Didn't know if anyone on the Pirate Board was running an 80 series converted to a V8 but figured I'd give it a shot.

Everything has been set in motion for mine just need to decide on some major stuff. :)

First off... Advance Adapters converter for the A440F tranny (Its a 1991 FJ80- currently 3FE) Does the adapter work with a Vortec engine? If so that solves a lot of problems. I've emailed advance and called a couple of times with no luck of actual human contact. In the mean time I've sourced both TBI's and Vortec's... I'd like to use the Vortec, but the only V8 conversion 80's I personally know of all run TBI's.

Assuming the Vortec does work... Mods to the Vortec to get some more power out of it aside from a supercharger? (80 series will turn into a tow rig for the 40) Looking for something under a grand (for total mods on top of conversion costs) Cam? Headers? Intake?

If there is anyone on the Pirate Board running a V8 conversion 80 series hit me off-BBS with any info you can share. At this point I'm in the gleaming phase of research. shaines@visuallink.com

Thanks

Assuming the Vortec does work... Mods to the Vortec to get some more power out of it aside from a supercharger?

Supercharger??? I can't imagine how that would work with the Vortec. More importantly, the inference that the "Vortec" needs more power, makes no sense without knowledge of just what engine you are talking about. Granted, a 4.3L Vortec would be underpowered in an 80 Series Cruiser, but surely you are not implying that a 7L Vortec would be underpowered.:rolleyes:

Originally posted by Medusa


Supercharger??? I can't imagine how that would work with the Vortec. More importantly, the inference that the "Vortec" needs more power, makes no sense without knowledge of just what engine you are talking about. Granted, a 4.3L Vortec would be underpowered in an 80 Series Cruiser, but surely you are not implying that a 7L Vortec would be underpowered.:rolleyes:
i hope he was mistaken.

you can add k&n filters, other small crap, but it is pretty much good enough.

Several Superchargers are made for the Vortec series engines. Paxton, Wipple (not sure about the spelling), and Hemmens. A quick search on Ebay usually yields one or two people selling them. The Vortec in question is 5.7 L (the 350 equivalent), out of a 3/4 ton 1998 Chevy Silverado.

If the 454 (7L?) would clear the frame rails of the 80 series, it would be installed in a heart beat, but several additional modifications are necessary to install a big block into an 80 series.

But from the responses it doesn't look like anyone surfing the Pirate board has converted an 80 series.
Thanks for the responses though, I'll be posting pics of the conversion.

i don't know about your smog laws,or if your going to run it on the street,but around here it would be a Bitch to do a engine change on a "late Model vehicle"

Although get a few counties away from the city and you could pull it off:D

That should be a sweet swap:beer:

Correction on the displacement... It would appear the Vortec's have a little bit different displacement setup. 5.3L sound better?

No local smog check yet... Frankly I have friends that have been running around with exhaust leaks for years and nothing has been said. Inspection is the last thing I'm worried about in this respect. Sometimes it pays to live in the sticks.

http://www.truckworld.com/How-To-Tech/Paxton-V8/paxton.html

For future reference. Paxton Vortec Supercharger install. 40% gain over factory. Little out of price range though.

I stand corrected. Thanks for the information on the Paxton Supercharger.

Hi Seth,

There are issues that you will need to address with the Vortec engine. The major one is that the later engines have a security system and other sundry items that cannot be disabled in the ECU. They MUST also be hooked up the get infor from the Tranny. The A440F is renowned for having NOTHING electronic on it that needs screwing around with. You can't get a signal from it.

I also have a '91. Mine has a 383 Stroker attached to the adapter and bolted up to that tranny. There are no wires etc., that need to be played with. Just the throttle and kickdown cables.

There are custom ECU's out there that you can get from different companies for the express purpose of bypassing a lot of the electronics in the newer Vortecs... and they are damned expensive. Is it worth it for perhaps a 20-30 HP increase in generation? I think not. You can easily surpass the power of a newer Vortec by doing the K&N and header thing along with a few other tweaks.

I also like the simplicity of Toilet Bowl Injection. Basically a carb with injection.... you don't have to worry about 8 separate injectors in TPI and the associated electronics.

If you want to see how mine looks (you'd be surprised at how much smaller a 350 is than the Toy 6-Cyl). Let me know. I'm moving out of my Condo and looking for a place to live on my own (broke up with the chick) so I'm a bit busy right now but I can perhaps make time.

Take care

Bill Miranda
TLCA#7390

Seth,

You could also run the Vortech heads on a regular small block with TBI Fuel INfection...

Seems like that is a popular setup right now. Don't quote me, but I think that some of the large mail order GM crate motor dealers might even sell a long block that comes that way.

TBI is bad enough to fix trail side, I don't think that I'd want a more complicated system than that. Out west where it's mosty dry its more viable, but here in the east with all of the mud and water it can be a pain. Been there and done that.

