Jump to content
Bullnose Forums

Upgrades To Big Blue For Overlanding?


Gary Lewis

Recommended Posts

I got an email from my son today that said "I'd like to do this trip", and it included a link to this: The Grand Adventure: The North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This is the invitation I've been looking for! :nabble_anim_jump:

So, I'm wanting to discuss what I need to do to Big Blue in order to get it ready - assuming that we go. Here's what I can think of off the top of my head:

  • Fix the leaks: I need to pull the engine and replace the main seals, pan, intake gasket, and valve covers and gaskets.

  • Exhaust System: The glass packs have to go if we are to drive it that far.

  • EFI: I'm thinking that while the engine is out that I need to put the heads and EFI system off Huck on so that the elevation changes we would be experiencing won't be a problem. See questions below.

  • Install the ZF5: It is ready, so when the engine is out put it in, which will make the trip out/back much more relaxed.

  • 3G: Install the 3G I got from Jim, as well as the serpentine belt system. And, install the ammeter-turned-voltmeter that was destined for Dad's truck. In fact, I might install the 160a 3G that was destined for Dad's truck and build the other 3G for Dad's truck. After all, Big Blue needs more current that Dad's truck will.

  • Hydroboost: And, while everything is out, why not install the better brake system

So, what do you think? What am I missing?

Bill - Tell me, again, what you've done to Darth to get MAF and SEFI. Are you running an EEC-IV or V? If V, what harness did you use? And, since I have all the stuff for SD bank-fire, is it worth it to go MAF & SEFI? And, will the SD work with the Edelbrock cam and slightly-higher compression I'd have?

Jim - Remind me, did I get the EEC-IV computer out of the F450? That had a ZF, so would be a good one to use if I go that way. (Yes, I know I have it, but that's in the shop and I'm out of time to go look before church.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 180
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Try this again, if it vanishes this time screw Nabble!

I am using an EEC-V on Darth as that was the only MAF/SEFI 460 system built. I ran him on an SD/BF system at first, and did some playing with the injector wires. The harness I have in there started as a Powerstroke harness from a 1996 truck. I rewired it to move the injector wires to the EEC instead of the IDM that the Powerstroke uses to control the solenoid valves on the injectors, same colors were used.

The reason I wanted to get away from the SD/BF system, the EFI 460s have a penchant for problems with #5 cylinder (ring failure, burned pistons etc.) I resequenced my injectors to match the intake manifold 180° design. The factory truck BF setup is 1458 and 2367 as the groups, the firing order being 15426378 outs 1 and 5 right after the other and the fuel comes in the back of the right side, FPR is front left, right over #5 injector and #5 probably runs lean. I resequenced mine to 1467 and 2358 like the manifold ports (just like a carburetor, it feeds first one side then the other). It idled smoother for one thing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gary, the north rim is spectacular, and a completely different experience than the south, mostly because of popularity. During the good weather months the south rim can be a bit like Disneyland as you wait your turn to look over the railing. On the north side it is very remote and empty outside of the north rim village. I have dabbled in the "Arizona Strip" back country, but deep exploring is best done in a group, or with two vehicles at the very least. Besides the reliability items that you mentioned, you might consider a 38 gallon rear fuel tank and/or good steel fuel carriers in the bed. Carrying two spare tires can save a lot of grief in an area where there are a lot of bad things waiting to happen to tires. (I wouldn't happen to know anything about this 🙈🙄). Bring more critical spare parts and tools than you think you will need, and at least two jacks. Bring tire chains even if the weather does not indicate it. I cannot afford a satellite phone, but I did purchase a power inverter and a signal booster. It cost a bit over $200 but it really does make a big difference. As in the difference between being able to make a call or not. Most of the emergency response and law enforcement vehicles in this state are equipped with them. They offer a special antenna for autos if you want it permanently installed. Another handy accessory is a solar battery charger. Not trying to sound like an overkill fear monger, but being well prepared and equipped helps you enjoy the solitude without worry. And I would go ahead and keep the hydroboost on the list. It really isn't a big job to change it out.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gary, the north rim is spectacular, and a completely different experience than the south, mostly because of popularity. During the good weather months the south rim can be a bit like Disneyland as you wait your turn to look over the railing. On the north side it is very remote and empty outside of the north rim village. I have dabbled in the "Arizona Strip" back country, but deep exploring is best done in a group, or with two vehicles at the very least. Besides the reliability items that you mentioned, you might consider a 38 gallon rear fuel tank and/or good steel fuel carriers in the bed. Carrying two spare tires can save a lot of grief in an area where there are a lot of bad things waiting to happen to tires. (I wouldn't happen to know anything about this 🙈🙄). Bring more critical spare parts and tools than you think you will need, and at least two jacks. Bring tire chains even if the weather does not indicate it. I cannot afford a satellite phone, but I did purchase a power inverter and a signal booster. It cost a bit over $200 but it really does make a big difference. As in the difference between being able to make a call or not. Most of the emergency response and law enforcement vehicles in this state are equipped with them. They offer a special antenna for autos if you want it permanently installed. Another handy accessory is a solar battery charger. Not trying to sound like an overkill fear monger, but being well prepared and equipped helps you enjoy the solitude without worry. And I would go ahead and keep the hydroboost on the list. It really isn't a big job to change it out.

:nabble_smiley_argh: :nabble_smiley_argh: :nabble_smiley_argh:

Bill - I feel your pain! I had a large post typed in a lost it. :nabble_smiley_hurt: Where do you stand working with Peter from Nabble?

Anyway, wasn't the 460 available in MAF SEFI? It was used through '97 from what I've read, and everything in '96 had to be OBD-II. So why not use a harness from one of those?

