VooDoo's CJ7 + LS1 Project

[VooDoo]

Bought this and happen to have a spare LS1, Supercharger, 4L65e Auto and some other bits laying around






I had a CJ7 years ago with a 350 chev and T400 in it that was great fun (other than the unstable suspension over 80kmh) so hope to relive some of my mis-spent youth building up a fun weekend truck. Rego isnt really important but helpful but safety is on the top of the list so it has to be built right.

Some questions for you jeep folk.

Diff's: IM told the D33/D44 is a weak link. How weak is it really? Ill have around 500hp at the engine but can wind that back in the tune pretty easy. Are the Diff's going to hold up or is the weakness in other areas? Looking at a D60 conversion or maybe GU or Toyota diff's instead.

Suspension: Last Jeep i owned i did mostly sand work with so never really flexed it up might. It had twin shocks up front and single rears and due to the narrow springs used to walk the front diff sideways badly. Options include a coil spring conversion. Fox long travel shocks etc.

Transfer case: Is the D20 transfer any good? I don't have the funds for a 4k Atlas so what other options can i look at?

Wheels/Tyres: Im looking at some 35's at the very least (and i have a set) but what offset are the jeep rims? I have a set of 16x10 6 stud that i can use with the toyo diff's. Might look at going bigger later but hopefully i can get away with some 35's for now.

[Judd]

Hey mate this is gonna be a sweet truck your building, supercharged ls1 is always fun. Im not too much off an expert but standard diffs/d30/d35 possibly d44's probably wont hold 500hp or anything above 35in tyres. Gq/gu diffs are strong but the pumpkin is on the wrong side for a jeep transfer, how ever, if you bolt the right transfer in it could all work. Suspension will have to be worked out with what ever diffs you decide on, and whether you wanna run leaf or coils. You mentioned coils with fox shocks, so gu diffs may be the best option, there are so many parts available for then, even portals Cant wait to see the out come but.

[AussieCJ7]

Nissan axles are drivers side drop so is a CJ

TJ and some FSJ and XJ are passenger drop

[VooDoo]

Trying to figure out the transfer case side of things atm. Ive been told that a NP205 with twin stick mod is the way to go and will cope with the power as well. The D20 is already in there which makes it easy but likely wont cope with the power well.

Anyone got experience in this area?

[oldmate]

Just how small is your dick?

Sorry, but I think 500hp of v8 in a cj is a silly idea.

[VooDoo]

I have the engine and a spare supercharger sitting here so why not. The tune will be for torque not high RPM or high speed. Dont forget also there is a LOT of drivetrain loss through an auto and transfer case. If its not to your taste dont post or read the thread. The only thing silly is your post.

[digsy]

He He

Gold Post there from a Nissan owner!!
500HP in a CJ is a great idea for fun!
Plenty of good axle options from local and USA suppliers for the Jeeps.
Nice and easy to install a good quality rollcage, race seats and harnesses and this will be a rig that puts a grin from ear to ear every time you touch the key!!!

Sounds like heaps of fun.... but a big build along the way!
Make sure you keep motivated and keep into it!

Can't wait to see more updates!

[oldmate]

He He

Gold Post there from a Nissan owner!!
500HP in a CJ is a great idea for fun!
Plenty of good axle options from local and USA suppliers for the Jeeps.
Nice and easy to install a good quality rollcage, race seats and harnesses and this will be a rig that puts a grin from ear to ear every time you touch the key!!!

Sounds like heaps of fun.... but a big build along the way!
Make sure you keep motivated and keep into it!

Can't wait to see more updates!

The only other person I know that confused the 80 SERIES LANDCRUISER in my avatar as a pootrol is buttlux, any relation?

Why I think 500hp in a cj is silly? Well wether it's an off road or on road going vehicle it is overkill for a tiny light duty jeep like a cj. Have you thought about how it will stop, and how the chassis will handle the power, or how it will handle? Since you put safety at the top of the list it just seems like a ludicrous idea.

[VooDoo]

He He

Gold Post there from a Nissan owner!!
500HP in a CJ is a great idea for fun!
Plenty of good axle options from local and USA suppliers for the Jeeps.
Nice and easy to install a good quality rollcage, race seats and harnesses and this will be a rig that puts a grin from ear to ear every time you touch the key!!!

Sounds like heaps of fun.... but a big build along the way!
Make sure you keep motivated and keep into it!

Can't wait to see more updates!

The only other person I know that confused the 80 SERIES LANDCRUISER in my avatar as a pootrol is buttlux, any relation?

Why I think 500hp in a cj is silly? Well wether it's an off road or on road going vehicle it is overkill for a tiny light duty jeep like a cj. Have you thought about how it will stop, and how the chassis will handle the power, or how it will handle? Since you put safety at the top of the list it just seems like a ludicrous idea.