Bill,

No more GF heh? I guess that is more time for wrenching...

-Stumbaugh

No more GF heh? I guess that is more time for wrenching...

-Stumbaugh

Yeah... Got tired of hearing how she felt she had to "find" herself. Told her to go move in with her parents and take all the time she wanted... See Ya!!!

-Bill

I don't think AA has the adapters for the 5.3L, it differs from the 5.7L. You could pull a 40 with a 5.3L, I have a friend that pulls a 6000# trailer with his 5.3L 2001 1/2 ton GMC. You won't win any races up hills with it but what percentage of your driving time will be spent pulling the 40? I see lots of people spend money on diesels and big blocks so that they can pull a trailer half a dozen times a year and be fast going up a grade doing it. Evaluate your vehicle use and make your decision accordingly. I think a 5.3L in a 80 series would be sweet, those are great motors.

For simplicities sake, as well as personal sanity, looks like the TBI is going to be the best bet. Correct on the towing though. It will be used to move around the 40 maybe twice a month for a long weekend someplace. Trust me I'm used to going slow up hills with the 3FE so it shouldn't be much of a change for me.

I've heard about switching to a set of Vortec heads on a standard TBI. Really good idea if you ask me, but finding a set has been difficult. Unless you buy the complete long block with them already installed ordering a set from chevy currently has a 6 month B.O. according to my local parts guy. Guess the bone yards might have a set, just have to go searching for an exploded vortec.

Can you turn a TBI into a stroker 377 or 383? I was hoping to stay away from boring if possible. I would assume so if Bill is running this setup currently.

Bill- you running the stock tranny? I forgot. Maybe I'll see ya sometime this summer up at CLCC meetings, going to be working around the Reston area again. Also regarding the injection... You are using Chevy TBI and not something aftermarket like Holly Projection or anything right? Also... Motor mounts? AA? And curious as to what exhaust headers you are running... JJJ's site noted that he had some problems with the one's that came with his TBI.

Guess thats all for now... Stroking a TBI 350 might be the solution to get some more power out of the motor.

Seth,

I'm running the stock tranny. Plenty strong enough.
You can get the Vortec heads (hell,.. the whole engine) from Ebay.

Sadly,.. I am running an Accel DFI TBI setup. I'm thinking of going to stock GM and selling this on ebay.

The adapters is a "Mark's Adapters" model.

I am also running stock cast iron exhaust manifolds with a small diameter custom exhaust through a free flow cat.

Take care for now... cleaning out my desk at work due to layoffs.

Bill

Called Advance up... Prices seem a little marked up as compared to marks adapter. Looks like I'll be running through Alan Podvin for this one. (Provided he's still available, haven't seen him post on 80scool for a while)

Anyway thanks for the comments... I'm off to source a good TBI, some Vortec heads, maybe a new Crane low duration cam, and a couple other goodies for the swap...

Now you know anyone that would like a slightly used 3FE??? :)

Seth, how much do you want for the 3FE?

Finding Vortech heads is no problem what so ever. You could just go to the local GM dealer or try http://www.sdpc2000.com/ I have bought several crate motors from them and they have great deals.

For example, they have a new 330 horse longblock with Vortech heads for $2200. Shipping is like $200 - $300.

http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?action=prod_detail&catid=120&pid=115


-Stumbaugh

Just posted this on the LCML....

For Sale: Slightly used 3FE (150K). Lots of life left in her, just not
enough power for an 80 series wanting to tow. Have complete service
history, 2nd owner since 126K (All highway miles driven by female commuter
in Leesburg, VA area) From look of service history it would appear that she
missed 3000 mile changes about 4 times, but none over 1000 miles over. None
have been missed since then. Premium fuel used through out life.
Motor has a new water pump (Less than 1000 miles ago) and alternator (high
output Ohio Generators) (Sold separately- or with engine for additional
cost), will include two factory alternators (one needs to be rebuilt the
other is a spare), and engine includes Jacob's Electronics Ultra Team
package. Valve clearance adjustment performed 4000 miles ago, new exhaust
manifold gaskets installed, engine has been snorkeled for the duration of
its off-road life. Great for a 40 or 60 project. New rotor, distributor,
plug wires, plugs, and air filter if it matters. Currently in a 1991 FJ80,
can here run obviously. Willing to ship to lower 48 provided shipping is
paid for by buyer, or some kind of deal is worked out (Have friends that
work for ABF so costs shouldn't be that bad)
Will entertain offers including the high output alternator first, separate
if necessary. V8 conversion is set for July 1, so motor must be out of
truck no later than June 14.
Asking $1500 for everything, will have professionally removed if requested
or you can come and get it (have tools necessary for removal in my garage)

Found a set of complete Vortec heads for $375... but need a new aftermarket intake supposedly.