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Here is a recent picture of my 83 GMC, it's kinda dirty, it
mainly gets used for hauling the boat
to the lake and the bikes to the racetrack.
It is currently equipped with a stock 2bbl '72 400 Small Block
(not fancied up, but it runs pretty good) from a Caprice. This
engine will be rebuilt and stuffed into the Vette.
 
11/13/98
My new engine is delivered and sitting in the driveway. A
lot of work ahead......
 
11/18/98
Started work on the in-tank fuel pump. For simplicity, just
installing one for now (truck has dual tanks). Don't know how
much pressure the factory tank switcher can hold, have to research
that later.
*** Have since found out some new replacements
claim to max at 60psi. ***
This is actually going pretty well, I won't be able to use
the original Firebird pump, it's too big to fit in the hole in
the top of the tank, but I have a pump from a Lexus SC400 that
I was originally going to put in the Vette, it will fit nicely
(with a few modifications).
11/19/98
Finished up the fuel pump assembly, put an inner tube on the
pump for protection from the hose clamps. Ran a return line down
to the fuel level so that splashing return fuel would not cause
pressure to build up in the tank. Also ran the power and gnd
up thru the top and sealed it with a two part epoxy.
12/16/98
Haven't had much time to work on the project lately, been
on vacation, weather's been cold, and been working on the Vette.
Hopefully more updates (work done) soon...
1/2/99
Pulled the 400 out today. Pretty uneventful, came out quickly
and easily.
 
1/17/99
The TPI engine is now installed, trying to figure out the
wiring. Do not get a Chiltons book for the wiring diagrams, there
are several errors. Have most of it figured out, spent all day
though.... Biggest problem has been the wiring of the MAF sensor,
the diagrams are all hosed up on this, and I haven't been able
to find much info about subjects such as the burn off circuit.
I actually cranked it over today, just thought I would make sure
it would spin before I went any further (I have never heard the
thing run). Lots more work tomorrow, I am going to try to get
it to where it will start and move itself.
1/23/99 IT LIVES!
Started it for the first time, no pics or sound clips, I'm
slacking. Fired right up, having some problems though. Doesn't
run right above an idle. Possible MAF bad. Here is a diagram
of the MAF Relay wiring. Made this diagram from memory, will
verify later.
I have since found that this does not
work for the burn off relay, I need a "piggy back
module" that is '85 specific, apparently all the other years
used the relay. From what I have found, the burn-off relay is
supposed to activate for 4 seconds after ignition shut-off only
after being in closed loop operation.
Everything is correct except for the wire labeled "Black,
goes to EGR area" on the diagram above. That wire should
go to an output that grounds whenever there is a to "burn
off"
2/5/99
It's running a lot better, replaced the MAF, still not real
powerful yet. I am waiting on an electronic spark control module,
I don't think the timing is advancing without it. I am also getting
the MAF module that came with the car, so I won't have to mess
with the relays. The project is coming to an end though, everything
has went pretty smoothly so far, mounted electric cooling fans
in place of the mechanical, I will post pics of these probably
this weekend, my old power steering pump bolted up and worked
fine, and the A/C is going to work nicely as well. I guess these
vehicles were close enough in year model that I didn't run into
much that was different and had to be changed. I did have to
use the old exhaust manifolds off the 400 so that my exhaust
would bolt up. I drilled a hole in the pipe just below the manifold
for the O2 sensor and welded a 18X1.5 metric nut in for the mounting,
had a hard time finding one, eventually got one for $4.00, it
is the front axle nut for a Subaru of some sort. I will post
pics of these soon also.
3/19/99
Still need to take some pics.
Still waiting on an ESC module and MAF "piggyback"
module from a friend. I have ordered my K&N filter and have
got a general idea for the plumbing. The filter has an opening
of 3 5/32" I am planning to use 3" rubber hose and
3" S/D PVC pipe. I have also changed the cooling fans a
little, 4 total, two on the radiator, and two behind the grill
on the a/c condensor. Probably overkill, but I use this thing
for towing and we have a lot of large hills to pull here, and
it used to heat up with the 400. Now I just need to wire them
in with the proper relays.
Also got a Vehicle speed sensor, or VSS, for a reasonable
price after much searching. It is a 2000 pulse per mile, square
wave unit that goes inline with the speedometer cable. It cost
me about $49:
It should be here by next weekend as they are on the west
coast.
NOTE: I have since discovered that the
truck already had an optical VSS in the speedometer (DOH!!)
Also ordered a set of Hooker Aerochamber mufflers, hope they
sound good. I will put the sound files up as soon as I get them
installed.
I am also thinking about getting a set of headers and putting
a 3 wire heated O2 sensor in. I have a Bosch part number of 13190
(for a Chrysler).
7/18/99
Been a long time since my last update, had some pretty big
other projects going along with my full time job. Well, the truck
has been running all summer so far, I am going to have to install
a larger radiator, the engine still heats up on long pulls up
hills. I replaced the fuel injectors (www.lindertech.com),
It's running better, got the Aerochamber mufflers installed,
speed sensor installed, I also had a problem using water, I used
a gallon on a 200 mile trip. I pulled the intake manifold off,
it was leaking into cylinder number 8. Fixed that and it runs
better. Something is still not right though, it has a hesitation
off idle when cold, and no low end torque any time, runs pretty
good thru the mid-range. It doesn't set any codes though... Also
not getting very good gas milage yet, last measured about 11mpg,
but I had an exhaust leak on the side with the O2 sensor (Fixed
now), and mostly in-town and boat towing thru the hills driving.
7/24/99
Found some strange timing problems, when I set the timing
to where it should be (6 deg btdc), and hook the computer back
into the loop, it sets the timing to zero, then it falls down
to around 6 deg atdc, and the truck will barely run. So, for
now I have initial timing set to around 24 deg to make it run.
12/01/99
Fixed timing problems awhile back, basically found correct
method for getting the computer out of the loop, can't trust
those Haynes manuals.
I am getting ready to convert to the '90-92 model ECM (1227730),
I will put up some pages detailing this conversion, in the mean
time, I did put up a page detailing the conversion to the '86-'89
model ECM (1227165).
1/23/00
Successfully converted to the '86-'89
(1227165) ECM a while back. It's running much better now.
I am running an '89 calibration so I was able to eliminate
the cold start injector, I have an EPROM burner, so I am going
to burn some variations of this calibration and monitor the differences.
I also constructed a MAX232
device so that I can plug my laptop in and communicate with the
ECU. I have been playing with various freeware monitor utilities
and will post some links as soon as I sort them out.
I will probably convert to the 90-92 model (1227730) ECM when
I build my extra 400sb (after I sell my extra house). This will
eliminate the MAF sensor and a big restriction in the air path. |