Got'er running and moving today

[bkahler]

Sounds like you're on a roll

Not sure what you mean by waiting on the trans and engine PCMs, are you pulling them from the donor pickup?

[Jjona5]

I don't want to send off the pcm and harness for modding until I'm closer to getting it in. Pulled the harness and both pcms today. Hope to pull the engine and transmission by the weekend.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Jjona5

I don't want to send off the pcm and harness for modding until I'm closer to getting it in. Pulled the harness and both pcms today. Hope to pull the engine and transmission by the weekend.

I was wondering if you were hoping to use the engine PCM as is. When I did my TBI conversion I worked with a guy (tuner) that set me up with a PCM programmed with a basic setup. We then went through a series of test runs where I would log the data from the test run, sent it to him and he would send back a modified chip at which point we would repeat the process.

Considering you're installing the motor in a much heavier chassis I would expect you would need to go through this same basic process to ensure the engine is tuned for it's new configuration.


Brad

[Jjona5]

Originally Posted by bkahler

I was wondering if you were hoping to use the engine PCM as is. When I did my TBI conversion I worked with a guy (tuner) that set me up with a PCM programmed with a basic setup. We then went through a series of test runs where I would log the data from the test run, sent it to him and he would send back a modified chip at which point we would repeat the process.

Considering you're installing the motor in a much heavier chassis I would expect you would need to go through this same basic process to ensure the engine is tuned for it's new configuration.


Brad

this is the donor.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Jjona5

Attachment 287023 this is the donor.

Good deal

The only thing I can add and you probably already know this but just in case, it's best to remove and save as many parts as possible and then when you're done you can toss what you don't need. Little pcm mounting brackets, special screws, holders, etc are invaluable to have on hand as you're putting things back together!

I've spent way to much time trying to source a lot of little odd ball stuff that eats up a lot of my time and money

Brad

[Jjona5]

Yup good call. I pulled all the wiring, brackets, and etc from the engine bay and have put them in bins. I'm hoping with a knock sensor move my 454 headers will work fine. Already ordered the egr plate but I'm still looking for someone to do my wiring mod. I could do it but I'd rather just pay someone with my time being so limited. I'm pretty much going to save everything that bolted or touched my wiring or engine/transmission.

I've got to get the allison pcm reprogrammed for the gear ratio and tires and the engine pcm reprogrammed for security and smog. Once I get it running I'll probably try to catch blackbear when they travel around and just drive the RV up there lol. I'm sure I'll get some wide eyes but they reviews are too good to pass. Also found a guy to weld up my manifold after I cut it to do the intake mod. Did you do the pcv reroute? I also have a metal brake in the shop so I think I'll make a nice aluminum "ram air" above the radiator like most trucks have now that routes to the filter box.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Jjona5

Yup good call. I pulled all the wiring, brackets, and etc from the engine bay and have put them in bins. I'm hoping with a knock sensor move my 454 headers will work fine. Already ordered the egr plate but I'm still looking for someone to do my wiring mod. I could do it but I'd rather just pay someone with my time being so limited. I'm pretty much going to save everything that bolted or touched my wiring or engine/transmission.

Can't blame you for wanting to get someone else to do the harness rework. It's not hard work but can definitely suck up valuable time.

I spent an inordinate amount of time trying to figure out how to mount the PCM. I was looking for something simple and cheap and finally got lucky and found something appropriate on ebay. Hopefully the PCM holder in your donor truck will be able to work for you.

I've got to get the allison pcm reprogrammed for the gear ratio and tires and the engine pcm reprogrammed for security and smog. Once I get it running I'll probably try to catch blackbear when they travel around and just drive the RV up there lol. I'm sure I'll get some wide eyes but they reviews are too good to pass. Also found a guy to weld up my manifold after I cut it to do the intake mod. Did you do the pcv reroute? I also have a metal brake in the shop so I think I'll make a nice aluminum "ram air" above the radiator like most trucks have now that routes to the filter box.