I have a 900hp GTO Monaro too, i think i understand power to weight ratio's pretty well. I also understand roll cages, chassis twisting, braking and suspension too. Just because some ppl dont have a clue doesnt mean we all do.

Have a look at the GTO build and see if you still think the same.. http://trackchat.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=2933" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (obviously very different goals than this car)

[Wooders]

That's one shiny camry project. Although it doesn't really demonstrate a knowledge of high HP in a 4wd application
Personally I think the Transfer case & diffs would need to be replaced with 500hp and I think the chassis would require substainal reinforcement.
Not sayinbg it can't be done or wouldn't be cool - but make sure the frame & driveline is upto the task.
500HP with tranfer case amplification = potential for much damage.

[VooDoo]

That's one shiny camry project. Although it doesn't really demonstrate a knowledge of high HP in a 4wd application
Personally I think the Transfer case & diffs would need to be replaced with 500hp and I think the chassis would require substainal reinforcement.
Not sayinbg it can't be done or wouldn't be cool - but make sure the frame & driveline is upto the task.
500HP with tranfer case amplification = potential for much damage.

500hp isnt really that high. Ive had high HP 4wd's before (CJ7) so have seen where things need to be beefed up. I never broke a transfer case or diff but it was mostly sand driving rather than hill climbing etc The last jeep had D44's front and rear and a TH400 box but im going a little more modern this time around. Frame will be toughened up as well as a cage built. Just looking at transfer case options. the NP205 with a twin stick looks ok.

You must have been looking at jeeps to long too wooders, I havent seen a camry like that before

[Wooders]

If it ain't a Jeep I don't give a rats for it. A broken down old relic project is more interesting to me than some high powered ricer, regardless how fancy

If you are building it purely for show & light sand type work - then any old diff & t/case will probably live, but if you plan to unleash some HP, want bigger tyres &/or plan to play on the rocks, the those & the frame are the major areas that needs attention (IMHO).
Poootrol doffs are a popular choice - but make sure you upgrade the CV's otherwise the swap makes little sence.
The NP205 isn't a bad case. The standard Lowrange is a little average - but you'll have fun trying to break one. Plus there are aftermarket gears that can step it down later if you choose.
Frame - Most of the CJ7 frame should be boxed - but box & plate what isn't. IMHO adding strapping is a good idea.
Cage will also help reduce the frame flex (& make the suspension work), Personally I'd suggest tying the cage to the frame.
Oh yeah I'm not working toward big HP - but my buildup (link) shows the extend I'm going to with my frame.

[oldmate]

Will you be extending the wheelbase much?

One problem I can forsee with such high HP is it going arse over tits on a decent hill with a little throttle.

[MARKx4]

If i was you i would try to keep it all jeep and go dana 60 diffs, yes they are dearer but atleast you will know they will handle the power you put through them with noproblems. Plus they cold handle more if you fill them with the great after market gear avalable if you want to up the power/tourque side of things later.

Mark.

[VooDoo]

Here is the parts Jeep i bought (cheap) mainly as it had toyo diff's in it already, was rego'ed with a 350 chev and has the mod plate and did i mention cheap. Body is pretty stuffed and many of the mods done to it at some point are pretty dodgy (twin shock mounts for the front and some weird triple setup for the rear.

[Cambo]

VooDoo - Awesome project, I would definitely go with the CJ7 chassis and springs as they are a lot heavier and stronger than the CJ5 gear. Did you ever consider a TJ? You can get pretty cheap wrecks these days which gives you a stronger chassis again and coil springs with lots of cheap second hand upgrades!

‘oldmate’ – you are an idiot. People like VooDoo and I (LS1+ in a Jeep) have different ideas of fun than you. Driving a 3 tonne diesel pumping snail snooser in 1st gear low range everywhere is boring as bat shit. If you don’t like the thread don’t read it, we’re not all scared of having a bit of fun. To top your comments off, your quote is “Stupid risks make life worth living”… what ‘stupid risks’ are you taking driving a block of flats around? Stick to the Toyota Forum.

[FireTruck]

Great to see you over here VooDoo... will watch your project with great interest.

LS1 in anything is a great idea... but I am biased.

BTW, I have a partial rear D60 if you need a starting rear axle... its just tubes and the centre section (Solid) with spindles, but I have 2xsets of CroMo shafts for it.

S.

[VooDoo]

I made a mess today. Using the CJ7 for the LS1 project and keeping the CJ5 for something else. The other CJ5 i got was too far gone and the tub is becoming a trailer to tow behind this one. Got the GQ diff's, LS1 and Transfer case sorted.

[djroberts]

Hey VooDoo, I think this will be a sweet build. It’s something i have been contemplating for a while now and i will keep myself subscribed to this thread!

Despite other peoples comments i feel that what a man wants and what a man needs are two separate entities and I believe that self flagellation is unnecessary

D.