1983 Jeep Cherokee street fighter project [Archive]

ghinmi

11-28-2014, 05:02 PM

And off to the chassis shop for the roll cage. It's a full chrome moly 8.50 cage (remember, it was going to be a drag car).
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/2011-02-16181938_zps7b85cbe3.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/2011-03-24211726_zps8cd8c377.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/2011-03-24211758_zps96107d86.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/2011-03-24211738_zps202ea31a.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/2011-03-24211819_zpse11809b3.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/2011-03-24211934_zps0f2cb83d.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20110326_113843_zps579f45bc.jpg

ghinmi

11-28-2014, 05:06 PM

Got some fiberglass parts and made a lift off style front end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX3RpiTf1N8

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20111107_211405_zps71767cd4.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20120111_205117_zps647c9db1.jpg

And a shot of the engine plan (at the time). AMC 401 based engine with an 83mm turbo. It's now all in my '77 4 door Wagoneer.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0362_zpsa5c1e32b.jpg

After the engine/turbo got donated to my Wagoneer, I threw this one in there for the time being. 712 hp all motor 401 stroker (454").
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/16207128_large_zpsc94903d6.jpg

ghinmi

11-28-2014, 05:14 PM

Around this point is when plans changed from drag racing to autoX and street fun. No more spooled Ford 8.8, bought a floater 9".
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/16040588_large_zps0ff496a8.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/16040589_large_zps1429f4bf.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/16040593_large_zps062a1c94.jpg

Converted the rear to coilovers and made adjustable panhard bar mounts.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/16207131_large_zps9c09a9bd.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/16207132_large_zps67a77730.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/16207134_large_zps9a84bd3f.jpg

ghinmi

11-28-2014, 05:18 PM

And now we're up to current, the new engine/trans showed up the other day. It's a 5.7 hemi and TR6060 out of a 2010 Challenger. Plans are to do a simple cam swap and build custom headers. Will be going MS3x engine management and a cable style throttle body.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_03822_zpsbd71e80a.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_03862_zpse700d4f0.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_03842_zps71d0dda3.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_03852_zps2c79cbaf.jpg

WSSix

11-28-2014, 06:43 PM

Do you expect the fit to be difficult? Glad it's moving long for you.

strtcar

11-28-2014, 06:51 PM

Very cool, love the look. I've always wanted to do a drag racing wrangler project.

preston

11-28-2014, 09:00 PM

Thanks for sharing, I don't know why but I've always kind of liked these types of truck conversions. Certainly cheaper bodies than an old musclecar, and you've got that straightforward body on frame construction, not a bad way to go.

SilverSS1969

11-29-2014, 02:03 AM

Very interesting build, I like it.

mach1stang

11-29-2014, 06:16 AM

This thing is awesome!

Rick D

11-29-2014, 07:18 AM

Very cool build, I love the different approach to a cool car/truck!:trophy-1302:

Crystalss

11-29-2014, 08:11 AM

Wow, great looking project. Rendering looks nice with the front tires as wide as the back...and the color is perfect! I have a feeling that Hemi will see a turbo in its future!

Che70velle

11-29-2014, 09:40 AM

"So I went to the local autocross this past weekend, and got my tailbone handed to me, by a guy in a Wagoneer!"
This project is cool. What do you think it will weigh?

srh3trinity

11-29-2014, 10:58 AM

Awesome build! You don't see those very often.

ghinmi

11-29-2014, 02:00 PM

Do you expect the fit to be difficult? Glad it's moving long for you.
It looks like it's going to fit really well. I'm probably going to clearance the firewall just a hair to set it back some more but it would fit without it. Even clears the vacuum brake booster. And the trans clears the tunnel no problem.

Wow, great looking project. Rendering looks nice with the front tires as wide as the back...and the color is perfect! I have a feeling that Hemi will see a turbo in its future!
I keep struggling with the turbo thing, I keep having to tell myself "no". It's so much fun on the other Jeep but I think I would be more than happy with 450ish whp on this one. Things start to get expensive and that's what I'm trying to avoid.

"So I went to the local autocross this past weekend, and got my tailbone handed to me, by a guy in a Wagoneer!"
This project is cool. What do you think it will weigh?
I do that all the time (in a straight line) with my Wagoneer. Looks all stock and I haven't finished painting it so it looks like a beater even though it's a frame off build. But it's got a little over 1000 hp and hooks up on small street tires. That one weighs 4300 lbs with me in it. Hoping that this one is 1000 lbs lighter.

Awesome build! You don't see those very often.
Yeah, this one took a bit of a search to find. Wagoneers are difficult to find in good shape but Cherokees are nearly impossible, especially wide tracs. This one seems to have lived an interesting life, having been a Department of Defense vehicle in Italy before making it's way to Florida and changing hands a bunch of times before I bought it out of Wisconsin with no title. Got a great deal on it, $650 as I recall. And I got the frame for $200. Everything on there is a deal.

ghinmi

11-30-2014, 02:39 PM

Trial fit of the engine. Everything fit pretty nicely, just had to clearance the frame in one spot for the alternator. Got started on engine mounts, hopefully finish them up tonight. They're almost the exact mounting locations for the AMC v8 so not much work needed.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_00082_zpsc8bacb84.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_00072_zps6daf95af.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_00022_zpsa79268d2.jpg

ghinmi

12-03-2014, 09:41 PM

Did a little more fitting work, got the motor dropped down another inch or so. The oil pan is even with the bottom of the crossmember so that's as far as I want to go.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_00232_zps983027f6.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_00222_zpsd8693d49.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0024_zps7cad1607.jpg

Then got to work on a transmission mount. Came out pretty good I think.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_00202_zps22708bfc.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_00192_zps2cbef58a.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_00162_zps89ea32f3.jpg

ghinmi

12-08-2014, 08:10 PM

Yanked the front springs out so that I could measure for wheels/tires. These pictures show rough ride height but clearly the wrong tires. The fronts will stick out about as far as shown but the rears will come out another 2" or so. The rear wheels being sunk so far in makes it look like the rear isn't centered but it is. Going 275/40r17 front and 315/35r17 rear on 17x9.5 and 17x11 ZR1 replicas.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0026_zps6a61df50.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0027_zps342b3833.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0028_zpsfe6aaf51.jpg

ProTouring442

12-09-2014, 05:25 AM

Pretty neat!

I'm just finishing up on an LY5/4L60E swap in an '89 Grand Wagoneer. Mine stayed 4wd though.

ghinmi

12-09-2014, 04:25 PM

I've been following yours, nice work!

The tires showed up today. I ordered them yesterday at 5:00 pm and they were here today at 11:00 am. Wow. Still waiting on wheels and ordered adapters today.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0029_zps9d3cf7e5.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0031_zps8aefb87a.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0030_zpsdfcc8b73.jpg

ghinmi

12-09-2014, 08:28 PM

Just goofing around with the tires tonight.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0032_zps32f6c72e.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0037_zpsd98398a2.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0038_zps7bb34c80.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0041_zps453299e6.jpg

SSLance

12-10-2014, 05:33 AM

"So I went to the local autocross this past weekend, and got my tailbone handed to me, by a guy in a Wagoneer!"
This project is cool. What do you think it will weigh?

I've been beat by an International Scout before, so why not? :poke:

dnA8TmygFLk

Cool project ghinmi...

What's the story on the Monte Carlo in the background of some of your pics?

grendel

12-10-2014, 05:57 AM

I have a front cross member that is cut to fit a mustang rack and tubular control arms for that frame if you want them? I have the rack, the modified 2" drop knuckles (disk brake) and all that.

It wasn't low enough for me, so I went with Porterbuilt.

Would certainly free up some weight on the front end and probably give you better steering. It's pretty much been sitting in my shed for 3 years.

ghinmi

12-10-2014, 06:21 AM

That Scout is SWEET! I'll need to look that up and check out his set up.

The Monte is my old '86. I bought it in 2005, just sold it this summer with 98k miles. Just a nice stock driver. I just had too many cars and didn't hardly drive it anymore. I've followed your build throughout the years here and montecarloss.com, I probably should've gone that route instead of the Jeep but I'm just warped in the head. :poke:

I would be real interested in that front end. I'll shoot you a PM shortly.

SSLance

12-10-2014, 07:42 AM

I think Tyler has a build thread on PT of his Scout, his username is "autocross_a_truck" I believe. It started out as a S-10 chassis with a cut up '47 truck body on it which he and his Dad later replaced with the Scout body.

ghinmi

12-14-2014, 09:07 PM

So I mounted the tires and fooled around with some other stuff. Mostly just a lot of measuring and planning to get the front suspension geometry and steering right. I don't have my wheel adapters yet but I couldn't help mocking up for pictures again.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_00932_zps286d7931.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_00962_zps2022d974.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0100_zps78988eb0.jpg

Rick D

12-15-2014, 04:50 AM

looks great I love how low it sits!!

ghinmi

12-21-2014, 08:59 AM

Spent the last week or so planning and ordering parts. Hopefully most everything shows up before Christmas so that I can use the free time to work on it. I'm lucky to have a friend at Bullseye. When I finally broke down and decided I needed a turbo, they had one for me the next day. It's a billet wheel S366. Should be instant boost and still make 500ish whp, great autocross setup.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0106_zpsde2c39df.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0104_zpsc318209f.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0105_zpsfb7264df.jpg

ghinmi

12-31-2014, 05:09 PM

Got the steering squared away. Took some figuring but I'm happy with how it came out. The rack is out of a Dodge Ram which kills two birds with one stone. Obviously it's a rack and has a much quicker ratio than the old steering box (2.75 vs 4.5). But it's also set up to accept the high pressure power steering pump on the Hemi. So no special pump or regulator like everyone else uses. Very little bump steer. I left some adjustment holes to account for suspension changes in the future. I can also take ackerman steer out with spacers if I want to try that.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_01912_zps815ce879.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_01922_zps792ee861.jpg

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Rick D

01-01-2015, 06:34 AM

Such a cool project, you sure are making fast progress on it!!

ghinmi

01-01-2015, 12:28 PM

Thanks! I've been going a little slow lately, planning things out and buying parts. Things should start picking up again soon.

ghinmi

01-03-2015, 03:59 PM

Motor back in and final location of the turbo.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_02052_zps8ddb793d.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_02062_zpse93871a1.jpg

waynieZ

01-04-2015, 09:44 AM

I always like this body style in the 2 door version. Great project.

ghinmi

01-06-2015, 08:32 PM

Got the driver's side header done. Nothing special or fancy, one might even call it ugly. But it'll work and that's what matters. Hopefully have the other side and the rest of the hot side piping done before the weekend. Also ordered the Holley HP EFI today.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0208_zps5b292885.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0209_zpsbaebb880.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0212_zps0fd0f344.jpg

ghinmi

01-12-2015, 09:29 AM

So I ended up getting real sick and not being able to work in the barn until yesterday. Still busted out the passenger side header. Both sides are bolted in with the gaskets now so that I can finish up the hot side real quick.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0213_zps2e288bf9.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0215_zps7e2fe790.jpg

ghinmi

01-15-2015, 08:07 PM

Hot side is complete aside from adding in the wastegate. It's 2 1/4" off the headers and 3" to the turbo. Header primaries are 1 5/8".

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0216_zps7665a766.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0217_zpsce26b527.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0220_zpsa0fd7a1c.jpg

ghinmi

01-25-2015, 08:29 PM

No huge update but I've been working on misc odds and ends. Got a bunch of stuff cleaned up. Moved the lower arms 3/4" forward for caster. Clearanced a bunch of stuff to fit the wheels/tires. Re-machined the hubs to fit the Corvette wheels, etc. Kind of a milestone, it's now a roller.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_02661_zpswttohstj.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_02691_zpsyzfnfpof.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0273_zps3jttavup.jpg

ghinmi

02-05-2015, 08:34 PM

I'm always trying to cut costs on this thing. The BBK 80mm throttle body for a hemi = $360 plus a factory TPS and IAC. Screw that, the BBK Ford 80mm tb I've got kicking around the shop is freeeeeee. All I had to do was slot the holes, drill a locator pin hole, and bolt it on. Not bad and saved probably $400.

Marking out the new mounting holes.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0304%202_zpsh1id7gcu.jpg

5 minutes with a die grinder.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0306%202_zpssxnhlx8j.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0307%203_zps1vleblp9.jpg

Good to go.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0310%203_zpsk4o7jfaz.jpg

Yanked out that hose fitting, tapped the hole to 1/8 NPT and plugged.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0311%203_zpskqjl9y0r.jpg

Evan Iroc-Z

02-06-2015, 07:08 AM

I am really enjoying this build. Nice work!

WSSix

02-06-2015, 08:51 AM

That's a great idea! Glad it worked for you!

grif54

02-13-2015, 05:46 PM

MoparCar

02-14-2015, 06:41 PM

At first I never viewed this build because of the title. I was thinking Jeep.... Why waste your money. I was wrong! This is an awesome project and one of the most underrated on this site. Keep it up and the updates! Love it.

waynieZ

02-15-2015, 09:47 AM

Nice fix and a great thread.

SuperB70

02-15-2015, 01:35 PM

Great build. Great attitude.

Havent seen any MS-system build here. Been playing with MS for years.

Are you gonna run turbo with stock motor?

ghinmi

02-16-2015, 09:34 AM

I love this Jeep. My Dad had a red Chief when I was younger(mid 80's) that was a bit of a rust bucket but would go anywhere at any time. I can't believe how nice this one is, someone must have never driven it in any kind of salt I assume. These things are almost impossible to find, have actually looked in the past and could only find a few. Your rendering looks like it has the chief graphics? I am going to keep an eye on this build for sure:popcorn2:
It seems like everyone has childhood memories of early Cherokee/Wagoneers, cool to hear yours too. I'm no exception either, my neighbor had a broke down '79 J10 that sat beside the barn and we always played in it. This Cherokee has a unique story as to why it never rusted. It was apparently purchased in Florida and shipped to Italy and used as a Department of Defense vehicle. From there it came back to the US and was parted out. I bought the shell for (I think) $600. Not a bad deal. The rendering has the "S" graphics that everyone calls "Chief" graphics. A chief would have the black "Cherokee Chief" billboards and not the Indian stripe. I'm still on the fence, at this point I'm thinking of just trying to match the new panels to the patina'ed paint and leaving it as-is. We'll see...

At first I never viewed this build because of the title. I was thinking Jeep.... Why waste your money. I was wrong! This is an awesome project and one of the most underrated on this site. Keep it up and the updates! Love it.
I can't blame you at all, lol. Jeep stuff kind of has a reputation for being redneck-ish (not that I'm not, ha). The build isn't for everyone but as long as it turns out how I envision, I'll have a smile plastered across my face the whole time and that's what matters. Thanks for the kind words!

Great build. Great attitude.

Havent seen any MS-system build here. Been playing with MS for years.

Are you gonna run turbo with stock motor?
I was all geared up to do the MS3x route and then I ended up getting roped into buying the Holley HP unit. I happen to have a really good Holley resource local to me and the support is what swayed my decision. Since I'm going cable driven tb, I don't need the Dominator and the cost is pretty competitive with the MS3x.

