What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

78 Jimmy needing help!

the_blaze

the_blaze

Nightmare / Plan B
 Premium
GMOTM Winner
Joined
Nov 12, 2013
Posts
2,395
Reaction score
3,097
Location
Riverton, Utah
Hey guys I'm going to pull my 454 out of my Jimmy tomorrow. Problem I'm having is my truck is so tall I can't get the motor out over the radiator mount . Anyone know if I can pull out that whole front section without pulling my fenders ? (Yes I have already taken off the tires and all)
 
I don't think you have to pull your fenders. Just unbolt everything for the front clip, which I Would imagine would include unbolting the front of the wheel wells too. But it's a guess, never removed the front clip on a square body. But that's how it was for my 68 gmc and 92 dodge.


Would it be easier to build a temp platform for the engine lift, mixed with the tires off? How much higher do you need to go? And what part is hitting the radiator mount? Oil pan?
 
i just read not to long ago on here about someone taking out the core support to do the engine. i think its a great idea and am considering doing my engine the same way.
 
Yeah and I figured if I can take out the radiator support I could pull the engine and trans on one piece
 
I've taken out the core support to remove the engine and I'm going to remove it to do the head gaskets on my suburban this spring. I think it's a lot easier to stand and do the work rather than hunch over the fenders or radiator.
 
Yeah. Turns out my hoist was tall enough to pull the motor out. Now it's sitting on an engine stand :) now I'm contemplating what upgrades I can or should do now that it's out and half way torn apart.
 
I pull the radiator support some times, especially on lifted units. Much easier to work on them, and only takes like a half hour to remove one.

Martin
 
Ok I finally got the specs on the camshaft that was in my 454. The shop oopsed and initially gave me the wrong info.
Intake : 204 .268 .455 Exhaust 208 .270 .459. So I guess that's pretty small. I'm still trying to figure out the best camshaft for a 1,400 to 5,400 range to maximize torque and low to midrange power. Thoughts and opinions would be great :)
 
Hey guys I had a little rough patch and had to put the project on hold. I'm getting ready to wrap it up and put this 454 in the jimmy. I'm looking for opinions and advice on a couple more things.
1. Thoughts on stock vs poly vs solid motor and transmission mounts. If you have a preferred brand what is it?

2. Dual 3" vs 3" with x pipe vs 3" with an H pipe. What exhaust style is best? What will put out the best sound and power?
 
I think taking the whole nose off would be easier and faster than just the core support...and its SO much easier working on the engine with nothing in your way..you'll need two people or some type of hoist to lift the nose off it,I have done it alone but I'll admit it was a struggle,using my engine hoist...I left the hood on and closed ,after taking the battery out of the tray,the fuse box wiring off,and all the little do-dads like the wiper fluid bottle & hoses,etc..Used a 2" ratchet strap around the hood and under the fender wheel arches to lift it off..

I have never used poly motor or tranny mounts,but I know others who have,and I'd reccomend you go with ALL poly,or none...I know a guy who snapped the tailhousing off his Camaro's tranny after installing poly motor mounts...they are pretty rigid,and if you dont replace them all,the OEM rubber one will let things flex enough to possibly do harm..others here who have used them will probably agree with me ..
 
diesel4me said:
I think taking the whole nose off would be easier and faster than just the core support...and its SO much easier working on the engine with nothing in your way..you'll need two people or some type of hoist to lift the nose off it,I have done it alone but I'll admit it was a struggle,using my engine hoist...I left the hood on and closed ,after taking the battery out of the tray,the fuse box wiring off,and all the little do-dads like the wiper fluid bottle & hoses,etc..Used a 2" ratchet strap around the hood and under the fender wheel arches to lift it off..

I have never used poly motor or tranny mounts,but I know others who have,and I'd reccomend you go with ALL poly,or none...I know a guy who snapped the tailhousing off his Camaro's tranny after installing poly motor mounts...they are pretty rigid,and if you dont replace them all,the OEM rubber one will let things flex enough to possibly do harm..others here who have used them will probably agree with me ..
Click to expand...

Oh yeah for sure all or nothing. I really wish I knew someone who has actually switched to the poly mounts. I know it's an easy job especially because my engine is already out and its not a bunch of money I just don't want to waist money on something that may drive me nuts later on.
 
Some claim they are too rigid and transmit vibrations to the body a lot more compared to the stock mounts..but they are much less likely to fail too..

I once drove a '69 Camaro that had solid steel motor mounts...the car was horribly noisy,every part buzzed and vibrated like crazy--the rear view mirror was un-useable it shook so bad...a 1 hour drive in it to my house had my hands feeling itchy,like I had been using a chain saw for a day...the owner put them in after he broke the drivers side mount twice at the dragstrip dumping the clutch at the starting line...I dont know if the steel ones ever broke,but they sure turned a nice car into a miserable driving one..
 
diesel4me said:
Some claim they are too rigid and transmit vibrations to the body a lot more compared to the stock mounts..but they are much less likely to fail too..

I once drove a '69 Camaro that had solid steel motor mounts...the car was horribly noisy,every part buzzed and vibrated like crazy--the rear view mirror was un-useable it shook so bad...a 1 hour drive in it to my house had my hands feeling itchy,like I had been using a chain saw for a day...the owner put them in after he broke the drivers side mount twice at the dragstrip dumping the clutch at the starting line...I dont know if the steel ones ever broke,but they sure turned a nice car into a miserable driving one..
Click to expand...

Yeah I have heard solid mounts are awful unless you have a drag strip only vehicle. I don't race my truck and honestly I don't drive it to hard but I do wheel it and I was thinking that limiting motor movement would help put power to the ground and keep my super short exhaust from moving around as much.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom