Chevy 5.3 Vortech in a 99 TJ

[Ace14]

Figured I'd make my first post a worth while one. Long story short, I had a 1998 Sport Sold it after 3 great years in the beginning of the summer like a fool. My friend blew his 99 4cyl up 3 weeks ago and I bought it from him for $1500 since I always wanted to BUILD a nice jeep. So far I have: The jeep, a nice LM7 5.3 out of an 02 silverado (harnes and computer), the LS into a TJ motor mounts and some extra funds for the build. I am going to be using the stock 231 T case as well as the D35(until it grenades I give it a week tops). I should also note this truck is not going to be a hardcore offroader, it will get scratched and it will get dirty but on Long Island I have no need for something nuts. So 33's and a small lift will be all I need. As far as transmission goes I am unsure and would like some input. I was really leaning towards an Ax15 as they are affordable and some have had good success with those behind moderate LS power such as what I am doing. The other thing I was looking into was an NV4500. I am on a budget so are they worth the extra coin? Also how hard are they to adapt to an LS motor and a stock 231 T case? Which do you think would be better for what I am doing? Auto's are out of the question, I already looked into it and although they are great I will not be happy with one, nothing more fun then rowing gears . Some input on transmission choice would be much appreciated and if anyone has any tips or anything from experience please let me know. So far I have removed the old blown up 4 cyl and exhaust, pulled the grill and other unnecessary things from the front, and begun labeling organizing and removing the parts of the wiring harness I don't need. The only thing I am waiting on at this point is the trans...... So now onto the pics.....

"new" Jeep



Carnage, 150k mile 4cyl on 33's does not like to merge into traffic



New Power



And of course last but not least, My old Jeep, I still miss it

[Djbjess]

I would rethink using the Jeep tranny due to the 6 cylinder only develops 202 HP and the 5.3 will be pushing 280 - 320 depending on how you run it (Headers, Computer programing etc) the AX15 I do not think will last long. Just my opinion I would run Chevy drive train so you are not having to mess with the adapters. But when you drive it after the 5.3 it is amazing how much fun it is to drive.

Parts that I would suggest would be

Wiring harness Worth the cash ( http://www.fuelinjectionconnection.com/ )
Radiator http://www.cgj.com/bricethomas.asp Part number JP3008AT
there are a lot of links here on Pirate that are great

Wish you the best
Darrel

[Ace14]

Sweet thanks anyone else? Like I said I know the gm trannys are better but I really need a stick.....thats half of the fun for the jeep. My DD truck is auto and even though its fast being an auto makes it half as fun haha.

[87manche]

The AX-15 will live behind a stock small block.
You're going to destroy other stuff in the drivetrain before the AX-15 goes. It will not accept big v8 horsepower. If you think you'll end up putting power adders on the 5.3 later I would find a GM trans to stick behind it.

Ford 8.8 swap is in your future I think.

[matts88yj]

I use to run a 4.6L stroker with an NV3550 trans. I now run a tuned 5.3 and 4L60E and I would not go back to a manual transmission after using this combination. The power is there when you need it both on and off-road. Even with just a few upgrades to the 4L60E you can have a very nice transmission without putting a lot of money into it. If you do go with an auto please run a stand alone trans cooler. Your transmission will thank you.

[Ace14]

Yeah haha I already set aside the money to put a new rear in it, I just figured why if its not broken yet lol. I want to get the thing running and driving nice before I worry about the rear and tires and what not.....

[Ace14]

So I spoke to George from Rockland Standard Gear today, I decided I am going to pcik up a "Terminator" built AX15...... He is a very knowledgeable guy and he was a big help.....

[steve97tj]

How did this ever turn out?