Yep, the plan is to run the turbo on a more or less stock engine. I only want 500 whp and the cheapest way is 8ish psi from a turbo. I was planning on upgrading the cam but it's $750 for the cam alone, then springs, etc. The ridiculous engines can stay in the other Jeep, I don't want to goof with this one. Stock with a little extra will be fine. The other plus side is if something ever goes wrong, any 09+ truck motor will replace it for cheap and I can be back on the road in a couple days.

ghinmi

07-07-2015, 04:01 PM

So, the other Jeep has been stealing all my time. Finally got it running and have been racing and driving it a bit for the past few weeks so now I get to start on the Cherokee again. Used the 700ish whp Jeep to drag the Cherokee outside for pictures and to move it over to the next stall. Kind of interesting to see how much different they are, considering they're basically the same body and used to sit at the same height.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/DSC_1068_zps3ioruyne.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/DSC_1071_zpsbatzz4ze.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/DSC_1073_zpsearcuzd1.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/DSC_1070_zpsndyeka94.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/DSC_1074_zpsoqfuem05.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/DSC_1085_zpsshywkpgy.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/DSC_1076_zpsqz3hadvz.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/DSC_1088_zpsxtknamrl.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/DSC_1090_zpsenximibc.jpg

bonecrrusher

07-08-2015, 06:01 AM

Man - I had no idea those things cam in 2 doors!

Chevy frame - Dodge drivetrain - Jeep body - the Mustang TB makes sense!

Love the way it looks - keep on it!

ghinmi

07-08-2015, 08:50 AM

Thanks! I'd like to think I'm being rather impartial about where the parts come from, although it pains me not to have an AMC motor. Need to find some import stuff to put on it next. lol

Yeah, the 2 doors are a rare bird. Wagoneers and Grand Wagoneers are 4-doors (aside from a few 2-doors made prior to 1968ish) and they made a slug of those. Cherokees were offered in three styles, narrow trac with 2 or 4 doors, and wide trac as a 2 door only. It took a lot of hunting for me to find a 2 door wide trac body but it just wouldn't be right without the wide fenders. This one is a 1983 Laredo, the highest trim level and last year of production. Not that it matters anymore since I "ruined" it. :D

WSSix

07-08-2015, 09:31 AM

Man that thing looks great sitting low to the ground. It's so dang cool!

waynieZ

07-08-2015, 03:26 PM

Nice Jeep! 2 as a matter of fact.

SSLance

07-08-2015, 05:33 PM

I swear I was just thinking the other day that I need to look this thread up to see if I have missed any updates on it. It looks great with that stance...can't wait to see it finished.

AutoX_a_Truck?

07-09-2015, 09:01 AM

That Scout is SWEET! I'll need to look that up and check out his set up.

Thanks! I saw your build on BangShift a month or two ago, and I was really impressed. I never really followed up on finding a build thread so I'm glad to see one here. When I was looking for a new body to replace the '47 Chevy truck I briefly considered a 66-72 Jeepster Commando before I ended up with the Scout. I'd be happy to answer any questions I can about my Scout or offer advice. Keep up the good work, and I hope to see it at an event someday.

If you're interested, here is the build thread for my original '47 Chevy truck based on a modified S-10 chassis:

http://www.killbillet.com/showthread.php?21900-47-Chevy-AutoX-Truck

My thread on Pro-Touring for the Scout is less of a build thread, and more of an attempt to improve the front suspension. Lately I just haven't had the time or money to get that aspect of the project going again, but I hope that will change soon:

http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/104947-Suspension-Optimization-and-Tuning-Help?highlight=Scout+II

Tyler

ghinmi

07-13-2015, 08:45 PM

Thanks! I saw your build on BangShift a month or two ago, and I was really impressed. I never really followed up on finding a build thread so I'm glad to see one here. When I was looking for a new body to replace the '47 Chevy truck I briefly considered a 66-72 Jeepster Commando before I ended up with the Scout. I'd be happy to answer any questions I can about my Scout or offer advice. Keep up the good work, and I hope to see it at an event someday.

If you're interested, here is the build thread for my original '47 Chevy truck based on a modified S-10 chassis:

http://www.killbillet.com/showthread.php?21900-47-Chevy-AutoX-Truck

My thread on Pro-Touring for the Scout is less of a build thread, and more of an attempt to improve the front suspension. Lately I just haven't had the time or money to get that aspect of the project going again, but I hope that will change soon:

http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/104947-Suspension-Optimization-and-Tuning-Help?highlight=Scout+II

Tyler

Thanks for the links! I've spent quite a bit of time sifting through some of it, lots of great info there.

It's funny too because I had been considering a Commando very seriously as well. But I ended up with the Cherokee because of how many parts I already had for that body style. In retrospect, the Commando would probably be a better platform from a performance standpoint but I have no regrets going with the Cherokee.

Hope you're able to get back on your project soon, cant' wait to see updates.

ghinmi

07-31-2015, 09:55 AM

Downpipe and exhaust.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1093_zpsuamc4nff.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1094_zpsqdpetitp.jpg

Got the floor mount pedals figured out. Had to cut out a lot of floor and firewall. Made it sandwich the new firewall between the pedals and masters. Makes it easier to work on. Sorry the pictures are kind of crummy.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1105_zpsuxx84ykf.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1106_zpspoob1ysk.jpg

Got the rear bumper mounted. It's aluminum and pretty light.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1097_zps5csjywdm.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1098_zpsgnxbtsmw.jpg

Front bumper mounted too. I built the mounts with sliding tubes so that it comes off quick and easy to access the front clip mounting bolts. The whole deal probably weighs under 10 pounds.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1101_zpsmsbobtn9.jpg

And the intercooler is mounted and piping done. Also had to modify the fuel rail mounting hardware to accept the taller Ford injectors.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1102_zpsqberopz6.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1103_zps0qn43ucr.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1104_zpskkd7e3kp.jpg

91S10ProStreet

07-31-2015, 10:56 AM

Damn!!! That's bad-ass!!! Talk about your "dare to be different"??? Looking good, will be following this one!!!

blue04.5

07-31-2015, 07:09 PM

Props on your vision. This is a cool project, those wheels and tires look great.

67goatman455

07-31-2015, 07:21 PM

hands down, the coolest thing i have ever seen

ghinmi

08-01-2015, 09:34 AM

Thanks guys!

Props on your vision. This is a cool project, those wheels and tires look great.
The wheels actually worked out pretty well. I honestly only bought them because the price was low enough that I could justify having a second set for track tires in the future. But they actually ended up looking alright on there so it's all good.

Evan Iroc-Z

08-03-2015, 06:51 AM

Awesome job! I'm trying to figure out your radiator, with your IC mounted the way it is. Where is it going to go?

ghinmi

08-03-2015, 07:47 AM

Thanks! The radiator is going to mount like a normal build, just behind the intercooler. Pretty much where the drywall level is in the pictures (I've reinforced the hood hinges and put the springs on now). I know it doesn't look like it in the pictures but I made the intercooler piping so that there's a ton of room for a radiator and fans. It'll actually sit down in the frame rails a bit so that it doesn't stick too far up and look goofy.

Evan Iroc-Z

08-04-2015, 09:07 AM

Makes perfect sense. After I typed that up I looked a little harder and was wondering if that was where you were going to put it. Again, nice job and I cannot wait to see it done.

ghinmi

08-04-2015, 11:00 AM

I'm actually waiting on the radiator right now, haha. Should be here this afternoon. The first one I ordered was way too wide. I want the radiator to go between the frame rails so that I can drop it down. More for looks than anything else.

rustomatic

08-04-2015, 12:35 PM

ghinmi

08-04-2015, 03:35 PM

I'm really liking this build--like so many others, I've kind of avoided looking because of the concept suggested in the title, but clearly, I was being a dope. The free flow of ideas in your build is great and (perhaps unfortunately) inspiring. Damn you for using that extra space for a turbo!

I know the thread title makes it sound like the most pointless project ever. Not saying that it isn't though. :confused18: It's too bad I can't update the title to lie to people and tell them it's not an amateur backyard hackjob. lol

I have no real experience with anything except drag cars so I'm just making stuff up as I go. Been reading up a lot on here and a couple other sites. Hopefully I don't come out of it as too much of a failure.

The turbo was a "someday down the road" thought until it came time to build headers. Didn't want to do it twice, lol. That and it was the cheapest route to my power goal of high 400s at the tire. HEMI parts are expensive for no reason.

ghinmi

08-13-2015, 10:57 PM

Been working on a lot of small details and wiring. I hate wiring. Starting from scratch, hope everything works the way I planned! The 5" gauges in the dash were a huge deal but worth it I think. Many hours in that one.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1123_zps4vgentdg.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1119_zps8jbigkqk.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1115_zpszkxwfm4l.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1122_zps4pbixa7x.jpg

Modified shifter handle and knob off of my buddy's old Dart. Lots of good memories in that car. I carved the other gears and reverse into it, fast & furious shifter now.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1120_zpsyudmmjxy.jpg

ghinmi

08-15-2015, 04:37 PM

Almost finished under the dash.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1126_zpsfapwbmi3.jpg

This is the piece that's needed to get the speedometer to work since the TR6060 has no vss output. It's a GM VSS buffer, part number 25071437. The purple/yellow 2-pin connector goes to a magnetic pickup, I'm using a Rostra 250-4165, not sure if I'm going to pick up from a wheel or the driveshaft. Black wire is ground, pink is 12 volt switched power, and green is to the Autometer speedometer. Excuse the small wiring mess, I haven't cleaned up that portion yet.
25071437
25071437
25071437
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1127_zps25m4mbhq.jpg

A few wires have made it through the firewall.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1124_zpss2phm4v5.jpg

Tig

09-05-2015, 12:59 PM

Wow, amazing build.
You've got everything down, handling, power and style.
I'd love to hear that bad boy, the exhaust is very cool. Do you have more detailed shots of it? <aybe a little info on how you made it?

Thanks

ghinmi

09-13-2015, 01:28 PM

Thank you! I can't wait to hear the exhaust either, I hope it sounds decent but have no idea what to expect. It's made out of stainless flat stock that I bent up and welded, kind of like furnace duct work. In essence it makes a transition from a round tube to a rectangle, then makes a turn and out the side. When I get home later in the week I'll take some more pictures for you and it'll make a lot more sense.

Got a little more done here and there. Radiator and fan are mounted, wiring is pretty much finished up except the lights. Doors have been rebuilt with new weatherstrip and such. Most of the holes I cut in the floor have been patched. And the stereo works! It's got CDT 5 1/4s in the door and a ID8V.3 8" sub in a ported box behind the driver's seat driven by a vintage Alphasonik amp. Next on the list is fuel system and brakes.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1132_zpsbk7qpati.jpg

1 gallon surge tank up front.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1135_zpsys3fwrfy.jpg

Fuse block behind the passenger seat. You can also see the main power shutoff, I made the arm an old wrench. Going to have a push/pull cable going out the back of the truck for the outside shutoff.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1137_zpsdn6sueir.jpg

The Holley stuff under the passenger seat.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1138_zpsvbqxqofa.jpg

Front air dam cut and installed.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1140_zpsu37uhf1s.jpg

ghinmi

09-22-2015, 03:37 PM

Next minor issue. I had a tailgate off of my '77 Wagoneer that I was planning to use. Firecracker red instead of Sebring red but whatever. Beat up like the rest of the truck, would've looked ok. Got it mounted and lined up, went to install the latches and no luck. They changed in 1979, I thought two out of three bolt holes lined up but they don't. So on to plan B. Had a later model tailgate with some truly terrible paint so I stripped it down and bombed it with Sebring red. No filler, the dings and waves will match the rest of the truck. I actually kind of enjoy paint and bodywork on this truck since the intent is to NOT be perfect.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1146_zps5zyajqex.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1143_zpstk11gdpn.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1141_zps4nt5q4e6.jpg

Spiffav8

09-22-2015, 03:39 PM

I want to ride in this thing when it's done. :D

ghinmi

09-24-2015, 09:03 PM

Me too! :thumbsup: I don't think I've ever denied anyone a ride in one of the hotrods either.

syborg tt

09-25-2015, 08:01 AM

I want to ride in this thing when it's done. :D

Ditto

ghinmi

10-18-2015, 08:57 PM

Just a bunch of little things I've been working on. Got the front fenders glued to the structure and painted, tailgate lined up, etc. Decided to go with an electric tailgate window instead of a manual crank and I'm re-engineering the control system because I don't like how the factory did it. The manual window is cooler because of the chrome crank on the outside of the tailgate but I'm planning on camping in this thing so I need to be able to open/close the window from inside. Next on the list is finishing the wiring for the lights/window, retrofitting power mirrors, etc. Then the motor comes out to lock out and degree the cam, address the oil pan design, etc.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1149_zpsit4nbnmy.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1152_zpsa3ew3l9h.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1154_zpslvgnhnzu.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1215_zpssbv5ccm5.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1221_zps1ahox6gd.jpg

ghinmi

11-11-2015, 12:08 PM

Tinkering with more stuff. The dash area is more or less done aside from a speaker hole blockoff plate.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1232_zps3k3yxroh.jpg

Door panels are on and cut for the speakers. Also adapted a power window switch from a F150. Better than paying $200 for used Grand Wagoneer switches off ebay. The switch is a snap-in panel mount so it worked perfect in the ABS panel. I think I'm getting too fancy, not only door panels but power mirrors! lol
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1233_zpsryui4ajj.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1234_zpsmfytzhln.jpg

I hated how the factory did the power rear window. No limit switches and full power running through the switches with no relays. Then the double whammy of both front and rear switches being spliced together (if one is up and the other is down, direct short). My other gripe is that the switches are on the dash and the outside of the tailgate. No way to put the window up if you're camping inside unless you want to crawl through the roll cage to the dash. So I gutted everything except the dash switch. Second switch is now in the cargo area. Relays for up/down. And a thermal reset circuit breaker. That wasn't so hard was it, Jeep?
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1235_zpszvitwfks.jpg

Windshield is in. I hate farming stuff out but this was some of the best money I spent. Took all day and three different guys but it's in and they stuck to their quote. Got to give it to Safelite, they got the job done.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1236_zpss3ecge9v.jpg

And the tailgate window in the up position. Once the roof rack is on, the interior will be all sealed up.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1237_zpsnfgxugan.jpg

blue04.5

11-13-2015, 10:27 AM

Great progress. Did you modify the stock gauge panel to fit your new gauges, or did you end up fabricating an all new piece to hold them? Looks nice and clean by the way.

ghinmi

11-13-2015, 12:47 PM

Thanks! It's the stock plastic gauge cluster but heavily modified. Originally it had three smaller gauges and heater controls in it. I basically cut everything out and bonded an aluminum plate to the face, then laid out and cut new holes for the gauges. Sounds simple but I have far too much time into it.