Jonathan - Janey and I've been to the North Rim once, many years ago, and to the South Rim twice. Most recently was late Aug a year ago when we rode the mules down and stayed at Phantom Ranch. And, it was a zoo up on top.

Anyway, good suggestions. Thanks. What about an air compressor. I've thought about using a York/Tecumseh A/C compressor for one like Luke did in Big Blackie, as shown below. (You almost got to meet Luke and see Big Blackie in Sept, but he had to cancel at the last minute.)

PassengerSide.thumb.jpg.df2d4399a588ba56f7a7efeeedeedc70.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gary, the north rim is spectacular, and a completely different experience than the south, mostly because of popularity. During the good weather months the south rim can be a bit like Disneyland as you wait your turn to look over the railing. On the north side it is very remote and empty outside of the north rim village. I have dabbled in the "Arizona Strip" back country, but deep exploring is best done in a group, or with two vehicles at the very least. Besides the reliability items that you mentioned, you might consider a 38 gallon rear fuel tank and/or good steel fuel carriers in the bed. Carrying two spare tires can save a lot of grief in an area where there are a lot of bad things waiting to happen to tires. (I wouldn't happen to know anything about this 🙈🙄). Bring more critical spare parts and tools than you think you will need, and at least two jacks. Bring tire chains even if the weather does not indicate it. I cannot afford a satellite phone, but I did purchase a power inverter and a signal booster. It cost a bit over $200 but it really does make a big difference. As in the difference between being able to make a call or not. Most of the emergency response and law enforcement vehicles in this state are equipped with them. They offer a special antenna for autos if you want it permanently installed. Another handy accessory is a solar battery charger. Not trying to sound like an overkill fear monger, but being well prepared and equipped helps you enjoy the solitude without worry. And I would go ahead and keep the hydroboost on the list. It really isn't a big job to change it out.

Just from a FI viewpoint . . .running SD on an engine that didn't have it, is difficult. YOu can get flashed chips . .but why? Let the MAF and the corresponding computer, make those decisions. From a true power standpoint, a SD can make more power, mostly because of the lack of a MAF to ask the air to go through. Without it, there is a marginal gain . .but not hardly worth it iMO. Run the MAF.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just from a FI viewpoint . . .running SD on an engine that didn't have it, is difficult. YOu can get flashed chips . .but why? Let the MAF and the corresponding computer, make those decisions. From a true power standpoint, a SD can make more power, mostly because of the lack of a MAF to ask the air to go through. Without it, there is a marginal gain . .but not hardly worth it iMO. Run the MAF.

Thanks, Pete. Since I have the intake, injectors, throttle body, intake plumbing, etc, all it would take, I think, to go MAF is the MAF , a harness, and the right computer. But, there's a lot of learning to do on my part in order to accomplish it, where I have a bolt-in/plug-in SD system. However, if it won't work correctly with the headers, cam, etc then it won't be satisfactory.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

:nabble_smiley_argh: :nabble_smiley_argh: :nabble_smiley_argh:

Bill - I feel your pain! I had a large post typed in a lost it. :nabble_smiley_hurt: Where do you stand working with Peter from Nabble?

Anyway, wasn't the 460 available in MAF SEFI? It was used through '97 from what I've read, and everything in '96 had to be OBD-II. So why not use a harness from one of those?

Jonathan - Janey and I've been to the North Rim once, many years ago, and to the South Rim twice. Most recently was late Aug a year ago when we rode the mules down and stayed at Phantom Ranch. And, it was a zoo up on top.

Anyway, good suggestions. Thanks. What about an air compressor. I've thought about using a York/Tecumseh A/C compressor for one like Luke did in Big Blackie, as shown below. (You almost got to meet Luke and see Big Blackie in Sept, but he had to cancel at the last minute.)

It is a shame that Luke couldn't come, I was looking forward to meeting him. I guess on board air would be nice to have. I was going to mention an electric compressor and tire plug kit in addition to the extra spare. Does Luke have air lockers or what does he use his for?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

:nabble_smiley_argh: :nabble_smiley_argh: :nabble_smiley_argh:

Bill - I feel your pain! I had a large post typed in a lost it. :nabble_smiley_hurt: Where do you stand working with Peter from Nabble?

Anyway, wasn't the 460 available in MAF SEFI? It was used through '97 from what I've read, and everything in '96 had to be OBD-II. So why not use a harness from one of those?

Jonathan - Janey and I've been to the North Rim once, many years ago, and to the South Rim twice. Most recently was late Aug a year ago when we rode the mules down and stayed at Phantom Ranch. And, it was a zoo up on top.

Anyway, good suggestions. Thanks. What about an air compressor. I've thought about using a York/Tecumseh A/C compressor for one like Luke did in Big Blackie, as shown below. (You almost got to meet Luke and see Big Blackie in Sept, but he had to cancel at the last minute.)

Gary, because virtually all 460 powered trucks were >8500 lbs GVW they were exempt from OBD-II and air bags. One member on one of the FB groups called the MAF 460 computer a unicorn till I posted a picture of the label on my FEZ3 EEC. Ford actually built some EEC-V SD/BF computers for MT applications and anything >14000 GVW was exempt from even the California OBD-II requirement. Once you have the 1996 EVTM in hand you will see. I would look for a 1996/7 351W truck w/E4OD. It will have the front harness you need to use an EEC-V computer and will be MAF, you will still need a 90mm MAF for a 460.

You are at least closer to the left coast that I am, most of the actual CA spec stuff I have has come from Southern CA sources.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


×
×
  • Create New...