I wonder when GM switched to separate computers for the transmission and engine? I had a hard enough time shoehorning in box!

As far as PCV, all I have for emissions is the PCV that goes from the left valve cover to the throttle body and the hose that goes from the right valve cover up to the intake housing. No other pollution control equipment is required or in place.

[Jjona5]

Oh you went with the tbi. I'm going to have to cut the inside of my manifold to remove the baffle and weld the pcv shut. In the 8.1l factory l18 the pcv is all internal and a terrible design. The suction for the pcv is located in the valley and ends up sucking up lots of oil that is splashing around. I'm thinking about adding pcv ports to each valve cover. A guy sells a gadget that uses the egr port for vacuum and then a port in the front of the intake for the crankcase port. Your way looks much easier but I want the port injection. I can't wait to see the looks on peoples faces probably years from now when I show up to the black bear tuning event near me in a 28 ft 40 year old RV.

[Jjona5]

I also thought about just running one or two of these http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vibrant-Perf...JZJ1YH&vxp=mtr

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Jjona5

I also thought about just running one or two of these http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vibrant-Perf...JZJ1YH&vxp=mtr

I know some road racers that use ventilation kits like that. The only thing you have to be careful of is sucking to much oil out of the engine. I'm not sure how you go about tuning or adjusting them so they don't do that.

Brad

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Jjona5

Oh you went with the tbi. I'm going to have to cut the inside of my manifold to remove the baffle and weld the pcv shut. In the 8.1l factory l18 the pcv is all internal and a terrible design. The suction for the pcv is located in the valley and ends up sucking up lots of oil that is splashing around. I'm thinking about adding pcv ports to each valve cover. A guy sells a gadget that uses the egr port for vacuum and then a port in the front of the intake for the crankcase port. Your way looks much easier but I want the port injection. I can't wait to see the looks on peoples faces probably years from now when I show up to the black bear tuning event near me in a 28 ft 40 year old RV.

I can't blame you for wanting to stick with the multi port injection, I would too!

[Jjona5]

about ready to pull

[bkahler]

The fun is just getting ready to start

[Jjona5]

Was pulling the RV through the neighbors yard to get it situation for its long period of being down when lost all forward gears. Good time for it. Had to pull it with the truck and ripped off one of the tow hoops in the front. Oh well. It added about an hour of time getting it situated just right. Waiting on the rear output with drum brake. But the 8.1l engine is pretty much ready to go otherwise.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Jjona5

Was pulling the RV through the neighbors yard to get it situation for its long period of being down when lost all forward gears. Good time for it. Had to pull it with the truck and ripped off one of the tow hoops in the front. Oh well. It added about an hour of time getting it situated just right. Waiting on the rear output with drum brake. But the 8.1l engine is pretty much ready to go otherwise.

Wow, talk about timing!

Have you started removing the old engine/transmission yet?

[Jjona5]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Wow, talk about timing!

Have you started removing the old engine/transmission yet?

yup. Pulling the grill was the worst part. Hope to have it out next week and the new one in. Will be waiting on the harness. We have a giant dodge radiator at the shop I might try to use. The supports in the front would have to be moved a little but it def wouldn't overheat and the hose ports are in the perfect place.

[alhamilton]

Originally Posted by Jjona5

Well the thing is, I found a guy that will trade a pistol of mine for an entire wrecked 8.1l with allison truck that had 120k on the clock. I have done a few engine swaps before(sr20 into an mgb, 7.3l into a 78 f150, and some easier chevy swaps). Since this thing bolts up my current issue is only getting a drum brake on the back of the 4x4 allison but I'm sure it can be done. I'll use a tablet and an obd2 bluetooth adapter initially for all the gauges that can't be hooked up easily as well.

I have a drum brake off a Gear Vendor overdrive that I will not be using. Don't know if it will fit but could send pics.
al

[Jjona5]

I got all that figured out. I bought a kit from ebay that came with all the parts. They actually send me the wrong housing and I didn't realize until it was installed. Now I have to pull it out and put it back in under the RV...not super fun.