WSSix

11-14-2015, 07:34 AM

Moving along nicely. I really like that you're putting so much of the factory trim and parts back on the outside.

ghinmi

11-14-2015, 03:20 PM

Thanks! The trim is another part of the character of these Jeeps, it just has to be there.

ghinmi

11-14-2015, 08:56 PM

Pieced together a roof rack and rub strip set today and got those on. Polished up what's left of the paint on the roof. Patina for days.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1248_zpsgw8d1snw.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1247_zpslmefqjre.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1250_zpsori2zetu.jpg

Got most of the underhood wiring done. Looks a ton better without bundles of wire everywhere. And I finally broke down and bought the Aeromotive fuel rails. The factory setup just seemed really janky deadheading into one rail and piggybacking the other off of it.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_1251_zpsjzdz7qnb.jpg

ghinmi

02-19-2016, 03:53 PM

Pretty much everything I've been doing is small stuff lately so I haven't had the need to update. Pulled the engine/trans a lot of times to take care of all kinds of minor details. Cleaned up and painted a lot of stuff, etc. I got the wastegate piping finished so that's a plus. I also got the cage for the fuel cell welded up, you can see it in the first picture. I'll update with more pictures when it's finished. I'm going to make it work with the factory fuel fill.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20160130_001037_zpszuvk0qfd.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20160218_004643_zpsi783kcnt.jpg

ghinmi

05-04-2016, 05:59 PM

Been a bit of a struggle working one handed but I managed to get the carpet and interior in. Also touched up a few things under the hood. Getting somewhere for a change.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8174_zpsijiiqi5g.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8213_zpsogzyh1o3.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8209_zpsuucjazqw.jpg

waynieZ

05-05-2016, 10:31 AM

It looks good in there.

spatel2589

05-05-2016, 11:30 AM

Holy smokes!!! Thats going to be insane!! Great build, looking forward to seeing its progress.

ghinmi

05-29-2016, 01:26 PM

Been working on a bunch of stuff but the fuel tank is really the only one with visible progress.

Bought Holley Hydramat, shouldn't have any issues sucking air. Also figured out the fittings for my dual Walbro 255s.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8220_zps2jna6dpr.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8244_zp****9hr42.jpg

Made a plate with barbs to hook up to the stock fuel filler and a fuel level sender.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8247_zpsk8bsneyh.jpg

Cage complete minus mounts and paint. Also added a return line fitting to the tank.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8248_zps1jpx5gaw.jpg

Also, Holley finally released flex fuel capability with the V4 update so I got a sensor and a badge.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8240_zpszzzogcaa.jpg

waynieZ

05-29-2016, 02:01 PM

Nice progress. It looks like those pumps will move some serious fuel!

ghinmi

05-29-2016, 02:12 PM

Thanks! I was just planning on running one and using the other to supply the surge tank, then the Hydramat and flex fuel sensor came along. One wouldn't be enough one e85 and the other wasn't going to get used anymore so overkill happened.

ghinmi

06-02-2016, 07:22 PM

Finally got the tank mostly installed. Still have to cut the fill lines to length and hook them up but no biggie. Probably took the stupid thing in and out half a dozen times which really sucks to do one handed. On the plus side, it doesn't hang down terrible far and look terrible. With the Jeep on the ground you'll have to pretty much lay on the ground to see it.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8299_zps1ke9vpkr.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8301_zps7ckkg9y8.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8302_zpsfkuy8srr.jpg

CamaroAJ

06-02-2016, 07:25 PM

I'm not a mopar guy, but that thing is pretty awesome looking. I wasn't expecting the overall look of that body style to change that much being that low however it did and looks killer.

ghinmi

06-02-2016, 07:48 PM

Thanks! I'm not a Mopar guy either, always been an AMC/Jeep guy. Kind of hurt to swap to a brand x engine but the modern stuff is just so good. Coyote was too expensive and the mt82 trans sucks, ls/6 speed combos were too expensive and easy. The hemi came out to the right cost and was just enough of a pain in the butt that it's perfect for the build, lol.

ghinmi

06-17-2016, 06:17 PM

More progress!

Hoses and such hooked to the tank. Clearance is tight but she fits!
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8315_zps0m2v2vw0.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8310_zpsdjeq9940.jpg

Factory fill tube hookups. This is key, I hate having to fill a fuel cell the regular way.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8313_zpsi0iudomq.jpg

Drive Shaft Shop CV style driveshaft for the fixed flange TR6060. Super nice guys to work with.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8312_zpsk1suxerf.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8311_zpsajrfaywd.jpg

PCV catch can mounted and hooked up. Still need to do the breather side catch can.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8317_zpsbaxoegrx.jpg

Power steering (finally) figured out and hooked up. This was a lot more trial and error than it should've been with pumps, different pulleys, and fittings to make it work.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8318_zpsbet5ivev.jpg

Had to modify the oil pan because the factory drain hung down past the crossmember. I don't like playing those games. Played it safe and got out the cutoff wheel and welder.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20160612_213916_zpscikte07p.jpg

Starting on heat insulation.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20160613_203137_zpswteuethc.jpg

Done
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8390_zpsz7zz9slu.jpg

Radiator hoses were a pain, I ended up figuring out a factory application that would work for both top and bottom.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20160615_210123_zpsu9pkjj5s.jpg

Got a start on the brake lines. Clutch line is hooked up and bled.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8392_zpstycz1rlo.jpg

And the clutch pedal finally works! This is the first vehicle I've ever owned with a clutch!
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20160617_202319_zpstsisrhmz.jpg

WSSix

06-17-2016, 08:11 PM

Looking good. Glad to see you making good progress. Do you think you'll have it driving this year before winter sets in?

ghinmi

06-17-2016, 10:13 PM

Thanks! I'm hoping to be driving it sometime in the near future. The to-do list is getting smaller (picture from a couple days ago).

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20160615_090441_zps7v56xswq.jpg

waynieZ

06-18-2016, 10:54 AM

Fuel cell looks good ion there.

ghinmi

06-19-2016, 01:43 PM

It runs!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcrsuJoGM2s

ghinmi

07-02-2016, 11:42 AM

Getting very close to driving. Been finishing up a lot of odds and ends. The throttle cable was a bugger with floor hinged pedals but I got the geometry figured out and it works now. I had been hoping to not run an IAC but it had issues stalling out without one. With the IAC and some help from my friend at Holley EFI, it now runs like it should. The Ford pwm IAC looked terribly out of place front and center on the engine so I remote mounted it to the frame rail. Just needs a very few things finished up and a pre-flight inspection before it hits the road. Hopefully this weekend.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20160702_024705_zpsjxd17ewm.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20160702_024721_zpsmlp6im4a.jpg

ghinmi

07-04-2016, 11:57 AM

Well, there's that out of the way. I ended up putting about 50 miles on it and hanging out with friends in town last night. Got home at 5 in the morning. I'm pretty happy with it so far!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhCRQn-EE1I

ghinmi

07-04-2016, 10:18 PM

Pictures from yesterday/last night. The black SRT8 has a pretty wicked supercharged build, over twice the power I'm hoping to make. Made for a heck of a neat shot by pure luck, it's the first time I've ever seen it.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/20160703_231504_3_zpszz1umh0b.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/13578923_572774549562706_864781642_n_zpsztiza7bn.j pg

WSSix

07-05-2016, 07:57 AM

Awesome! Congrats on getting it running and being able to enjoy it this weekend. You're right. That shot of your Jeep and the SRT8 is a great picture.

rixtrix1

07-05-2016, 09:29 PM

Really cool build so far! Are you going to put a good blow-of valve on the inlet side of the t-body? Rear end gear ratio( I may have missed it if posted already).

ghinmi

07-06-2016, 09:04 PM

Thanks guys! And d'oh, I forgot to post the pictures of the engine bay in running condition. It's got a JGS 50mm blow off valve. I was waiting until I had some of the other specifics nailed down before I locked in final placement. Rear gear is a 3.64, it's a NASCAR take-out center section with Ron Sutton's light springs in the locker.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20160703_022733_zpszhapfrtg.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20160703_022650_zpskcswgmvf.jpg

Also got caught by a friend cruising around today.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/13600038_10154322424949878_7759732574069699197_n_z psmjj5g2it.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/13599978_10154322425494878_7618334610338319841_n_z psfashhl0b.jpg

SSLance

07-07-2016, 04:06 AM

So cool! Glad to see it's finally moving under it's own power and you are out enjoying it.

ghinmi

07-10-2016, 08:57 PM

Thank you Lance! It's been great following your build and seeing how much it's progressed as you've refined it. I hope I can get this thing half as dialed as yours.

Took a video of cruising through town this weekend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY96NIZ1rQA

Had a friend over with his mint '91 Grand Wagoneer Final Edition in Hunter Green.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8664_zpsbcu2njff.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8662_zpsca9m4mhz.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8669_zpswfi2qvnz.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8653_zpsgzek0gi7.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8657_zpsmvwpox1x.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN8654_zpsarcrrkyy.jpg

ghinmi

08-02-2016, 11:41 AM

Got a little over 1000 miles on it since I got the electronic speedo working two weeks ago. Probably 1300ish miles total so far. Been driving it all over the place. Cruised down to a show in Three Oaks (115 miles one way) this Saturday, hit Indiana for dinner, cruised up the lakeshore to Holland and met up with some friends, then hit the beach. 290 miles just on that trip. Loving it. Aside from fixing a couple minor leaks and such, it's been flawless so far.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4obtbuCWl6k

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/13686750_10207942878823475_649887985835343816_n_zp ss4nt8iuf.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0153_zpsmymbuxzv.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSC_0162_zpslzhfo4g2.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_3556_zpso3hzkqlw.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_3557_zpsxpntnai3.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_3561_zpsfvpvywpi.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/13686490_1352910138070611_5572961630243236722_n_zp s7jah4gg6.jpg

Centerforce

08-02-2016, 05:44 PM

Our new favorite build thread for sure! It looks really mean lowered with those meaty tires! We're glad theres still unique builds out there keeping the forum fresh. :thumbsup:

waynieZ

08-02-2016, 09:42 PM

Congrats! Nice to see you out cruising in it.

SSLance

08-03-2016, 04:54 AM

Love the pictures next to the lifted J10!

Looks great, congrats on the successful mileage, keep it up.

ghinmi

08-05-2016, 01:03 PM

Our new favorite build thread for sure! It looks really mean lowered with those meaty tires! We're glad theres still unique builds out there keeping the forum fresh. :thumbsup:
You know, it'd look a lot better with a Centerforce clutch, lol. If this stocker ever gives out you guys are first on my list.

Love the pictures next to the lifted J10!

Looks great, congrats on the successful mileage, keep it up.
You know how it goes, the fun is just beginning. I need to get a couple autocrosses under it's belt now and start finding what it likes. I'd like to at least have some idea what it does before I have Mr. Sutton work his magic.

ghinmi

09-05-2016, 03:52 PM

2300 miles on it now.

Got stripes made for the fenders and tailgate (Thanks Frank!!!), looks a ton better now.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9020_zpsm8nvaewr.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9025_zps6jew4kmm.jpg

Then convoyed with Frank and his wife down to Toledo for Jeep Fest. Over 1000 Jeeps and tens of thousands of people showed up even though it was a rainy day.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9030_zps4ppmmmga.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/13879314_1103931292977968_4093383577298010098_n_zp slazbaohs.jpg

There's an event I want to do that requires drag radials so I bolted on a pair and went to the 1/4 mile. Found a few things to iron out the first trip, only managed a 12.3 @ 109 but it was having a wastegate issue. Went again this past Friday and ran 11.4 @ 120 on only 6 psi. Pretty thrilled with that.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/14141757_652967268341_607178558121529589_n_zpswvmq 3fdl.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/14192080_10154486778054878_8615414286316024305_n_z psbgbcv9dp.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20160904_124624_zpso61dpewm.jpg

WSSix

09-06-2016, 06:14 AM

Nice times! Glad you've been able to get out and enjoy the jeep.

ghinmi

09-19-2016, 08:27 PM

Finally getting around to documenting my Drag Week experience. For those that don't know, Hot Rod Magazine puts on a week long event with 5 days of drag racing and road tripping between tracks each day driving your race car over 1000 miles. I've wanted to do it for years and while this isn't an ideal drag car, you can drag race anything.

Friday 9/9/16:
Finished packing. That's 4 wheels/tires, a floor jack, stands, every tool I could think of, spare parts, welder, cooler, and clothes for a week.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20160908_013707_zpsyye3oava.jpg

Saturday 9/10/16:
Loaded up with my buddy T-bird Mike and drove 6 hours through the pouring rain to National Trails near Columbus. Surely nobody thought I was going to trailer it down, lol. Found a couple water leaks but that was the only issue for the first 360 mile leg leading up to the official week.

Safe and sound outside the first hotel. We were within walking distance of a Texas Roadhouse so we got some decent food and crashed for the night.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/14330101_10154126110108579_4397091297255805242_n_z ps202uirzn.jpg

Sunday 9/11/16:
Got to the track at around 9am for registration day. Did I forget to mention that I was only on the waiting list and not even officially in yet? Got some wrong information from an official and almost didn't get in but thanks to the nice lady at the registration booth I finally got in the tech line at 4pm.

Ran into the man himself, he'd helped me out the week before when I was testing.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/14238194_1167794986591857_1936661675222883608_n_zp sqtzd33lx.jpg

Still waiting in line.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/14322439_10154350156538463_8256920556867117417_n_z psgw9qatdw.jpg

9pm after being at the track for 12 hours, I finally got through tech, paid up, and registered for Drag Week and got the sticker to prove it! Back to the hotel to meet up with our other buddy JP who was spectating and splitting rooms with us. By the time we were at the hotel, everything was closed so we had to order in pizza and just about passed out in the lobby waiting for it. Hanging out in the sun at the track for 12 hours is no joke.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9086_zpso3hpvszw.jpg

Monday 9/12/16:
Get up early and head to the track, unpack, switch tires, head to the drivers meeting.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/20160912_113919_HDR_zpstfg1pgwc.jpg

At the drivers meeting we found out that our class would run 2 hours after the start of the other classes. This turned out to be a blessing because we could sleep in most days. This particular day started late because the ambulance didn't show up on time. Finally got called to the lanes, made a 11.54 pass and called it good, packed up and hit the road, success!
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9088_zpsqvgiwdlj.jpg

Stopped to fuel up outside the track and a guy with a Grand Wagoneer stopped and took our picture. Someone on Facebook recognized me and tagged me, small world. Also met a really nice couple with an early Mustang towing a trailer that we ran into several times throughout the week.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/14316945_1210986468922691_8370233312556945467_n_zp s6ynyl51x.jpg

First checkpoint, Benders Food & Spirits in Massillon, OH.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9089_zpsbf5kdyao.jpg

Second checkpoint, Fountain Inn Park in Mansfield, OH.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9098_zpsny22afo1.jpg

Pulled into the track in Norwalk late, found these guys changing a starter at the gate. They'd shut the car off to take a photo and broke the snout off the starter trying to start it. They had the situation handled so we grabbed some crappy fast food and met back up with JP around midnight at the hotel for the night.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9099_zpse3o0mo1m.jpg

ghinmi

09-19-2016, 08:28 PM

Tuesday 9/13/16:
Slept in because we knew our class wouldn't be running until later. Almost didn't seem fair, lol. Rolled into Norwalk, unpacked, waited for an hour, made an 11.55 pass, repacked and hit the road. Most efficient day at the track of the week.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9103_zpsse5aljhf.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/057-2016-drag-week-hot-rod-street-machine-eliminator_zpsddmrvvqb.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/1T9A8370_zpsng00zmb3.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/download_zpsd4zu8hgy.png

Ran into our first issue, the studs weren't pressed in all the way on the front wheel adapters. After 3000ish miles they decided to pull out and let the wheels come loose. Caught it before disaster struck and put on the drag front wheels and tires for the trip.

