Introducing Rockhopper

[eaglefreek]

That thing is sweet!

Thanks.

When I took it by a buddy of mine in Greeley, CO, he noticed there was no IAT (intake air temperature) sensor connected. He gave me one that had a different connector. I spliced it in today and wow, it's quicker. I can smoke the tires off the line with hardly any effort. I measured the tires which are 317/75/16's and they are actually 34" tall.

[Sunny]

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.

Oh I didn't see that. Thanks.

[eaglefreek]

Today, I figured out  the sending unit for the aftermarket temp gauge was faulty. I replaced that and now have a working temp gauge. I need to wire up a parking brake light. I've driven about 5 times with the parking brake on. I bought a red indicator light from Radio Shack just need to figure out where I want it. Also going to install a blue one for the brights, since that was removed also from the cluster.

[eaglefreek]

I finally got in touch with the builder a couple days ago. The engine and transmission are from an 03 Silverado, he's said he has no idea where the previous owner got the 03 LS1 Vette engine idea from. Front axle is a Dana 44 from a Jeep Wagoneer with a LSD and all the outer stuff, including the brakes, is from late 70's F150/Bronco. Along with the Explorer rear axle with disc brakes, this car stops WAAAAY better than my other Eagle.


A few days ago, I rewired the radio. Most of the splices were done with duct tape.


 I didn't want this to turn into a money pit, but I dropped it off at the exhaust shop last night. I was under it the day before, trying to come up with a plan for skid plates and noticed the transmission cooling lines were touching the exhaust. One cat was on the side of the bellhousing and the other was under the bellhousing. Not a good idea for transmission life. Not to mention the exhaust was put together with about 20+ short pieces of pipe frakensteined together. The exhaust guy said, "Man, someone spent an awful lot of time screwing this up."

[Prafeston]

The exhaust guy said, "Man, someone spent an awful lot of time screwing this up."

  That's funny! And also not funny! Hope the fixes don't cost you a fortune and hope your exhaust guy knows how to spend the time to do it right!

[rohnk]

First thing I look for in an exhaust shop is a pipe bender. The second is a welder. If those two things exist, the shop knows what they are doing.

Unless both items are 10 years old and look brand new. That means they are never used so I know to go someplace else!

[eaglefreek]

First thing I look for in an exhaust shop is a pipe bender. The second is a welder. If those two things exist, the shop knows what they are doing.

Unless both items are 10 years old and look brand new. That means they are never used so I know to go someplace else!

This guy did my other Eagle and seems to know what he is doing. I won't be able to show pics of the new exhaust on the grounds that it may incriminate me. 

[eaglefreek]

Well, I just picked it up from the exhaust shop. It looks a 100% better but cost more than I wanted to spend and sounds like Jed's 79 GMC K1500.  (No offense if your name is Jed). It definitely sounded much better with the other configuration but was going to cause some trans overheating on the trail. I'll probably change out the generic mufflers some day in the future.

[Prafeston]

Let's get a little video. I wanna hear this Eagle Screech!

[eaglefreek]

Let's get a little video. I wanna hear this Eagle Screech!

Some day soon hopefully.
I also picked up a tire for a full size spare today. I put a wanted ad on Craigslist and got a guy who sold me a brand new Cooper STT Mud tire for about half price. Now I just need to get a wheel.

[eaglefreek]

 

[rohnk]

Oh Clark, it's beautiful!

 

[Eagleearl]

Congratulations on finding a great looking and running on/offroad Eagle. Glad to see the HID lights replaced. Pictures of the suspension setup would be interesting.

[standup650]

I have eagle envy!

[eaglefreek]

im with prafston. i want to see and HEAR a video of this bird. even tho its a chevy motor.

I'll try to do that in the next couple days. I'm going camping with a friend and I'll have him take some video.

maybe someday it will have an injected 401 inplace of the chevy?? i mean as long as your one of the big lottory winners... lol

Probably not. I'm not a brand loyalist. Whether it's clothes, tools, food or whatever, I can care less what the label says as long as it gets the job done to my liking. I've been following the Chevy LSx engines for a while and glad I finally got to own one. It's quite an impressive engine. I took it to an off road park yesterday and was quite amazed at the low idle torque it had. It would just drive over obstacles like they weren't even there.