Introducing Rockhopper

[eaglefreek]

Thanks to Mudpuppy, my new Eagle is named Rockhopper, after the Rockhopper penguin.

I purchased this Eagle in Provo, UT. I drove it from UT to TN averaging 17.5 mpg. It has a Chevy 5.3l V8, 4L60E transmission, NP231 transfer case, Explorer 8.8 rear, Dana 44 Front with Fox coilovers. It will need some attention to a few things otherwise it runs great.







The first thing I did was rip out the HID headlight conversion. I had one go out after only owning it 2 days. I never liked the glare from other cars with HID conversions, so I was happy to see it go. I used the housing that were set up for H4 bulbs and just put stock H4 bulbs in for now. I will eventually upgrade the wiring and install relays to the headlights.



I also installed a new antenna and messed around with the aftermarket temperature gauge but haven't figured out why it's not working properly.

[vangremlin]

It has a Chevy 5.3l V8,

Did the previous owner say what inspired him to put in the Chevy LS1 engine?

[Prafeston]

Would the HID setup still be usable? I've been considering upgrading my lights.

The Eagle looks awesome man. Can't wait to see what else you do to it...or if you do nothing I can't wait to see you having some good ol' fun with it!

[MudPuppy]

Thanks to Mudpuppy, my new Eagle is named Rockhopper, after the Rockhopper penguin.

Glad you like the name.
Now if I can only stop drooling over it, that is one hot rig.
I hope you get it all straightened up soon so you can enjoy it more and of course share lots and lots of pictures of Rockhopper.

[eaglefreek]

Would the HID setup still be usable? I've been considering upgrading my lights.

The Eagle looks awesome man. Can't wait to see what else you do to it...or if you do nothing I can't wait to see you having some good ol' fun with it!

One of the bulbs went out. I didn't make a note of which one. There is a chance a ground wire had come off but can't say for sure. It is only a set for one pair, low/high. He had H4 bulbs in the high lamps. You would have to buy H4 housings. If you want them you can have them for the price of shipping. I don't live near you, so you won't me of while your driving down the road with your glaring headlights. 

[Prafeston]

Do you happen to know the temperature of the bulbs? I can't stand the really bright ones. Anything over like 6000k is just too much. I think stock cars with HID lights are like 4300k. My old Speed3 had 6000k bulbs and they were a bit too bright/blue for my liking.

[rohnk]

Nice deal EagleFreak. I am anxious to see what all foes on with this Eagle. Very nice write-up on your trip BTW. I really enjoyed the pictures.

[amc78concord]

Thats so cool... I'd really like to see more pictures of it!

[Sunny]

It has a Chevy 5.3l V8,

Did the previous owner say what inspired him to put in the Chevy LS1 engine?

It's not actually an LS1 if it's a 5.3
It's an LS based motor, but an LS1 is a 5.7L
Depending on the year, it's a Vortec based LM7, L59, LM4, L33.

I thought in the original listing said it was an LS1 from a Corvette though.. which would make it a 5.7L. It LOOKS like an LS1 though, from the picture..

[Prafeston]

He explained this in one of the other threads.

Unfortunately, I found out it's not an LS1 from a Vette but a truck 5.3l with Ls1 intake and accesories. I'm not upset about it because it runs great anyways.

[shaggimo]

  17.5 mpg is decent with those 35's.

[Prafeston]

17.5 mpg is decent with those 35's.

I'd take that. It's like a million times fast than the Eagle, taller, bigger tires, bigger engine. It's improved in pretty much every way and still getting what my average is if you look at the fuelly app in my signature. Of course most of that 17.5 was all highway. I did get 21MPG my last mostly full highway mileage.

[eaglefreek]

I was wondering what a mostly stock Eagle would get with one of those engines. My sister had a 2000 Silverado 1500 with the 5.3l and she would get 20-21 on the highway.

[shaggimo]

Depends if you could keep your foot out of it  , lol. I believe the impala ss (5.3) can get about 24-25 hwy, so I would have to think the eagle would do about the same.

[jeepjerry]

That thing is sweet!