First check point, Stroh Center in Bowling Green, OH.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9104_zpstolbljsn.jpg

I had forgotten my gas cap at one of the stations earlier in the day so we were stopping at parts stores along the route looking for one. Ran into an absolutely stunning 1969 Camaro broken down at a NAPA. He thought he had a broken alternator mounting bolt so we stuck around since I had an assortment of spare bolts. Turned out to be a broken alternator mount bracket, a total custom piece. Luckily we had a welder with us so we fixed him up with a flux core caterpillar weld in the back parts room of the NAPA and hit the road. I found out later that the couple had bought the car in the early 80s and it burned down and sat until recently when it was rebuilt. It won it's class at the Detroit Autorama and Chicago World of Wheels this year, just a flawelss car (until my welding). The weld held up and they ended up finishing the week. A real feel good story for that couple. Here's an article I found on the car. http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/years-after-fire-couple-s-camaro-wins-big/article_1656a4c7-99f3-5f55-9a2f-e4a826aae526.html
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9106_zpsxfcgvdez.jpg

Second check point, Phantom Fireworks in Fayette, OH. Got to see some sweet burnouts, particularly the Australians. Peeled out of there and followed the route to US131 Motorsports Park, then HOME! The track is so close to my place that I got to sleep in my own bed. We got in a little before 11pm which I consider a win for sure! It rained overnight but the Jeep was in the garage and never got wet, lol.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9107_zpswnnxoshk.jpg

At some point on Tuesday, Hotrod Magazine ran an online feature on me and my facebook started blowing up even worse than the previous few days. http://www.hotrod.com/articles/greg-huizengas-turbocharged-6-1l-hemi-jeep-is-not-your-typical-11-second-two-door/?sm_id=dragweek_20160913_65866066&adbid=10153722123677540&adbpl=fb&adbpr=13601527539

ghinmi

09-19-2016, 08:29 PM

Wednesday 9/14/16:
Slept in again and rolled to the track. US131 Motorsports Park is my local track so I got to see all my friends and hang out for a while. Which meant we got tagged in about a billion pictures and videos, pretty cool. Our friend Jerry brought us food which was greatly appreciated. Oh, and we ran an 11.53, putting us at three runs within .02 of a second with a stick shift turbo car. Not bad.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/14370295_1096221857091776_4464807429427793805_n_zp s8xz0i8pg.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9109_zpslhlf7yrj.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/14359192_1096222027091759_3060080394021008037_n_zp sbgqrxcyi.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/14355061_1096221577091804_1922958264314222667_n_zp sej58dkfj.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/14333701_10207119597131185_3931710441576124808_n_z pslibjpdn6.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/14364901_10153724717397540_7188906469922541001_n_z psrahmrpdq.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/14370232_10210299706996444_1614338868414486945_n_z psjpbr7hlf.jpg

With full bellies we rolled out to the first checkpoint, a restored gas station in Plymouth, IN.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9110_zpstrchvtpl.jpg

Second check point with a big fat cow in Logansport, IN.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9112_zps6sjhnvu7.jpg

We rolled into the hotel exceptionally early (7:30ish), got some food at the Cracker Barrel, and called it an early night in Indianapolis. Nice view from the hotel window.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9114_zpstaxzcink.jpg

ghinmi

09-19-2016, 08:30 PM

Thursday 9/15/16:
Slept in again. Headed to the track. Major delays and oildowns. Flubbed my launch, I was kicking myself all the way down the track and missed 4th gear. Straight back to the staging lanes and ran an 11.72 breaking up a little up top. Does that when you hot lap it for whatever reason. Called it good enough, packed up, and headed off again a little later than we had hoped.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/14322504_10102520765617873_5022414477278574559_n_z pshpetinnf.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9117_zpstdp0cwcm.jpg

First check point, Warm Glow Candle Outlet in Centerville, IN.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9119_zpst06kdwph.jpg

Second check point, Foy's Halloween Store in Fairborn, OH.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9120_zpszngbtc3n.jpg

Mannequins had very nice... uh... personalities.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9125_zpsoou6eb4x.jpg

Mike Hulked out from too many squats.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9127_zpsfgmkfitn.jpg

Made it to our hotel just in time to grab some food before everything closed down for the night which was a win. Last leg of the official Drag Week route done!

Friday 9/16/16
Slept in super late and showed up to National Trail for the final day. Ran a 11.70 on a full tank of gas and not great conditions so I called it good. Ended the week with an 11.61 average.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9129_zpskjmystzo.jpg

Parked next to this at the hotel Thursday and Friday night, a legit original paint, original top, original interior HEMI GTX convertible. They drove it 900 miles to drag week, over 1000 during the week, and 900 back home. Nice to see them getting driven.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9130_zpsffwkzgdl.jpg

The awards ceremony ran so long, by the time we got food it was 2am when we got to the hotel.

Saturday 9/17/16:
Headed out towards home but made a detour to the Summit retail store. Cool place. Left to right, Mike, JP, and myself.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9132_zpsznmo7eg3.jpg

You didn't think we were done and going to pack it in early on a beautiful Saturday night, did you? Of course we hit a Sonic on the way back to hang out.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN9133_zpsja9spiws.jpg

We made it back to my place at a bit after 1am on Sunday morning. Went 2055 miles on the week, averaged 16.49 mpg with all the pit driving, racing, peel-outs, revving at people along the route, and driving to make time. Not bad at all! And huge thanks to Mike for being an outstanding navigator and pit crew, and to JP for the help he provided to us and other drag weekers!

SSLance

09-20-2016, 05:07 AM

How cool! Sounds like it was a great week and the Jeep did awesome!

Thanks for posting the recap. I'll have to ask a couple of friends that went on the trip if they saw or remember your Jeep...

rustomatic

09-20-2016, 09:42 AM

Thanks for the very cool write-up! It looks like you had a great time, and that your Jeep (and driver) makes some darn consistent lap times. Having fun is hard work!:trophy-1302:

ghinmi

09-20-2016, 05:51 PM

It was really a dream week, couldn't have asked for better luck and FUN. Lance, what were your friends driving? Good chance I talked to them at some point.

hackster

09-23-2016, 10:26 PM

Awesome....just awesome. Thanks for sharing

Guys like us are still out there man. Keep up the great work and keep driving the piss out of it!!!:superhack:

Sean

groovyjay

09-24-2016, 08:42 AM

Wow, talk about boost of inspiration! Just what I needed. I just bought a 1974 Wagoneer. Plan is to do all the sheet metal work during the up coming winter and after that start figuring out how I can fit a Viper V10/T56 in it. Yours is amazing package!

Here's my new comer:

http://kuvapilvi.fi/k/yr2K.png (http://kuvapilvi.fi/k/)

And how I'd like it to turn out:

http://kuvapilvi.fi/k/yr2c.jpeg (http://kuvapilvi.fi/k/)

ghinmi

03-05-2017, 05:04 PM

Testing that low rpm boost. Outstanding torque from 2000-6000.

iBh6gOFg5nk

glassman

03-07-2017, 08:57 PM

Nice!! Loved watching this build :cheers:

ghinmi

04-02-2017, 06:29 PM

PnST8ORksUs

waynieZ

04-02-2017, 09:31 PM

Sweet numbers! I love this build. Nice job.

ghinmi

04-03-2017, 10:02 PM

Thanks! It made more numbers than I figured but the curve was like an NA motor and that's what made me the most happy.

Centerforce

04-06-2017, 05:27 PM

Your phone microphone sounded like it was taking a beating from all that sound :lol: Your power curve looks great!

ghinmi

04-06-2017, 09:07 PM

Yeah, Mike's poor (brand new) phone got properly broken in that day. Goldstone's Drag Week Javelin was a few cars after mine. Wasn't able to get a readout but usually over 2000 at the tires. In that small room, LOUD doesn't even begin to describe it.

ghinmi

04-09-2017, 07:24 PM

A buddy gave me a pair of slicks so I decided to hit up the drag strip again. Kind of surprised me, it picked up a bunch. Best was a 11.14 @ 125.5 with a very soft launch. I was launching harder later in the day but unfortunately the 2nd and 3rd gear syncros I've been nursing along decided not to play nice and I lost time in the middle of the track waiting for it to go into gears. It's got a high 10 in it for sure.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/17880021_10154635413383666_3486559874779881813_o_z ps3qpj8ncw.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/DSCN0172_zpsaqotjkoo.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/17814319_10154636341778666_1219016465495085835_o_z ps2058ybrd.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/17879810_10154635277923666_3237731685660543012_o_z psuddhqwna.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/17855116_10154635300408666_4388792171676633488_o_z psghvrmgmp.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/17761202_10154636365598666_5932140176276271693_o_z ps60nb8l6y.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/17799006_1669512796677884_5217720999938872080_n_zp stymfngfl.jpg

ghinmi

05-01-2017, 07:46 PM

Got a cool opportunity to attend Ron Sutton's suspension workshop at RideTech's shop. Highly recommended, the guy knows his stuff. And RideTech was impressive, I'm real tempted to upgrade to their stuff. The shop is only 400 miles away so of course the Jeep got to see some road time. Added flex fuel capability the day before the trip, got 13.3 mpg over the 842 miles. Picture taken at RideTech.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/18057204_1346264532119752_1959435108247420983_n_zp sfkyclu6i.jpg

Then this past weekend I finally cracked the 10 second barrier. Drove to the track, swapped tires, and ran 10.97 @ 125.2 on the first pass. Swapped the street tires back on and ended up going a best of 11.50 @ 124.2 on the second try. Still only on 7 psi of boost and a super conservative tune.

ZKQm94Jv02Y

An older pass but showing the speedo and tach.

odl6Sq5ZCqs

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20170429_014409_zpsuopwnbla.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/IMG_20170428_230907_zpsyyqcbgqd.jpg

Timberline

05-02-2017, 05:19 PM

Awesome runs at the strip and it was great meeting you at Ron Sutton's work shop at Ridetech .

rustomatic

05-02-2017, 05:37 PM

I remember when people trailered 12-second cars to the dragstrip. This Jeep is an awesome example of some of the best advances in modern technology, i.e., freakish speed with the novelty of reliability (or better still, drivability). Nice work!

ghinmi

05-03-2017, 12:15 PM

Awesome runs at the strip and it was great meeting you at Ron Sutton's work shop at Ridetech .
Thanks, it was great meeting you as well! Ron's workshop was excellent. Post a couple pictures of the Nova if you can.

I remember when people trailered 12-second cars to the dragstrip. This Jeep is an awesome example of some of the best advances in modern technology, i.e., freakish speed with the novelty of reliability (or better still, drivability). Nice work!
I'm guilty, I used to trailer my old 11 second Jeep unless it was something local. I don't know what I'm more happy about, the 10 second pass or the 11.50 on the 200 tread wear tires. The new technology just makes everything work that much better. I honestly don't think twice about hopping in this one and driving it a thousand miles.

waynieZ

05-03-2017, 08:20 PM

That was so sweet! You must have shocked a few people with it ! Glad to see you enjoying it. Thanks for postng.

ghinmi

05-15-2017, 08:50 AM

Finally got to make some autocross runs this weekend. I had a hard time during my timed runs but my friend ended up getting 3rd in CAM (they combined all 3 CAM classes). After competition I was able to get some clean runs in. The Jeep was pretty decent for the first outing. No real complaints except I need more seat time.

My second best pass, the camera died just before my best.
Ol13h1lSeTA

Brad's passes.
AgsXsDXs5-U

ghinmi

05-15-2017, 03:31 PM

Some photos from the Furrin Group.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h2r4s3_zpsqqezp1lr.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h2r4s8_zpsmeznzwhf.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h2r4s1_zpsiq51w4d9.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h2r3s2_zpsxivi1rkh.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h2r2s4_zpseddbb9gi.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h2r2s5_zpsxgnp91bh.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h2r2s8_zps56xa5ojw.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h1r4s7_zpskqykmfaj.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h2r2s7_zps5s17sal7.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h1r4s6_zpsdmomdqrq.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h1r1s4_zpsl2gqnpcg.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h1r4s4_zpsqoycrbmu.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h1r3s5_zpslqdzwdit.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h1r4s2_zpsjinnwp04.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/ghinmi/1983%20Cherokee/h1r4s1_zpscgx0pkwl.jpg

sls1025

05-16-2017, 12:02 PM

Love the ingenuity and the fact that it is just "different". I've always been a closet AMC fan. Keep up the great work.

ghinmi

05-16-2017, 01:25 PM

Thanks! It's definitely the road less traveled (for good reason, haha) but I'm pretty happy with the end result.

65_LS1_T56

05-16-2017, 01:27 PM

The Furrin Group guys are a lot of fun to run with. I've ran both my Chevelle and the Vette at a few of there events. The fall event at US131 is super fun and with the Jeep having big power, I bet you'd do good there.

Brad is a pretty good wheel man too isn't he? He's one of those guys that can jump in and be fast. Hope to run into you at an event someday.

Cool build. :thumbsup:

SSLance

05-17-2017, 06:12 AM

Brad sure likes a liberal dose of the loud pedal doesn't he? :D

It looks to me like you could give up a bit earlier on corner entry and it turn better and you could apply more throttle on corner exit. Trying to brake hard while initial turn in at the same time just doesn't favor your setup.

Still super cool and looked like you all were having a blast which is most important.

65_LS1_T56

05-17-2017, 01:12 PM

It looks to me like you could give up a bit earlier on corner entry and it turn better and you could apply more throttle on corner exit.

Give up early?? DO NOT lift until you see a guy with a beard wearing a white robe...:lol:

ghinmi

05-18-2017, 04:52 PM

Yep, the Furrin guys and gals are great. Made a drag racer feel welcome. I've been to the 131 events before but not as a driver. Should be a bunch of fun in the 'ol Jeep I would think.

Yep, Brad is an animal behind the wheel. He showed up and wasn't planning on driving his car because of the noise ordinances but I twisted his arm into driving the Jeep after I didn't do it any justice during the first heat. End result, I know how hard it can be pushed, lol. And yes, he loves that throttle. Which is fortunate because I do too and the Jeep doesn't seem to mind either.

I had just put the front swaybar on before the event so I was used to a bunch of low speed oversteer and I need to put some hard miles on it to make it feel like second nature again.

grendel

10-05-2017, 07:11 AM

As you know, been watching this thread since the start... and it's evil.

Brought this home last night:, to fit along with the C6 front and rear suspension I already have and maybe an LS3 with a TBSS front drive set up.

Jerk!

:)
:king:

ghinmi

10-05-2017, 07:42 AM

Ooooooh, that looks like a great one to start with! I can't wait to see progress. An awd one would be sweet. What color scheme are you thinking? So many good factory and custom possibilities.

