SCCA Turbo 5.0L MJ (Comanche Eliminator Project)

[nick]

So here are some pictures to sooth your interest in the 5.0L build. As gradon said, we had done a test fit of the pistons and crank to ensure the machinist took enough off the deck. Also in the test fit we noticed we had the wrong main bearings, probably for the old renix block and had the locating tabs offset instead of in the center on the 96 block. Since I had the bearings nitride coated I didn't want to wait for replacements so I notched the block (no picture sorry).We then sent the block back to get the new cam bearings installed. The bottom end is together minus the oil pan and oil pump. I had to shave part of the block in the lifter galley to make room for the H beams and lifters so that they would not impact the side of the block. This was only an issue in the center of the galley where it is bowed inward due to the distributor location.












And now after the second build install roller lifters first, then cam, then crankshaft and pistons last. After I installed the roller lifters and camshaft I put finger pressure on the lifters and rotated the cam and ensured free play and good motion. Needless to say I am very impressed.












Now I am ordering gasket set, ARP head bolts, Melling HVP, water pump, injectors, harmonic balancer and new clutch. That should take care of the basics to get it running.

We will probably build the head before I leave for Brazil

[the grey ghost]

hi im doing a somilar build but alot less exspensive and i was wondering what size and about how deep did you drill and tap the bung for the know sensor on your high output block, it the last thing i need, and have you considered makin a tps adaptor to fit the high output throttle body as well? you need the throttle cable and bracket too, but ive read it works well

[gradon]

I'm assuming you meant the renix knock sensor? We haven't done anything with that yet(not even positive we're gonna run one). We will be making a TPS adapter and probably a TB adapter in order to use a bigger TB(68-70mm, dakota or mustang). Right now we have to figure out why the crank doesn't want to spin(I don't want to put anymore force into it cause I will break that bolt off) now that the rings are installed(Nick's gotta look up the ring gap spec). This build is obviously not on the same time-frame my weekend build was.

[Shark]

You mentioned an aluminum driveshaft, did you ever figure out what you were doing for that? Do you know of an over the counter stock aluminum DS from another vehicle that will fit? Ive been looking for one myself. From what ive found so far the '01 extended cab S10 is closest in length for the swb 4.0/ax15/d35.

[Shark]

As for the air dam, here is a NAXJA thread that evolved into discussing that topic: http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1072293
Apparently, a guy found one on ebay a few years ago and will possibly make a mold and reproduce them.

[carlitos]

Man that thing is going to be sick when u get it done I'm going to build a 5.0 for my Cherokee this year hope fully

[gradon]

Right now, those pics are as far it got. Once the last two pistons were installed, the crank no longer spun via the crank bolt, so gonna have to take them back off and measure the ring end gaps and probably do some filing.

[frauhansen]

and? whats next, after one year?

[gradon]

Two weeks ago I helped my brother replace a bad throw-out bearing in his '95 XJ. He told me that we would finish building the engine this summer.

[cruiser54]

hi im doing a somilar build but alot less exspensive and i was wondering what size and about how deep did you drill and tap the bung for the know sensor on your high output block, it the last thing i need, and have you considered makin a tps adaptor to fit the high output throttle body as well? you need the throttle cable and bracket too, but ive read it works well

Most HO blocks have the hole already drilled and tapped. At the very least, drilled.

[honkysXJ]

Did this beast ever run? ?

[beiwulf]

<bump>

Any status or updates. Curious to know if it's running and if so how well.. turbo setup… misc details..

[gradon]

I saw Nick's Megasquirt simulation back in December with whatever dizzy he is using. I think he is working on a FluidDamper conversion atm. All I know is that the Eliminator will start out N/A and get the turbo down the line when the whole truck is sorted out. I'll let him fill in the details(sorry it's been long and drawn out).

[the_wrench116]

short answer no it never ran.

[gradon]

It hasn't been built.