Austin's Supercharged Mid Travel Build

Never. Just don’t like the look of an empty antenna mount.

 

Finally got around to installing the transmission cooler I've had sitting in my garage for a year now. Thanks to @zero4 for the write up on your install. Helped a bunch

 

Got some bad news today. I had the truck compression tested and the results are the following:

1: 210
2: 210
3: 190
4: 160
5: 210
6: 210

A leak down test indicated that I'm losing compression through the piston ring on cylinder 4.

Looks like I'm going to have to start searching for a "new" used engine.

 

Damn...

 

Bummer. You sure its the rings and not the HG?

 

I didn't see the leak down test myself, but the shop that did the test said it was most likely the piston ring based off where the leak was coming out of.

 

damn. HG is an easy fix.

 

Might be the only time I ever wish I had a head gasket problem

Think I'm going to start looking into getting a JDM engine from a local supplier. I know they don't have the best reputations, but the local supplier offers 1 year warranties and I will definitely be doing a compression test before purchasing.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/corvette-LS1-engine-motor-/264095371992

 

Yes. If I were to do it all over again, I would go with an LS swap and turbo it.

Think about it. You’ll have way more power and likely better gas mileage...

 

Yep.

 

Easy to say that...

Way way harder to do that

 

The problem is that at most I'll have a 3 day weekend to get this engine swap done, so I think the only realistic route is to just swap in another 5vzfe. Plus the only way to keep 4wd with an ls swap is to drop bracket lift or do a huge body lift. Both are no go for me.

The thing I'm having a hard time making my mind up on is whether or not I should swap in a newer trans while the engine is out. At 230,000 miles it probably doesn't have that much life left in it.

 

Trans is likely fine. Could replace some things in it if you want good time to do flex plate for instance.

 

Nah, just get sponsored by Summit Racing and it's easy! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaeETZPdShsOpwJKHbpcMJHz_vnNhSLIg

 

Went on a quick overnight trip to one of my favorite local spots.

Unfortunately going to and from here while on the freeway the truck was making some awful driveline noises and vibes. I really need to get it figured out.

 

How ya likin the STT pros? And the cheap bd s2 knockoffs

 

The STT's have been great. This is my second set and I've had zero issues. I got about 30,000 miles out of my last set and I hardly ever get alignments or rotate my tires.

The S2's are okay, but the set only cost $30 so I can't really complain. I have a buddy that bought a set and put baja designs flood cones in them and said they work fantastic as a flood light. I got them mostly to throw some light to the side of my truck so I can see where I'm turning and they do that just fine. The light bar takes care of the long distance light.

 

I've had this guy sitting in my garage for awhile now, just forgot to post. I think I'll start the swap this weekend.

In addition to the engine swap, I'm going to put in new motor mounts, box / gusset the motor mounts, rebuilt the supercharger, burn in some coil bucket gussets, and clean up a few miscellaneous things.

 

Awesome! Might as well while you have the most space in there.