I know first hand how hard it is to find a clean one. Just went through that process again, this '83 got totalled out in July and I'm starting over again. Idiot in a big body Caddy was going twice the speed limit and ran a red light, I had nowhere to go. Luckily the safety equipment did it's job and I made it out pretty well. Hit hard enough that it broke the rear suspension crossmember and pushed the axle back. The new one is coming along well.

https://i.imgur.com/aY7nuxch.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QED6it5h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/CuLU55Bh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/U0P9EVKh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/yZyq1onh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Yry7Py5h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RhYZn4Gh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/58vC9kfh.jpg

rustomatic

10-05-2017, 08:15 AM

Man, that is some serious suck! Glad to hear you made it out okay, though. On to the next version . . .

grendel

10-05-2017, 08:15 AM

That really sucks, sorry man. Hopefully, the Caddy had good insurance.

I plan to leave it stock, with all the patina. Just fix the rot in the rockers and rear lower quarters. Everything else is solid, well except for the mouse colony in the head liner.

Trying to figure out how to make Corvette 19x12" rims look like 15x8" Cherokee wheels. :)

ghinmi

10-05-2017, 10:24 AM

ADY

10-05-2017, 10:33 AM

grendel

10-05-2017, 11:34 AM

Luckily I have good insurance because he had NONE. My insurance company paid out the agreed value and that's a good start on the new one.

You're going to love the huge wheel wells on the wide trac Cherokees. They'll swallow up those 19x12s even on the front. My new one will have 17x11 all around and they still look small.

Yeah, that was my fear... too small tire syndrome. I stopped a C/K5 project becuase the Blazer body ate every tire we could put under it and I would have to chop 3" of rocker off to make it look right.

Like I said, you're the inspiration for this madness... and that I have all the parts and can sell off the drivetrain from this easily. It's a 401/th400/quad set up.

And my family loves Jeeps.

WSSix

10-05-2017, 05:50 PM

Sorry to see the Jeep was totaled. Really glad you came out safe and sound though. Good luck with the next one. Keep us posted on it. I loved seeing this red one come together.

ghinmi

10-05-2017, 08:42 PM

Good reminder to check your policy for not only uninsured motorist coverage, but also UNDERinsured coverage. Here in CA the minimum required is only $15k coverage which will barely pay for decent damage and any medical costs (which of course your medical insurance company will try to get reimbursed from any payout).

Good to hear you came out of it unhurt; makes me think a cage in my Camaro is needed (especially for a side impact) just for street driving.
Yes, quality insurance and knowing your policy is KEY. Michigan is the only true no-fault state which actually makes thing simpler in the case of vehicle value. You carry your own coverage, not the other guy. Everywhere else it absolutely sucks though.

The cage is definitely a double edged sword. In a pure front collision like mine it sure helped. In a side collision things can get ugly. You knock your melon against one of those bars and it's usually game over after you suffer for a while.

Yeah, that was my fear... too small tire syndrome. I stopped a C/K5 project becuase the Blazer body ate every tire we could put under it and I would have to chop 3" of rocker off to make it look right.

Like I said, you're the inspiration for this madness... and that I have all the parts and can sell off the drivetrain from this easily. It's a 401/th400/quad set up.

And my family loves Jeeps.
I don't think you'll have much problem with the Jeep. The fender flares are relatively low in relation to the rocker. Mine had the tires about even with the wheel lip and still had a bunch of ground clearance. You should be able to sell that 401 for strong money, I had no problem getting rid of the 5 or 6 I had after I fully committed to the hemi.

Sorry to see the Jeep was totaled. Really glad you came out safe and sound though. Good luck with the next one. Keep us posted on it. I loved seeing this red one come together.
Thanks! I'm very lucky to have some really good people in my corner and it's been all hands on deck since the insurance released it. I'm waiting to post pictures until it's done but it's getting VERY close.

waynieZ

10-06-2017, 08:04 AM

Oh man I'm sorry to see that, Glad you are OK. I'm looking forward to seeing the new project.

ghinmi

10-06-2017, 02:43 PM

Here's the mostly complete engine/trans/turbo combo. Same engine and turbo as before, just fixed and a different turbo placement. I didn't want to build another set of headers so these are off the shelf chevy LS headers with adapter plates to fit the hemi.
https://i.imgur.com/T9ZmJpah.jpg

grendel

10-07-2017, 04:55 AM

Glad the motor didn't take damage.

ghinmi

10-07-2017, 09:47 PM

It actually took quite a bit of damage. Everything but the long block and intake manifold needed replaced. Would've been cheaper to get another complete junkyard motor but this one has treated me well so I saved it.

waynieZ

10-08-2017, 11:18 AM

That's nice that the headers could be used, saved you a bunch of work. turbo pipe work looks good.

ghinmi

10-08-2017, 03:25 PM

Yep, the headers were a HUGE relief. Saved me a week or so of nights and weekends which pushes up the potential completion date. I couldn't even buy the material for what these cost and they fit the application like a glove. Super lucky there for sure.

Centerforce

10-26-2017, 05:00 PM

Noooo that is a huge bummer. We're sorry that happened but its good to see you are already taking measures to rebuild it again rather than calling it quits. We wish you luck with the new chassis!

ghinmi

10-26-2017, 07:10 PM

Thanks! It is/was a bummer but I'm pretty excited about this new one. I'm hoping to be able to drive it before winter. Will be presentable enough to post in a few days.

ghinmi

11-14-2017, 08:16 PM

Well, the new and improved Cherokee is finished enough to show off and drive! This was a tremendous amount of work in 4 months but worth it. Still needs some work on the interior and engine bay but I have over 100 miles on it now. Seems to be pretty strong on 4 psi. The new hot side seems to have sped up spool even more, full boost at 1400 rpm. And seems to handle very well. Looks like today was the last nice day of the year before winter so now I have all winter to rest and finish it at a much slower pace.

Quick specs:
1975 Cherokee S wide trac
Lift off fiberglass front end with stock hood
1969-70 Plymouth B5 Blue Fire paint by Autocraft Custom Collision in Muskegon MI
12 point chromemoly cage by Total Fab in Hastings MI
'67-72 C10 frame shortened 17", reverse Z'ed 4" front, notched rear
No Limit Wide Ride front suspension with Ridetech single adjustables
Coilover rear with reinforced trailing arms and adjustable height locator bar
2010 Challenger 5.7 HEMI and TR6060 6 speed
Holley HP EFI
Bullseye Street Billet S366 turbo, JGS 50mm wastegate and bov
Flowtech LSx turbo headers with custom adapter plates to bolt to hemi
Full stainless hot side and exhaust
Full floater 9" rear with 4.56 gears and Detroit locker with Ron Sutton springs
275/40zr17 Continental ExtremeContact Sports on 17x11 ZR1s on all 4 corners

https://i.imgur.com/c1yImR0h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6syhoDyh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1JbfTYah.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JNB2pgih.jpg

grendel

11-15-2017, 06:34 AM

That's rocking.

waynieZ

11-15-2017, 08:35 PM

Wow nice !

Big_dime85

11-16-2017, 05:35 PM

v2 is beautiful. pardon my ignorance is a the reverse z frame where the control arm section is lowered instead of raised?

WSSix

11-16-2017, 07:37 PM

Gorgeous! Love the whole look. What a great way to recover from what transpired with the red one. Good job on getting this on the road so quickly.

ghinmi

11-17-2017, 09:57 AM

Thanks guys! I've got 190 miles on it now just driving around locally. Very lucky that they haven't put salt on the roads where I'm at. No major issues so far, should be ready to road trip come Spring. Seems to handle very well for a Jeep.

v2 is beautiful. pardon my ignorance is a the reverse z frame where the control arm section is lowered instead of raised?

Yep, you've got the right idea. I don't know of anyone else that's done a Z to raise one so I kind of made up the term. The new suspension sat 4" lower than what I had before which was a major no-go. I didn't want to mess up the geometry by jacking up the coilovers so out came the sawzall again.
https://i.imgur.com/QHOVqQUh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/X1ghhJvh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0u9jtG9h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/oUW5Hmkh.jpg

JMitch19

11-17-2017, 06:54 PM

Looking good. I saw you at the corner of 84th and M37 the other day. Hopefully I'll run into you again at some events next summer.

ghinmi

11-17-2017, 09:55 PM

214Chevy

11-18-2017, 06:41 AM

Good job...this thing looks awesome.

JMitch19

11-19-2017, 09:28 AM

Awesome! It's seen a lot of miles between Caledonia and Hastings in the last week. Hopefully some nice days coming up next week to do it again. I talked to you up in Ignace this year, gorgeous Camaro! I'll have to get a hold of you when we have cruises.

Definitely let me know when you guys do some cruises, Autox, or whatever. I'm hoping for a few more good days myself. A bad slave cylinder took my clutch out at the Charlotte Goodguys. I'm hoping to get the car back together and make sure everything is good before it's put away for the winter.

Jason
989-529-2445

ghinmi

11-27-2017, 10:27 PM

https://i.imgur.com/17oFmPBh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/B7RZDQvh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3Ef5d5yh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8feNbclh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/A9Mrp4jh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6ZiyHobh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KLEKPEth.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EkIvoJIh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DY2ci4Kh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/oxj0lEKh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qi8cvoCh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3AYVkSTh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/rLThhveh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/r1Fea7ah.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UWu0WlMh.jpg

SSLance

11-28-2017, 08:33 AM

Looks fantastic!! Great shots...

ghinmi

11-30-2017, 07:56 PM

Thanks! I can't wait until spring so I can really put it to use.

groovyjay

12-01-2017, 01:38 AM

Stunning...

Centerforce

12-23-2017, 04:33 PM

The paint on this thing is too cool. We're happy to see you got this one sorted out and running so quickly after that unfortunate mishap.

waynieZ

12-24-2017, 04:07 PM

That's a pretty Jeep! I always liked them when they came out. I like it when the remove the grill and use the old style with the small grill too. Very Nice.

Tig

12-25-2017, 12:48 PM

Wow, that looks great.
Awesome shots to.

ghinmi

06-20-2018, 11:04 AM

Been a while since I've updated this thing. Several posts coming up.

Before Spring came I decided to finally have the transmission gone through. The syncros were trashed from day 1 so the off season was a good time to fix and upgrade. I picked up a junk Hellcat trans from a friend and had a frankenstein made from the two. The main Hellcat donation was the 5th and 6th gears. The .63 sixth in the Hellcat vs the standard .50 let me go back to a 3.70 rear gear and still cruise nicely on the expressway without lugging. Also threw in the used Hellcat clutch because the stock RT clutch was reaching the end of it's friction material after 56k miles in a Challenger and 11k with boost in the old Cherokee.

Pair of TR6060s
https://i.imgur.com/XTixgJAh.jpg

Inside the Hellcat trans. CRUNCH.
https://i.imgur.com/iyxYuBmh.jpg

Frankenstein transmission
https://i.imgur.com/JWoQEv5h.jpg

Scattershield because I like not chopping my feet off. Heavy ol bugger, added almost 40 lbs to to the truck.
https://i.imgur.com/B9ult1Mh.jpg

Hellcat clutch vs RT/SRT clutch disc.
https://i.imgur.com/0ZUTmbMh.jpg

ghinmi

06-20-2018, 11:24 AM

Got some skinny front tires for my birthday because my previous drag fronts got destroyed with the red Jeep.
https://i.imgur.com/6yueCymh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mtdVZWmh.jpg

Have just a few 17" Corvette wheels.
https://i.imgur.com/HEibxYPh.jpg

Got a break between snow storms and made a few hundred mile road trip at the end of March. Dropped off a big block Chevy to a shop east of Lansing and visited a friend's body shop. Kind of a big deal, the first time I'd really left town with the Jeep.
https://i.imgur.com/qVZIK2Wh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kIlrb32h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/I3DkPHVh.jpg

ghinmi

06-20-2018, 12:01 PM

After a bunch more ice/snow, I finally got to go on a bigger adventure. Met up with my buddy Jeff at a local cars and coffee and we cruised down to Ridetech in Jasper, IN for Ron Sutton's workshop. What a great learning opportunity, he really knows his stuff! Second year in a row for me, first time for Jeff. We learned a lot. After the class, Jeff had to split but I stayed around for the Cars and Cones party which was a lot of fun.

Jeff's Mustang. Cleveland powered with a clutch pedal!
https://i.imgur.com/jw1mSEph.jpg

We drove a little hard on the trip but still both averaged almost 20 mpg which isn't bad.
https://i.imgur.com/sMwViz8h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/sCbshdph.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/e6TSO1hh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/08IRfB7h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TRmpkIyh.jpg

After the Cars and Cones, I headed south to Bowling Green. Visited some friends, checked out the Corvette museum and track, and got a tour of Holley.
https://i.imgur.com/25tehcdh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UQmwyG5h.jpg

Only casualty of the week for either of us was a failed header gasket on the Jeep. I'll call that a win.
https://i.imgur.com/TkbHtwBh.jpg

ghinmi

06-20-2018, 12:09 PM

Stopped by Autocraft's new shop in Grand Rapids. Good to see them doing so well and expanding, they did a great job painting the Jeep. That's the owner Mitch's Roadrunner, it's got a stroker big block and runs pretty darn good.

https://i.imgur.com/3CR2B2ch.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rIO5phQh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Tz1ZKhah.jpg

ghinmi

06-20-2018, 12:18 PM

I can't stay away from the drag strip. Finally got a chance to go to my local track. The DA was great but I was having issues with the boost controller. Ended up going 10.71 @ 126.9 on only 8 psi. The changes I made on the new Jeep seemed to take care of the issues I had with the red one just crushing the back tire and not getting any wheel speed. Not bad for the first outing. Super happy with the 1.47 sixty foot.

HIaABOSvhTI

https://i.imgur.com/I5n2svfh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Hq8Z5VEh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/oEPNKAlh.jpg

ghinmi

06-20-2018, 01:21 PM

Cruised down to US12 Speed and Custom in New Buffalo with some friends. They were having an open house and dyno day so most of us made dyno pulls. Made 580 whp and 654 ft-lbs.

VplbKAtjv_c

https://i.imgur.com/rQIN203h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zUhfsKKh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Ue60Fxjh.jpg

Oh, and Eric and I won all the money on dyno guesses.
https://i.imgur.com/R8XDLRdh.jpg

ghinmi

06-20-2018, 01:49 PM

Autocraft had the Jeep for a few days to do some touch up and get it prettied up for their open house at the new location. Fun day for sure! And the cleanest/nicest the Jeep has ever been (or will ever be, lol).

https://i.imgur.com/d3ZuxwVh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jLgav9ph.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1JqM3hEh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9knj3SSh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/MB5QdyTh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3ESAT83h.jpg

ghinmi

06-20-2018, 02:00 PM

Made a trip to National Trail Raceway near Columbus for the Great AMC day. Got to see a lot of my AMC friends and do terrible at bracket racing.

https://i.imgur.com/AAlHX4Sh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/czNXF9Bh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/sWcLNHRh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ICzFyarh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Q6K1lfPh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/nLdMWzth.jpg

ghinmi

06-20-2018, 02:12 PM

A completely unexpected surprise at the Great AMC Day! Todd Blake showed up with his sweet '73 Wagoneer. They just got the engine together before the event, it has been years since it has been down the track. As far as either of us know, his Wagoneer and my Cherokee are the only J-Series Jeeps that actively drag race. His Wagoneer has a fox body front end, ladder bar rear, and an Indy headed AMC 401. Probably the coolest set of pictures I've ever taken. We also got a chance to line up and race but unfortunately neither of us made a great pass.

u-SJ_sq_iBg

https://i.imgur.com/3ht19CJh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UyEdqP7h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9wwO6abh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lYL5fZhh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FDrDtNOh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XUU8Bxoh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/eusDXN8h.jpg

ghinmi

06-20-2018, 02:21 PM

On the way back from Columbus, I stopped by the new Onondaga Dragway to make some passes. Cool small town 1/8 mile track. Made two passes. First one spun bad but still ran ok numbers. Second one it broke the CV joint going into 4th gear. Had to get a tow home for the first time ever. Luckily I was only 90 miles from home instead of 350 miles if it would've broken the day before.

