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RamJet 350 Installation and Pictures...

PWagon

PWagon

1/2 ton status
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I am seriously considering the purchase of a new GM RamJet 350 for my 86 K5. I have seen quite a few stories on different websites where guys have had multiple problems getting everthing connected and working with the RamJet in a project car/truck. Common issues I read about are exhaust manifolds fitting, throttle linkage, etc.

Anyhow, I am hoping some of you guys wouldn't mind posting a few pictures of your RamJet installation (fuel pump modifications, engine mounted fan vs electric fan, plumbing, electrical, throttle linkage (very interested in), transmission kick down (tv cable connection), exhaust manifolds that fit/don't fit, and anything else you had to figure out while getting your RamJet to fit in a K5. Hopefully quite a few guys like me can use that information to stream line our engine swap.
 
Just starting on a similar swap in my 71

How is your project coming along?

I am just getting started on my Ramjet 350 swap in my 71. Using a 700R4 as well, so I will either benefit from someone's post here or figure it out as I go.

Let me know how you did your fuel tank, lines, filter, etc?

Thanks

PWagon said:
I am seriously considering the purchase of a new GM RamJet 350 for my 86 K5. I have seen quite a few stories on different websites where guys have had multiple problems getting everthing connected and working with the RamJet in a project car/truck. Common issues I read about are exhaust manifolds fitting, throttle linkage, etc.

Anyhow, I am hoping some of you guys wouldn't mind posting a few pictures of your RamJet installation (fuel pump modifications, engine mounted fan vs electric fan, plumbing, electrical, throttle linkage (very interested in), transmission kick down (tv cable connection), exhaust manifolds that fit/don't fit, and anything else you had to figure out while getting your RamJet to fit in a K5. Hopefully quite a few guys like me can use that information to stream line our engine swap.
Click to expand...
 
It is not going exactly as I had planned (I guess they rarely do). Anyhow, I ended up not getting the RamJet 350 like I wanted to do. I instead got a 5.3 out of a 2003 Chevy Express Van (sexy huh?). Anyhow, I have been spending money left and right getting all the odds and ends I need.

Fuel lines & pump - My engine was designed to use a fuel supply and return line. It has a fuel pressure regulator at the intake that will only allow a set pressure into the fuel rail. The excess gas is returned to the tank. I really did not want to drop the tank and add a modern "sump" fuel pump frankly because I'm kinda lazy and it sounds like a major pain in the @ss. I have seen and read a lot about guys just using fuel injection grade rubber fuel line from the tank to the engine (supply side) and just add an inline fuel pump. The fuel pump has to be as close and as low as possible to the tank otherwise it can't suck the fuel like it needs to. I bought a Walbro inline pump for $60 off Summit. My return line is not fuel injection grade because of the lower fuel pressure and the fact that fuel injection hose is priced so high. I also used an inline filter between the pump and tank to keep out the trash. I'll likely start a new build thread since my RamJet idea petered out.
 
That is about where I am with my fuel system for the Ramjet right now. Going to utilize the existing supply out of my 40 gallon tank, inline Holley pump, filter between tank and rails, with a return line using a welded bung in the tank. If this doesn't work, I plan on putting a sump in the tank, welding some baffles in it and runnning it that way. Only time will tell.

How long til you start yours?
 
At this point, I have all the parts sitting in my garage, and I still need to pull my existing engine. I literally have everything I need except the time to do it. My son is in little league (practice during the week and games on weekends), work long hours, and my wife... well she's a demanding wife. I almost need to use vacation time just to get this swap completed.
 
I hear that! I have finally decided to utilize some prepaid help on mine and its moving along nicely. Still barely have the time to chase down parts, but it is just as fun watching it come together this time I think.

I am hoping that fuel system design, steering and gearing work out as I have planned. Once its running, the body work begins. Actually looking forward to that part in a way.

Let me know when you get started as my cousin has a 5.3 complete with harness, pedal, everything for $500 just sitting there and I thought it might be fun to put in my 72 K10.
 
Wow! From what I've been seeing around here, $500 sounds like a great deal. I paid $800 for mine, and it had "issues". It had exhaust manifold bolts broke off in the head, one crookedly installed spark plug, and a lot of small things that needed fixing. I was able to clean the threads on the plug hole. My easy outs were not so easy, so I had to haul the engine to a maching shop just to get the broken bolts out of the head.

I'm editing the wiring harness myself. Going into it, I really thought it was something too difficult for me to do. But, I've taken my time, read a lot of web articles, and gotten a lot of help from Brenden over at LT1Swap.com.

I'm using my 700R4 since I had it rebuilt less than a year ago. I had all performance parts installed, so there shouldn't be any more potentially weak points anymore. I found a linkage adapter that looks promising. It's the tv cable setup designed for 700R4 to LS engines. It's called TV Made Easy at Bowtie Overdrives http://www.tvmadeez.com/ls1_cam/ . I've considered making my own kickdown cable mount on my throttle body, but once again I just don't have time to make it and tinker with it until it's right. I'd rather just pony up the cash and get their kit and proven design.

Are you having any clearance issues between the frame rails? I bought exhaust manifolds off a 2007 Trailblazer SS and they look like they'll work. I've read you either have to use Camaro/Firebird or Trailblazer SS manifolds to clear the frame rails, but until I install I won't know for sure.
 
I have not run into any issues yet, although I moved the engine about 3/4" forward when I replaced the engine crossmember with one from Darren at TNA (used to be Twisted Engineering in Denver). His crossmember has a panyard bar mount and I wanted to do something to help the first gen steering a bit. My 700/208 combo I am not as worried about getting it to fit. All my stuff came out of an 85 K10 and there are subtle differences, but nothing too bad... yet.

On a side note, I cannot seem to find a set of 37/12.50-17 BF Goodrich KM2s anywhere in the dang country! Unbelievable. BFG says that they are backordered and out of production until later this month, and even then they are not going to make enough to cover the back orders. Sweet. Guess I will stick with 35s for now.....
 
Things are creeping along on the 71K5 ramjet install. Going well though, ended up going with a Tanks Inc. pump that we cut into the existing tank. Turned out well, but haven't fired it up yet.

7adatete.jpg
 
Finally running!

Just now been working on the ramjet K5. Seems to be running well and it looks like all my installs, with the exception of the fan controller, are all working well also!
 
Nice. I used to drool over those ram jets in the gm performance catalogs.
 
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