an update would be nice....

Well, the project didn't stay on schedual as planned....But hey, it's a motor swap.... So, things wouldn't exactally be smooth as I wish.... Everything is in except fuel lines, vacuum lines, wiring the the battery, airbox and about half the computer lines. Everything else is installed waiting for it to run.

The T-5 shifter is situated some where similar to where a stock X shifter would be. It's pretty much in the middle of the removable plate on the tranny tunnel. The twin sticks for the dana 20 are gonna take a lil trimming to get them all the clearance they need.

With the dana 20 t-case, I needed to lengthen the rear shaft and the front one needed to be shortened. If there is anyone in the Chicagoland area, Suburban Driveline in Villa Park on North Ave did the work, and they're beautiful!

This project still isn't complete for one reason. Time! I ran into the beginning of school, so that quickly stopped my work on it. Early Sept. I'm gonna have a local racing shop finish it up, so then I can come back from school, and have one bad ass early X with a nice 302!

Pete

 

[Sandy]

Time, time, time !

RFR2212,Looks like you have a good start to the project.

I started mine and got laid off and everything came to a stop. Toys are great but we do need to eat and live.

I removed my engine/trans, have the D44 installed except for the trackbar and finishing the bolt up of the Radius Arm brackets and the 9" is in. I have a lot completed but it has taken me almost two years to get this far. (Did not have a steady job for two + years) So things can get screwed up but I am getting back in to the project and hopefully it will get off the ground soon.

The wiring is a separate project itself; I am not looking forward to it and think it will take most of the remaining time on the project.

I do want to modify the front cross member in the near future or at least before I put the engine in but only time will tell.

Hang in there, all will come together when it comes together.

Good Luck on the project and with school.

 

[RFR2212]

Update: Towel is thrown in, finally.

Well, the project took a turn for the worse, when the shop that always works on my truck found the engine isn't aligned. It's sitting crooked, and basically has to be pulled to be set in properly. Translation, most of the swap has to be redone. I don't have what it costs to do this, nor do I have the time to redo it myself. So here, the project comes to a halt. It looks as though John (cableguy) will be buying what is there, and come spring time, finish this off, and have one hell of a truck. As for me, it looks like I'll strip parts that I want, and some that he won't use, and keep them for the future X. As of now, it looks like I will be purchasing Dre's X, and come spring time, add my suspension, to his already kick ass truck. So it looks like my model Sport HO, has come to and end with me. Hopefully, it will live on, one day in glory, and kick ass 306 power! And hell, maybe one day, I'll still get to take it for a spin...
Pete

 

[Sandy]

What Happened ?!?!?!?!?!

hey,
I do not understand why was the engine sitting at an angle?
What motor mounts did you use?
What trans are you using?
Did you use the stock trans mount?
I would think those are the only things that could cause you a problem?

Something else must be wrong, I have never heard of any conversions having this problem.

Please get back to us here at the site to let us know what is happening.

Oh ya, what year is the vehicle?

 

[RFR2212]

I used the duff mounts, and mounted em according to the directions... I know the motor wasn't aligned when when i initally placed it in there. I had to twist it once the motor mounts were all loosly connected. After all the tranny was connected, to my naked eye, it looked good... I probly shoulda gotten out the ruler.... anways, it seems that the motor just needs to be yanked and one of the holes slightly largened to make clearance to shift it a little more.
Pete

Oh yeah, it's a 91, and I had to make my own tranny mount b/c of the skyjacker lift and the modified t-t (adapters and stuff)

 

[Sandy]

Sorry to hear that it is ca-put in the project.
I am in almost teh same boat with my Navajo. If I could sell it I would start a new project.

Good Luck on the next one.

 

[RFR2212]

Hmm... Update?

Well I thought I've posted some updates, but I guess I haven't.... or they got lost... anyways heres an update... I've kept the truck and tinkered on it since winter, but have been away at school. Since I've returned from school, I've taken care of a cylinder head problem, as well as the Dead Link RemovedHere is the most recent pic (tonight) fer where my motor is at. I've got all the intake sitting around ready to go on, just after 11hrs of modding the heater box, and fixing the heads, I was kinda worn... So hopefully by this weekend, I'll reattach the intake, accessories, and fuel lines. This weekend I dunno that I'll work on it a ton, cause I'm gonna be doin some routine maintainance to the 94 Limited, but who knows... knowing me, I'll be back at it.

Oh, and fer anyone who hasn't seen much of this thread, I ended up with a 306, and no 336

 

[asp84]

looks good!!!! interesting airbox idea, heck, whatever works

 

[Speedfreak]

How exactly was the engine off centred or misaligned? I know that my engine isn't quite where I wanted it but I don't feel that it will cause any problems with runablity or driveablity. My engine sits at a slight angle to the drivers side by about a degree. I could shim it but I am not too concerned.

I just got my truck back from the tranny shop (no second gear in rebuilt tranny) and am amazed at how well the conversion turned out. Keep punching away at your truck, the results are worth every bloody knuckle and fight with the girlfriend because of the time you spent on the truck.

 

[RFR2212]

Uh, well if you were to sit in the drivers seat, the pass front corner is further to the right than the rear.... So, with in the frame rails from the front of the truck, it angles to the right... Not a huge deal, it's minimal... I think the shop made a big deal outta it b/c of possible insurance problems down the road if it fails, as well as cause the guy that runs the shop is a perfectionist... To the degree it's misallignened, it's no biggie to me and it should run just fine