NzlkZuiEW88

https://i.imgur.com/asn5KdOh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/yXKd9Ieh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RDPrMRfh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/G8G8R77h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4so86RJh.jpg

ghinmi

06-20-2018, 03:40 PM

After a quick and frustrating/disappointing phone call with The Driveshaft Shop, I have decided to cut my losses and throw their whole driveshaft setup in the garbage and go a different direction.

Huge thanks to D&D for the quick hookup on parts and Capizzi for doing the install on such quick notice. Also D&R for the driveshaft. It's now converted to a Magnum T56 slip yoke style setup. Was a fun ordeal to install since the u-joint is larger than the old driveshaft diameter and I had to move the engine/trans to the side to clear the suspension crossmember.

https://i.imgur.com/omqbul1h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ydn9lQah.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QZS40sqh.jpg

This little part was the biggest road block to the whole conversion. Tremec shipped the wrong part in the right packaging and I spent a whole day driving all over the state to track one down.
https://i.imgur.com/Zuldksch.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/q7BZkBfh.jpg

Fixing the header adapters the right way since I had more time.
https://i.imgur.com/gtl8dHTh.jpg

ghinmi

06-20-2018, 03:56 PM

Stopped out to US131 again to make sure all the new parts were going to hold up. 6350 rpm clutch dumps anyone?

E1kiD0ddNS0

63ePzHd8-qU

e1NBNKEVxzU

https://i.imgur.com/b7NyAyIh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ExN7Bvph.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TSVPqOdh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8d00zimh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/M0zopGbh.jpg

ghinmi

06-20-2018, 07:14 PM

Hadn't ever been to Ubly before so I tagged along with some friends. Greg's little S10 is pretty impressive. Stock bottom end 4.3 with rod bolts, s366 in the bed, blow thru carb on e85. 11.45 was his best and 119 on the first pass before we realized how short the shutdown was and started braking early.

https://i.imgur.com/N1IJsC3h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5kzJsd4h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8FfWSUhh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8E7EG5wh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4E12P0fh.jpg

Turns out the front tires on Greg's truck were shot which worked out perfect because my skinnys fit it and I was planning on making passes on my street tires. I ended up going 11.66 with a lot of clutch work to keep it happy, it would spin going into 4th.

The stuff I carry with me for a 450 mile round trip to go racing.
https://i.imgur.com/VO4j8pgh.jpg

Four passes of slamming on the brakes at the 1/4 mile to make the turnoff.
https://i.imgur.com/5HmbbEKh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/18X3hROh.jpg

WSSix

06-23-2018, 02:25 PM

Very nice numbers!

waynieZ

06-23-2018, 08:06 PM

Agreed nice times.

LuxurySportCoupe

06-27-2018, 09:38 AM

I just read this entire thread in one sitting, lol. I'm not normally a jeep guy, but this thing is sooooo freaking cool. It's awesome to see someone think this far outside of the box. Sucks that the first one got wrecked, but it's great to see that you rebuilt and it's better than ever! It's also cool to see a fellow Michigander, I was just over on your side of the state for Gridlife.

ghinmi

07-02-2018, 06:15 PM

Too cool, you've got too much time on your hands if you read the whole thing lol. I missed spectating Gridlife but had some friends that competed. Hope you did well!

LS1-IROC

07-03-2018, 09:04 AM

Love the build. Are you responsible for any of those black marks on Patterson in front of the body shop? I see your truck up there from time to time.

ghinmi

07-03-2018, 09:37 PM

I wouldn't know anything about things like that. They have cruise nights there on Thursdays, you should stop by if you get a chance. I try to make it there but it seems like I get busy a lot.

O7M_aY2JCns

rustomatic

07-05-2018, 10:11 AM

ghinmi

09-07-2018, 08:44 AM

Leaving in a few minutes. Yay!

https://i.imgur.com/8lKqs9Eh.jpg

ghinmi

09-07-2018, 08:49 AM

The Jeep seems to be working great! So if you had a minute, I thought I'd throw a question or two your way. I too went with the JGS gate and BOV (not yet fired, due to timing cover issues found out too late), and I was wondering what approach you took to boost control. Are you just going on spring, and if so, which one?

My boost control strategy is all kinds of weird because of the oddity of the combo. With just reference hooked to the bottom port, it makes way less boost than anticipated on every spring. But with a teeny tiny bit of regulated pressure to the top of the gate it evens out and does what I expected it to do. So my current setup is the medium spring, manifold to the top with a regulator, and manifold to the bottom with a Turbosmart manual boost controller. This gets me adjustment in the 10ish psi on up. Less and I need the lighter spring.

rustomatic

09-07-2018, 05:28 PM

Dude, you are some kind of psychic. I just finally took my turbo setup on the road for the first time today. I am also using the Turbosmart boost tee, with both ports on the gate active. As a newbie, I went out with low boost (softest spring?), and the thing maintained four pounds or less like clockwork. The BW s366 is silent until boost hits, then zing! Even the JGS bov sounded great when I let off. What a great way to go 20 mph faster in a blink. I look forward to working my way up to 10 pounds (absolute max) in the future.

Thanks for posting great examples that work!

My boost control strategy is all kinds of weird because of the oddity of the combo. With just reference hooked to the bottom port, it makes way less boost than anticipated on every spring. But with a teeny tiny bit of regulated pressure to the top of the gate it evens out and does what I expected it to do. So my current setup is the medium spring, manifold to the top with a regulator, and manifold to the bottom with a Turbosmart manual boost controller. This gets me adjustment in the 10ish psi on up. Less and I need the lighter spring.

gofastwclass

09-07-2018, 09:09 PM

I believe I saw this at the St. Ignace car show earlier this year. Were you there?

ghinmi

09-09-2018, 05:21 AM

Dude, you are some kind of psychic. I just finally took my turbo setup on the road for the first time today. I am also using the Turbosmart boost tee, with both ports on the gate active. As a newbie, I went out with low boost (softest spring?), and the thing maintained four pounds or less like clockwork. The BW s366 is silent until boost hits, then zing! Even the JGS bov sounded great when I let off. What a great way to go 20 mph faster in a blink. I look forward to working my way up to 10 pounds (absolute max) in the future.

Thanks for posting great examples that work!

That's awesome! Glad it's working great for you!

I believe I saw this at the St. Ignace car show earlier this year. Were you there?

I was there for sure. Only went to the actual show for about an hour but was in town from Tuesday through Sunday. Fun time. We're you there with a car?

gofastwclass

09-10-2018, 04:52 PM

I was there for sure. Only went to the actual show for about an hour but was in town from Tuesday through Sunday. Fun time. We're you there with a car?

Cool.

No, we weren't able to bring anything. We were in the area visiting the in laws and drove something responsible instead of fun for the 900 mile one way trip.

We did see some fantastic vehicles and met some cool people outside our normal car crowd. I wish we could have talked for a bit. By the time we got to where you were parked we were pretty hungry so I snapped a few quick photos and we started back down the hill.

67goatman455

09-13-2018, 08:13 PM

I keep seeing the Jeep on the Drag Week live feed! looks great!

ghinmi

09-25-2018, 08:03 PM

Time to get this thing back up to date. Waaay back in June myself and some friends went up to St. Ignace for almost a week. Technically for the car show but we only went to the actual show for just over an hour. Lots of shenanigans, the U.P. is kind of like northern Mexico.

Our convoy.
https://i.imgur.com/GFfYTmdh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BURGXUjh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RurUC2ph.jpg

Gotta bring the toys on vacation.
https://i.imgur.com/uw0LpgNh.jpg

Priorities.
https://i.imgur.com/CkVMNLuh.jpg

Obligatory bridge shot.
https://i.imgur.com/c82VAMnh.jpg

Car wash section of the parking lot.
https://i.imgur.com/fKrp46Nh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BLuPAgNh.jpg

Everyone knows that when you go up north, you've got to have a "Big C" 3/4 lb burger from Clydes. We had many.
https://i.imgur.com/EXFvXdvh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6Ryyvdwh.jpg

ghinmi

09-25-2018, 08:17 PM

However, northern Mexico is not easy on drivetrain parts. Early in the week during a 3-4 shift the shifter went limp and the trans was locked in 4th gear.

Pulled the shifter base hoping that was broken since I had a spare.
https://i.imgur.com/L6pgmmDh.jpg

No dice. Something wrong inside the trans. Parking lot repair time.
https://i.imgur.com/QgLHBi6h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/gwC22ouh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MjuHUteh.jpg

Turns out it had failed a roll pin in the top shift rail. Luckily the parts store down the road had a good selection so it was an easy fix. 3 hours later we were off to get another Big C burger. My new record for transmission service in a hotel parking lot.

There were a lot of hooligans out late at night when we were trying to sleep. Mostly locals I think.
https://i.imgur.com/4jV9wIeh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BZzptSkh.jpg

And a couple photos I found online afterwards.
https://i.imgur.com/uHlk3Eah.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/x0ryCCXh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/XiCzpY2h.jpg

ghinmi

09-25-2018, 08:54 PM

More track time. Put a little more power to it but the tires were garbage. Usually goes 1.46-1.47 sixty foot but the best I could manage was a 1.59 on a super soft launch. Still the best 1/4 mile ever, 10.50 @ 130 even with the crummy launch.

Hjd8K-UGMmw

https://i.imgur.com/9XCtpPsh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kIxdDg9h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3gnyMsih.jpg

The old 26x9s were DONE. Still lots of rubber left but it was just junk.
https://i.imgur.com/sv1gWAlh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ss81jIgh.jpg

The 26x9s were too short, it was on the rev limiter before the 1/4 mile. So I got some 28x10.5s to try out.
https://i.imgur.com/Ma3KTDYh.jpg

Looks a ton different with the wider/taller tire.
https://i.imgur.com/Ae92Q7uh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yAYsgESh.jpg

ghinmi

09-25-2018, 09:23 PM

Cherokee Jim stopped by on his way from Texas to drop off this yellow '74 Cherokee. Had to take a few pictures.
https://i.imgur.com/TTojRNBh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/uwSK990h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QD5aIevh.jpg

This is an ironic picture. Drove my 2wd Jeep to the local 4x4 retailer to buy a tow hook that we were going to put on...... a 1969 Camaro.
https://i.imgur.com/1Z6ELvPh.jpg

A cool graphic that one of the AMC clubs printed up on some shirts.
https://i.imgur.com/UnEh7AJh.jpg

ghinmi

09-25-2018, 09:32 PM

Took a cruise and went to the Woodward Dream Cruise for the first time. Lots more shenanigans.
https://i.imgur.com/zKszahIh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/hWKMPm2h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xbKyfZxh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dlRESbqh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PimFSyUh.jpg

Stopped by the Greenmead AMC show on the way home. Nice event.
https://i.imgur.com/kCO2kRnh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xy4fnyuh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mOx5YjGh.jpg

ghinmi

09-25-2018, 09:40 PM

Getting close to Drag Week, my clutch pedal got out of adjustment and I wasn't getting full clutch disengagement. Fixed that issue but 3rd gear syncro still didn't feel right. Was able to weasel my way into an all Chevy track rental to test. Sure enough, 3rd gear was a no-go. Still managed to run some high 10s with a nearly 1 second shift delay.
https://i.imgur.com/jhDbov6h.jpg

A couple hours later it's a street car again and sitting in traffic during Metro Cruise.
https://i.imgur.com/Ofa2fHWh.jpg

Yep, there's definitely a problem there.
https://i.imgur.com/9ksrdahh.jpg

Transmission back out again, on it's way to Capizzi. He got it fixed up in a few days like a champion. I slammed it back in and then started getting ready for Drag Week.
https://i.imgur.com/ivqvug6h.jpg

WSSix

09-27-2018, 06:34 PM

Looked like a fun time.

ghinmi

10-18-2018, 11:13 AM

Prepping for Drag Week. Keeping in mind that the Jeep hasn't made a solid, clean A to B pass in nearly 3 months. Transmission is fixed and back in but no time to test. Just gotta have faith. Finishing up wiring for the horn and giving it the final once-over in this picture.
https://i.imgur.com/MfPVRrTh.jpg

Fully packed. It doesn't look like much but there's a LOT of stuff in there.

