The 98GT - 4.6L to 460 (and a turbo!)

[BBR]

Since the ABS system is not going to be used, I am going to use the ABS power circuit to control the electric water pump and provide power to a wheel speed sensor, either front or rear. not sure which one I will use yet. Probably rear.

[BBR]

Started wiring up the EEC-V adapter today. Wiring is not favorite task but I am happy with how it is going so far. There is really not a whole lot of things to wire up with a MS1 so it went pretty quick. Kinda had flashbacks to doing this same thing waaaay back with the original Big Block Ranger (BBR) project. Somewhere around 2008? Haha.

[BBR]

made a cover for the floor pan hole I cut to clear the transmission connector. Yes, it is an aluminum license plate. Haha. Don't laugh, it was the right size and it was easy to form to fit the irregular shape of the floor pan.

[BBR]

Bought a 3d printer and started playing with it. Here''s a link to that thread.

https://bangshift.com/forum/forum/bangshift/general-discussion/1328569-3d-printing-anyone-playing-around-with-this#post1328871

[BBR]

Even though all the factory gauges will be working (and the Megasquirt gauges!) I wanted a set of mechanical gauges as a backup. A little tweaking on the gauge mount's flange and it fits the CD player hole great.

- Fuel feed line is run back to where the pump will be mounted
- Oil filter relocator hoses made and installed

It's about time to start back on the electronics.

[BBR]

Started running the new fuel line and slipped the steel transmission lines in. I need to bolt the trans coolers (just some old tube and fin coolers) in and that part will be done.

It's amazing how you can buy 15 feet of fuel line and the car just swallows it up. Haha.


Picked up a 380lph external pump and a filter for it. This is the same setup that was been working great in the 83GT.

I really went round and round about what pump to get for this thing. I decided to use a single 380, but I can always add a second one if I run into delivery issues. Given the mild hp expectation, I really don't think I will need to.

[BBR]

We were in Arlington this weekend for the Air Force vs. Army football game (AF won!!) and we couldn't help but run by Summit Racing while we were there.

I picked up some fuel plumbing stuff for GB and then we went around the corner of the building to the Outlet Store. It's basically open box, scratch and dent stuff. Daaaaang there was a lot of stuff in there but you gotta know what you want because it would be hard to just pick up some of this stuff and know what it fits. Engines, transmissions, suspension parts, carbs, distributors, alternators, gauges, efi, headers and lots and lots of exhaust systems.

I didn't really need anything, but did snag a set of Hedman shorty BBF headers for $55. They retail for $309! They were mislabeled as 454 headers, but I knew what they really fit. Might be a good start for the 83GT v4.0.... or is it v5.0 now? Idk. Haha.

[BBR]

Mounted the remote filter mount. I made a plate, welded three bolts to it and slipped it thru the floor pan from inside the car.

[BBR]

Changed my mind again in regards to the fuel system. I decided to go with a sump and external pump. That sort of setup has worked really good in the 83GT for years. No problems, no starvation, and having an external pump makes changes and upgrades a breeze. Weld on sumps for these tanks are cheap ($37) and I really want to drop the tank and make sure it's clean inside.

This thing is starting to really come together. Jake is wanting to do RMRW after he graduates and he said he thought it would be fun to take two cars. It's looking like this one might actually be done by then. Hopefully I wont break the 83 before then. Haha.

[BBR]

Worked on it yesterday and tied up a lot of loose ends. Rerouting wires, tightening loose bolts, steering shaft etc. Vacuum/boost lines are all run, tps, iat, and clt are all wired up. Feels good to have all those little details done.

2 main things that I still need to do in the engine bay are, wire up a relay for the water pump and install a remote oil filter adapter because the exhaust manifold over hangs the filter boss just barely enough that a filter won't screw on. Haha. Figures.

[BBR]

Exhaust is wrapped and installed along with a turbo blanket. Fender liners will be reinstalled after the first fire up. I also flipped the injectors 180 degrees so the connectors are pointing to the center and the engine harness fits much better.

[BBR]

I have read some threads with 98 Cobra guys just swapping in an Aeromotive Stealth 340 into the stock basket/module. The pump is taller so it requires a little modification of the basket, but supposedly it is not a big deal. I think that is probably the solution.

[BBR]

Fuel system for the front of the car is done. I have not decided what to do about the back end yet. 98 cars are a one-year weirdo with a return style fuel system with a returnless style fuel tank. The in-tank module is a one year wonder so aftermarket upgrade options are limited. I am considering sumping the tank and running an external pump like I did on the 83GT. That one has worked great since I did it back in 2010. Or I might try one of the bolt-in sumps I have seen.

[BBR]

Plumbing HAS to be the worst part of any project. Trying to figure out what fittings and sizes I need drives me bananas.

[BBR]

Well, who would have thought a 1993 Dodge Caravan lower radiator hose would fit this thing like it was made for it? Not me!

I was about to cut it up, then I though I should at least try it as is, and boom, here we are. Haha