4 wheels/tires
Air tank
Jack + jack stands
Welder
Cutoff wheel
Cordless tools (impact, drill, flashlights, etc)
Spare clutch/flywheel
Spare pistons/rods
Spare gaskets
Spare alternator/belt
Spare silicone couplers, t-bolt clamps, and v-bands for every connection
Spare change of ALL fluids
Spare master cylinders,
Spare shifter (but sadly not shifter handle)
Spare brake lines
2 tackle boxes of wiring and electrical
Ammo can with hundreds of AN fittings
Bucket of assorted lines/hoses
3 spare fuel pumps + filters
All tools needed to work on any part of the vehicle

Basically we packed the kitchen sink preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.
https://i.imgur.com/1C7fzGxh.jpg

Final test drive on 87 octane the night before leaving.
https://i.imgur.com/9kEzk2ah.jpg

ghinmi

10-18-2018, 11:54 AM

Friday September 7

My goals for the week are ambitious:
1. Finish the week (so I can enter the stick shift shootout)
2. Make the quick 32 Street Machine Eliminator field
3. Run 10s at every track
4. One pass and hit the road every day
5. Beat the previous Jeep single pass record of 10.68
6. Beat the previous Jeep record average of 10.96
7. Maintain a sealed hood for the whole week

Fresh wash job, fully packed and ready to go. My trusty copilot Mike took a half day and we hit the road at about 2:00 in the afternoon. Only have to go 818 miles to the first track.
https://i.imgur.com/IUtZraTh.jpg

First roadside fix. The heater duct hose came off up under the dash. Kind of important with the rain we were driving through. Thankfully we had some duct tape (and swingout door bars). Mike got it fixed up while I was fueling up.
https://i.imgur.com/KaLAqkFh.jpg

Stopped at another gas station down the road to meet up with some Drag Weekers and drew in a bunch of other car enthusiasts.
https://i.imgur.com/xvfYCoVh.jpg

There's the guys we were looking for, Tracy and Todd. Tracy has the sweet '70 Olds 442 that's in some pictures later on. We decided to follow them to Atlanta and play the drive by ear. This drive shall be known from this point on as the Drag Week Death March.
https://i.imgur.com/Pe7LqkKh.jpg

Cool trailer of cars we passed.
https://i.imgur.com/GvuM3cch.jpg

Next roadside fix. Found the source of the wet carpet, the fresh air vents were leaking water. So, another opportunity for a duct tape fix. Glad we found this before we had to seal the hood for the week.
https://i.imgur.com/qSA4AuTh.jpg

We continued driving through the night. Got about an hour's sleep at a truck stop in ??? at maybe 1 or 2 am? Then stopped again for a couple hours at an old school gas station at around 6am. This was one of the cool old vehicles we checked out when we woke up.
https://i.imgur.com/fTPVWUgh.jpg

First food stop for breakfast.
https://i.imgur.com/wzeOQ9fh.jpg

And we made it to Atlanta Dragway sometime (maybe noon-ish?) on Saturday. Tracy wanted to make a couple test passes and check-in wasn't until 3pm at our hotel so we stayed for a while.
https://i.imgur.com/eNjgANQh.jpg

Only injury of Drag Week. Left the track with the intentions of going straight to the hotel and sleeping for about 12 hours. Well, the tailgate window was stuck in the down position. Can't access the motor or any of the wiring with the window down, huge pain in the butt job. In the process of removing the motor, the spring loaded lift arm got me. Finally got the issue troubleshooted and made it to a store for some bandaids.
https://i.imgur.com/qBdqsvih.jpg

Finally at the hotel. Took a shower, got some food, and checked out the other racers. Lots of wrenching still going on with registration less than 12 hours away. The tons of wiring stuff we packed came in really handy, there were a lot of people in need that night.
https://i.imgur.com/hT4orDlh.jpg

ghinmi

10-18-2018, 12:08 PM

Sunday Sept 9: Registration day

We didn't get to the track super early. Consequently, this is the staging area just to get into the track area.
https://i.imgur.com/NFq8sDhh.jpg

Once we got into the track, we were pleasantly surprised that they had separate lanes for Unilmited and SME so we were moving quick.
https://i.imgur.com/RQPfWJBh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2ssy5fIh.jpg

Made it through tech no problems and had time to kill so headed back to the hotel for a while.
https://i.imgur.com/iopzyuuh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/AeOasQdh.jpg

Had lunch at the Outback in town. The waitress was a huge Drag Week fan.
https://i.imgur.com/L0VMUQGh.jpg

Went back to the track after the rains to watch people test. Lots of neat stuff happening.
https://i.imgur.com/e2adX94h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/l6FTqIih.jpg

ghinmi

10-18-2018, 01:46 PM

Day 1: Monday Sept 10

Got an early start, wanted to get into race mode before the driver's meeting so that it wouldn't be so hot out. Good thing we got an early start because one of our competitors had a dead battery. Between our spare battery and another guy's jump box we got it running. Super cool truck.
https://i.imgur.com/BwQWhehh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ISeS7Dqh.jpg

On our way in.
https://i.imgur.com/5POxeoJh.jpg

The crummy 87 octane turned one of my wheels gold because it was near the exhaust. Yuck.
https://i.imgur.com/KUKgGZ3h.jpg

Unpacking is easy with the big plastic totes.
https://i.imgur.com/goRpavkh.jpg

Ready to go.
https://i.imgur.com/q3tFYgoh.jpg

After hours upon hours of delays, we finally got into the staging lanes and waited for hours again only to get rained out when were a couple pairs from making a pass. No racing for us on day 1. Luckily we had that tarp covering our gear in the pits. I rushed back and changed back over to street mode and re-packed as quickly as possible in the rain. Just after we finished, it downpoured like crazy. Very lucky.

Hot Rod decided that our class (Street Machine Eliminator) would waive Monday times since not everyone had a chance to run and base our final time off of a 4 day average instead of 5. All other classes would count since they had a chance to run. Kind of a bummer for a lot of class cars that either didn't make a run or made a poor first run and had no chance to improve it.

View leaving the track in the rain.
https://i.imgur.com/NlS6A0Ih.jpg

Stopped at the restaurant just up the road to eat and watch cars while we waited out the monsoon.
https://i.imgur.com/EfGUBqdh.jpg

These poor guys were having problems with the car stalling out and not running right. They thought they had it fixed but had to drop out of competition not too much further from where this picture was taken. They continued the rest of the week towing the car, Drag Week is more about the experience than the racing.
https://i.imgur.com/wGy0fONh.jpg

First check point.
https://i.imgur.com/B8iJVR2h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/T5uACNch.jpg

Second check point.
https://i.imgur.com/St2Lz6Rh.jpg

Very uneventful drive (for us) because we had rain tires. It rained. A lot. Made it to the hotel at a reasonable time.

ghinmi

10-18-2018, 02:15 PM

Day 2: Tuesday Sept 11

Bit of a drive to the track from our hotel and we couldn't find any place to eat along the way. Luckily Darlington Dragway bailed us out with by far the best track food I've ever had. Rock on guys!
https://i.imgur.com/T3FLCWxh.jpg

A lot of the guys were still drying out from all the previous day's rain. We pitted next to Tracy, swapped tires, and got right in line. Also, met up with our buddy JP that came down from Michigan to spectate from Tuesday-on.
https://i.imgur.com/Are3CtDh.jpg

Wristband still looking pretty crisp.
https://i.imgur.com/xlqpFCIh.jpg

Finally made it out on the track! Pictures I found online.
https://i.imgur.com/iQ4TOnCh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0GSmSx1h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/z34tHWDh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0Werkilh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Ec1rV5sh.jpg

Because I had zero passes with the different sized clutch master cylinder, I launched pretty soft. Went 10.84 @ 128 which I figured would be more than enough to get us deep in the 32 car field. Later that night we found that not only were we not deep in the field, we were #35 and had our work cut out for us. Should'a made another pass.
https://i.imgur.com/7mtpBISh.jpg

They cancelled our drive route and check points because of the hurricane and it would be a short drive to the next track so we stayed around to spectate and hang out with friends.
https://i.imgur.com/JwGEqJgh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zMIeAnEh.jpg

All packed up and ready to hit the road.
https://i.imgur.com/i7MlxbWh.jpg

At the hotel.
https://i.imgur.com/e9l6uwhh.jpg

Cool stuff going on in our parking lot when we got back from dinner. Managed to get back inside at a reasonable hour and catch plenty of sleep. Which turned out to be HUGE for what we were going to go through the next day.
https://i.imgur.com/knLKaPCh.jpg

ghinmi

10-18-2018, 02:49 PM

Day 3: Wednesday Sept 12

Zmax Dragway - twice the lanes, 4 times the facility. Man, that place is huge. I've never been to a place where you could drive around the facility so long and never even know there was a 4 lane drag strip there. They were parking RVs there because of the hurricane, unbelievable amount of parking space there. Just wow.
https://i.imgur.com/upXHtqth.jpg

Unfortunately NHRA owns the rights to 4 wide so they were only running 2 lanes.
https://i.imgur.com/lxQrhqDh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/p4Q6QN0h.jpg

Boom! Not a personal best but the 10.62 @ 130 got us the Jeep ET record for Drag Week! Not a bad day at all, one and done again. We found out later that night that the 10.62 put us on the bump spot for the 32 car field.
https://i.imgur.com/7iChXjZh.jpg

Street tires back on but waiting for some cloud cover to re-pack.
https://i.imgur.com/R1nfIslh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0fGhqflh.jpg

We spectated at the track until racing was done because they cancelled the official route again - the only requirement was to stop at Pat Musi's shop on the way out. No big deal we though, going to be a short drive and an early night. WRONG. Right as we were leaving we got word that the event leader Tom Bailey needed help getting parts.
https://i.imgur.com/c0WjlgXh.jpg

We were able to find the piston rings he needed in Mooresville at Prock Performance. Jeff Prock (yep, that Jeff Prock) was kind enough to open the shop for us and even gave us some shirts. Of course we had to get a picture of him with the Jeep. You can also see the tape on the hood - we decided on Sunday to run sealed hood for the week. It's a street car so why not.
https://i.imgur.com/gcfRHCPh.jpg

We got the rings back to Bailey and heard more bad news, they had hurt some bearings too. Not to worry, they had already sourced parts from a place in.... Mooresville. So back to Mooresville we go again. The shop turns out to be HED that builds a lot of the max effort heads-up engines and Lyle Barnett was the guy we were dealing with. Was already in a hurry and completely forgot to get a picture of him with the Jeep. But did get a picture of a car in the shop.
https://i.imgur.com/HshulIuh.jpg

Get back to Zmax again with the parts and a case of water. Oh yeah, forgot to mention water was like gold there. Every place was sold out because of the hurricane. Anyhow, they had found a damaged piston and were having it driven down from Michigan. We said our goodbyes and hit the road. Oh yeah, we need to get the picture in front of Musi's shop. Where's that? Mooresville again!!!
https://i.imgur.com/2kBcnAlh.jpg

Driving through the night on twisty mountain roads was not well advised for a lot of competitors. This poor guy wadded up a really nice car but luckily both driver and passenger were fine.
https://i.imgur.com/ukpSOzhh.jpg

Got to the hotel a little after 2am completely exhausted. Posted this picture on facebook just before I fell asleep which turned out to be a huge clue to some tricky friends.
https://i.imgur.com/cCi2hh7h.jpg

ghinmi

10-18-2018, 03:54 PM

Day 4: Thursday Sept 13

Wake up, get showered, just about to head out to Thunder Valley and there's a knock on the hotel room door. 7:45 is kind of early for housekeeping. Turns out it's Mitch and his brother Tyler. Mitch is the owner of the shop that did the paint and body on my Jeep. They hopped in his Cobra Wednesday after work and drove through the night to Tennessee to surprise us. The picture I posted from the hotel room window gave them a clue about the type of hotel we were staying at but they had no idea what town we were even in. So they drove around all morning looking for the hotel with a blue Cherokee in the parking lot. Well, they found us. What a huge surprise, great friends!
https://i.imgur.com/eYFdslnh.jpg

Arrived at Thunder Valley. It should be noted that it was hot and I was exhausted before the day even started. Just let this be a one and done day, please?
https://i.imgur.com/spGrZvbh.jpg

This picture is especially cool because it's the same color as my buddy's old Dart that we used to raise hell with years back. The shifter handle from that car is in my Jeep now.
https://i.imgur.com/IKKP9N9h.jpg

Went out and made an outstanding pass for the crummy conditions. Grabbed the time slip and what?! It definitely did not run a 12.3 @ 127 on that pass.
https://i.imgur.com/hmIXYKRh.jpg

Assumed timing system error so went and got back in line again frustrated and still tired. Many other competitors were having the same issue.
https://i.imgur.com/GQGUDKYh.jpg

Wristband was starting to look how I was feeling.
https://i.imgur.com/kMyb2y0h.jpg

Another pass, another unexplained slow et with a bunch of mph.
https://i.imgur.com/y34RB3yh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/p1sew4Sh.jpg

At this point we realized that the starting line wasn't level and the Jeep was rolling backward out of the lights and starting the clock early. Solution: let's go in deeper, clutch in, step off the brake, floor it, and dump the clutch as quickly as possible. What could possibly go wrong?
https://i.imgur.com/AaQEmSxh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dfthODCh.jpg

ghinmi

10-18-2018, 04:12 PM

Head to the starting line with that plan in mind. Launches surprisingly well for a completely different technique than I've ever tried. Rowing gears down the track. The shifter feels a little funny on the 2-3 shift. Still try the 3-4 and the whole handle breaks clean off. Yet another ruined pass. I can't buy a 10 second pass at Bristol.
https://i.imgur.com/F91dXI5h.jpg

I had some tools in the Jeep and was able to pull the shifter boot at the end of the track and jimmy it into 3rd gear to limp back to the pits. One of our competitors had a spare handle in his Drag Week trailer and let us borrow it. Put the shift knob in the way, way wrong location but it was better than nothing. Got back in line for pass #4.
https://i.imgur.com/BBcjWvfh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bWODcmvh.jpg

Everything goes off without a hitch this pass finally and all the frustration of the day pays off with a 10.74 @ 127. Because of the poor conditions a lot of our competitors ran slower that day and we actually moved up to #29 without improving our average.
https://i.imgur.com/ri4VE75h.jpg

Another awesome competitor welded up our broken shifter handle.
https://i.imgur.com/RphXVnOh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/W2myimGh.jpg

Longer day than we had planned and well past ready for sleep. But the hood's still sealed, we still have a good average, and we're ready to hit the road.
https://i.imgur.com/w27GvaBh.jpg

First check point.
https://i.imgur.com/UjYRuhFh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/XpSwaRPh.jpg

Second check point.
https://i.imgur.com/1tLZRZCh.jpg

Last fuel stop before Atlanta Dragway!
https://i.imgur.com/dTQNDELh.jpg

Finally at the hotel, thoroughly exhausted. Went to sleep immediately.
https://i.imgur.com/sKxIjeuh.jpg

ghinmi

10-18-2018, 04:47 PM

Day 5: Friday Sept 14

All the way back to Atlanta where we started. Got pitted between my Turbo Mopar friends and Tracy's Olds. What a sweet spot.
https://i.imgur.com/udRzHq5h.jpg

Friday had a different run order, they ran the top 40 of our class first so that they could set the run order for later in the day.
https://i.imgur.com/bzX4Bgch.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NmFTerVh.jpg

First pass in the morning was great! 10.61 @ 129, reset the Jeep record. Wanted to make a pass in the other lane to make sure there was no funny business like the day before. Clicked it off at the 60' because there was no need to make another full pass.
https://i.imgur.com/EQm4JHih.jpg

First sign-up on the stick shift list!
https://i.imgur.com/04MstL6h.jpg

Turning in final time slips.
https://i.imgur.com/VRZrdaph.jpg

It's official, final average 10.707, a Jeep record for Drag Week
https://i.imgur.com/uylpNBfh.jpg

Waiting for eliminations and staying out of the sun. For reference, we turned in our final time slip around 9am and didn't make our first elimination pass until almost 3pm.
https://i.imgur.com/0BXZmt0h.jpg

Out for a cruise with Tracy looking for some air to refill the tank.
https://i.imgur.com/bRV9HyMh.jpg

ghinmi

10-18-2018, 05:29 PM

Got word that the top 32 had been compiled. We had bumped all the way up to #26. An all 10-second field!
https://i.imgur.com/JJ4nU06h.jpg

One of the fast guys needed a welder so we finally got to break out the super booger welder. He was in impound so I couldn't do it for him.
https://i.imgur.com/vrqrJvnh.jpg

Since the welder was out, it was a good time to weld up some other stuff that we were waiting until it was convenient to do.
https://i.imgur.com/mbgPjEoh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/aJyyZnjh.jpg

Finally get called up for eliminations. They're running the 32 of SME and the stick shift shootout at the same time. Crazy. I wasn't too bummed when I lost first round to a local friend.
https://i.imgur.com/MbK0F36h.jpg

Now onto the good part, the stick shift shootout! No bracket racing, heads-up, only rule is gotta have a clutch pedal.
https://i.imgur.com/tcKEccJh.jpg

First pass we had to line up with one of our Turbo Mopar buddies in his Shelby Daytona. That car was no slouch, had a 10.88 @ 136 average! He ended up having problems during the pass and I took the win. The timing system was having issues and said that I ran a 6.971 quarter mile. After my pass they shortened all racing to 1/8 mile because of the faulty electronics.

Second round I got paired up with a super clean Coyote swapped Fairmont. He had run in the high 11s during the week which is close enough that if I missed a gear or flubbed the launch I could lose, especially since it was shortened to 1/8 mile. Luckily I had an uneventful pass and took the win.

Third round I drew Freddy Cougar, a very consistent 12.3x car. Took the win again and moved on to the semifinals.

Semifinals I got matched up with a mid 9 second fox body. My intercooler was so heat soaked from the multiple back to back hotlap passes and it laid over off the line so I let off and coasted. He laid down a great pass so it didn't matter anyhow. Losing was almost a relief, finally time to pack up and wind down.
https://i.imgur.com/z2rkMFHh.jpg

Went to the awards ceremony. They weren't posting results for the sealed hood cars all week and none of us really knew who was leading. My 10.707 was good enough for second place behind Don and Kathy Hoover's 10.704 2018 Demon. Was a good day for Gen3 hemi powered cars! Also was surprised to receive the quickest AMC award!
https://i.imgur.com/GRgHoeih.jpg

Post-race moonshine.
https://i.imgur.com/4odHM2lh.jpg

Got our post race celebration done before the rains rolled in.
https://i.imgur.com/tZv6Wuzh.jpg

ghinmi

10-18-2018, 05:59 PM

Following the racing on Friday we were going to get some good food but it was rainy, every place was packed, and we were tired so we settled for fast food and called it an early night. Slept in and then hit the road for home.

Ran across this cool J10 and had to take a picture.
https://i.imgur.com/w0pWEbBh.jpg

Just cruising through the night at 80 mph in an old Jeep, nothing else like it.
https://i.imgur.com/3MX8Xk9h.jpg

How you know you're in Indiana - pulling tractors.
https://i.imgur.com/RbA5uk1h.jpg

Finally back home at 2:09am Sunday morning. 2805 miles total, 13 passes, and 9 states. Burned 29.44 gallons of 87 octane, 99.46 gallons on 93 octane, and 52.76 gallons of e85. Total average mileage of 15.4 mpg and had a couple 21 mpg tanks on gasoline.
https://i.imgur.com/stG82lgh.jpg

We did pretty alright with achieving goals on the week, got very lucky.

1. Finish the week (so I can enter the stick shift shootout) Check
2. Make the quick 32 Street Machine Eliminator field Check
3. Run 10s at every track Check
4. One pass and hit the road every day Fail
5. Beat the previous Jeep single pass record of 10.68 Check 10.61
6. Beat the previous Jeep record average of 10.96 Check 10.70
7. Maintain a sealed hood for the whole week Check

Huge thanks to the people who helped get this Jeep together in the first place and those that helped get it ready for Drag week. And especially the best copilot in the game Mike.

I think we outdid 2016 Drag Week, time to retire that hat to the trophy shelf.
https://i.imgur.com/wtNKZUch.jpg

ghinmi

10-18-2018, 06:55 PM

And the full length version with all the video clips and pictures.

Xt576RYZceU

ghinmi

11-07-2018, 10:27 AM

Aftermath of Drag Week wasn't too bad. Lots of bugs and some rubber.
https://i.imgur.com/Mskjp8yh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/LbHyxmkh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/r1PODpWh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yHh2Zhbh.jpg

Quick wash job and she was good enough to drive into town without being too unsightly.
https://i.imgur.com/5htE22uh.jpg

ghinmi

11-07-2018, 10:56 AM

A week after getting back from Drag Week I finally was able to get the new Jeep out on the autocross course.

Safe to say the Cherokee was the largest vehicle on course (except the new Challenger).
https://i.imgur.com/llWvoFih.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/IR8Yzwah.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/G50vPJCh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/A9Mc9OTh.jpg

The parking lot was pretty old and deteriorated, not a lot of traction with all the marbles that kept getting knocked loose. And one big hole that kept getting bigger.
https://i.imgur.com/9kI1J0eh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pwBsIJzh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/CAy8cXxh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/g0g6EJ4h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cOo3J8Eh.jpg

The width definitely hurt on this course and the low traction in the more open areas didn't let me carry speed where I could've made up some time. Still managed to get 27th out of 67 cars. I was pretty happy with that for the first time out.

iJ777nx2SxM

Benefit of having a Cherokee - ideal course takedown vehicle.
https://i.imgur.com/QxrMAFCh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Lw2a79Rh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/u6o42oBh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/j5EDEXPh.jpg

ghinmi

11-07-2018, 11:06 AM

At the end of September, I ran across a pair of my dream cars at a local cruise-in. Two Panteras in the same place is a great photo-op in of itself but I got to drive the yellow one! The hook is set, I have to have one. Someday...
https://i.imgur.com/i2JsX7ih.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/LQ23pr0h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WDv59j7h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yqc55fLh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/XDzCe9xh.jpg

So low compared to what I'm used to.
https://i.imgur.com/74m6u5Bh.jpg

ghinmi

11-07-2018, 11:17 AM

A bunch of my friends were going to the track on October 13 so I tagged along and ran. It became apparent that the clutch was starting to go, it wouldn't hit the tire off the line like I wanted it to. Still managed to run a new best of 10.38 @ 132.6 on a soft launch. All of the three passes I made were within a tenth and were quicker than my previous best time. Super happy with the results.

O31FnG9t2y4

https://i.imgur.com/nXN2MJth.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/XWIrnr4h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/sUfkuh4h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MjC3tFUh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/VdEhX0Bh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Cjoiur9h.jpg

ghinmi

11-07-2018, 11:35 AM

After 3 weeks of rainy weekends, we finally had a nice (but cold) Saturday on the last day of the season at our local track. Was planning on just watching because of the soft clutch but peer pressured myself into running. I was already set up for the autocross the next day and decided to just run it that way on the street tires. First pass on a super soft launch went 11.74 @ 129 which was within a couple tenths of my best on those tires. Second pass I left in second gear, slipped the clutch out, rolled on the power and it actually gripped. Had to pedal in 3rd but pretty uneventful after that, including the 4-5 shift. Figured it was a mid 11 second pass at best, was definitely surprised to see it was a 10.91 @ 130!!!! Went right back out and backed it up with a 10.90 @ 129.5, nearly identical numbers on the whole slip. Keep in mind that this is all on a 275/40zr17 Continental street tire stretched on an 11" wide wheel in a stick shift car. Unbelievable.

VoXMCyLfLCI

https://i.imgur.com/apSqTPCh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Je9Xv4Hh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ElNq1d3h.jpg

On my way back from the track I stopped for fuel in the tiny town of Middleville and ran across this 5.3 swapped turbo Marauder. The odds of two turbocharged modern engine swapped boats rolling into that small town gas station has to be waaay up there.
https://i.imgur.com/WEaIbJEh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3s297Guh.jpg

ghinmi

11-07-2018, 11:53 AM

The last autocross of the year had also been pushed back due to weather but they finally got a chance to sneak it in. So one day after running 10s on street tires at US131 Motorsports park, I'm back there in the morning to autocross through the pits.

Rainy drive there.
https://i.imgur.com/Sydgpd3h.jpg

Good variety of vehicles showed up.
https://i.imgur.com/JVnrNAmh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/o2s60Klh.jpg

Still fairly damp but at least it wasn't raining when the course was hot.
https://i.imgur.com/PLPfhUXh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8RokOVnh.jpg

KkaeodPmGuI

My co-driver Jordan got 18th and I got 23rd out of 75 cars. This course was pretty nice to the big, wide Jeep and the shock adjustments definitely gained us some. I'm learning with every lap, can't wait to do more next year.
https://i.imgur.com/Hkne0msh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/giTPFhSh.jpg

And another rainy drive home.
https://i.imgur.com/SjKbcL9h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/IkiNk9Gh.jpg

ghinmi

11-11-2018, 04:44 PM

One of the Furrin Group members got a bunch of photos from the US131 autocross. Pretty neat to see.

https://i.imgur.com/F2T1nfeh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8GlrMGwh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ShZMhqkh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kKxxLqnh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TK4mjlRh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/L3W8goWh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ihErFeUh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/GVzM1Yjh.jpg

rustomatic

11-13-2018, 04:33 PM

It's super-cool to see this cruck (trar?) getting used and abused. If the world were based solely on potential, you'd have to earn (read: buy) a certificate to hang out at cars-n-coffee events, but only after graduating from first, second, third, fourth, fifth grade (etc., ad nauseum). You are doing it right, dude!:flashie:

SSLance

11-14-2018, 07:20 AM

Fantastic pics!! Love watching this thing get beat on like a rented mule...

ghinmi

05-21-2019, 07:37 AM

After that last drag day and autocross of last year, the clutch was just about done. Not unexpected since it was pretty rough looking when I got it used. Replaced with a new stock Hellcat clutch.

Dust just from unbolting the bellhousing.
https://i.imgur.com/T9bSH09h.jpg

Flywheel still looks the same as when I installed it used.
https://i.imgur.com/D78Ydrvh.jpg

You can see the thickness difference between the old and new disc.
https://i.imgur.com/dIeRMhXh.jpg

Major difference in preload between old and new.
https://i.imgur.com/gMJ0mc8h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5WVjEDfh.jpg

ghinmi

05-21-2019, 07:44 AM

Had a small winter project. Finally got my hands on a Majorette 1:64 Cherokee from Bulgaria ebay. Lowered, wheel swap, painted, added weight. I have a hot wheels drag strip with full timing system, it's one of my quicker modified cars.

https://i.imgur.com/LPbi5bah.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BvbKiOCh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Zla8EM6h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Risgc7ah.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jpeKJH4h.jpg

ghinmi

05-21-2019, 07:59 AM

Winter updates to the Jeep were all electrical. Added a driveshaft speed sensor, electronic boost control, and a line lock. I mounted the switches in an old torched piston from my nitrous days.

Left switch is line lock arm, left button is line lock enable.
Right switch is launch control. If the switch is enabled, vehicle speed below 1 mph, and clutch in, the launch rev limiter is set, boost builder enabled, and line lock set. When either of those three conditions are broken, rev limiter releases, boost vs time starts, and line lock releases.
Right button is rolling antilag.
https://i.imgur.com/Ewg2r6fh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Q3cWqcAh.jpg

Excuse the mess.
https://i.imgur.com/lA73ruCh.jpg

ghinmi

05-21-2019, 08:07 AM

Went to the first test and tune of the year at US131 at the beginning of April. Quite a learning curve with the new launch strategy. Previously I was leaving at 6300 rpm with no boost and rolling the clutch out. Now I'm leaving at lower rpm on a 2 step on boost and ramping in boost down track. Still have to work on it but did get it to 1.5x sixty and 10.50 @ 133. Pretty pleased for the first time out. The tire is much happier than before.

https://i.imgur.com/AN7DXkbh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ziIIihJh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NKc8S0Vh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Qh2FNwBh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ZIvAVFzh.jpg

Had to call it quits early because it developed a brake shake. Yep, drilled rotors that came with the front end kit failed.
https://i.imgur.com/JyOhVaHh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/WvjzVZwh.jpg

ghinmi

05-21-2019, 08:42 AM

Was invited back to be on display during the Autocraft Custom Collision open house. Showed up a little early to swap out the radiator that had sprung an un-fixable leak. That removable front clip sure is convenient.
https://i.imgur.com/9xPun5Nh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jS1rl0ph.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1qfZwJTh.jpg

ghinmi

05-21-2019, 11:18 AM

Made a trip to Chicago and on the way back stopped at US12 Speed and Custom for some quick dyno pulls. Just made two at slightly different boost levels and called it good. 720 whp and 840 ft-lbs. Way more than expected.

Wm_1p0WZxbk

Night before. Good camping spot.
https://i.imgur.com/lDct26ch.jpg

Without a doubt, my favorite car (truck) at US12.
https://i.imgur.com/t7IR9j1h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YO1qg5gh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Ki2oPDGh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/g135GkFh.jpg

Strapped down.
https://i.imgur.com/lJtPoW4h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lxiNnTVh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Bv4HV82h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/CqmaiXEh.jpg

And my cruising buddy Eric.
https://i.imgur.com/3q6DU2Bh.jpg

ghinmi

04-11-2020, 07:58 AM

Time to dust this off again. Got some big changes in process. But need to bring this up to date first. Somewhat off topic but my brother finally finished his '78 Trans Am. Turned out great! Awesome to have a cruising buddy now.

https://i.imgur.com/BbIlU8Kh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/WHTlAMvh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GG9mJ29h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TwYOAAsh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Mynvn86h.jpg

ghinmi

04-11-2020, 08:19 AM

Next up is Metro Cruise in Grand Rapids. I started the event off by going to a track rental by Berger Chevy. The plan was to wheel a friend's 6 speed 2014 Camaro, which I did. But I also talked them into letting a non-chevy run. I ended up running 10s again on street tires but this time with a passenger.

https://i.imgur.com/8TueiCTh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3pZT2hdh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5iDNu28h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mrxwShYh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Ey35ZIVh.jpg

It's always been tradition for people to do burnouts at the after cruise party but I have never done one there. Decided to remedy that situation. I think I did ok. Language warning.

E-uV-02t1TU

ghinmi

04-11-2020, 09:12 AM

Longest trip so far. Michigan to Texas and back.

Packed up and ready to go.
https://i.imgur.com/I6J1wCsh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/iBiPCq3h.jpg

Beautiful drive
https://i.imgur.com/O1iqXwuh.jpg

Ummm. That's not on the way to Texas.
https://i.imgur.com/bZrYKJPh.jpg

An hour south of Denver I started having issues. First was my bluetooth headphones that were charging tried to light the Jeep on fire.
https://i.imgur.com/a1e8wyKh.jpg

Second, I got a bad tank of gasoline and was having fuel delivery issues. I carry spare filters. Replaced the filter in a gas station parking lot, still no beans. The Hydramat pickup in the tank must be clogged.
https://i.imgur.com/zv20QgWh.jpg

Luckily I know some awesome people. Adam Dorey and crew were able to point me in the direction of a new Hydramat in stock, only had to backtrack an hour. Plus they helped me drop the tank and change it in their air conditioned shop. Talk about awesome people!
https://i.imgur.com/YkuMcfdh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Ck6kzEjh.jpg

ghinmi

04-11-2020, 09:31 AM

North pole, huh?
https://i.imgur.com/3A0Llr5h.jpg

There's what I was after. This is the ticket booth for Pikes Peak. Always wanted to drive up to the top with a hot rod.
https://i.imgur.com/ZNMBpGWh.jpg

Unfortunately they were not letting the public drive to the summit due to construction. HOWEVER. I was able to convince the lady to pull some strings and give me a Summit Pass. Would've been a major bummer to drive all that way just to come up a few miles short.
https://i.imgur.com/TWXEhGlh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KyLkBePh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/wE2rucCh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kxRwiyIh.jpg

These two were very nice but absolutely insane. They made the summit of over 14,000 feet on bicycles unassisted.
https://i.imgur.com/VBZS5poh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1mS3nZEh.jpg

No breathtaking views up at the summit because of the construction but I bribed my way into getting a picture in front of the sign.
https://i.imgur.com/nNAFU6yh.jpg