#18’s donor engine finally gives

[AleX1/9]

I have been absolutely HAMMERING on this poor 115k mile LSJ since May of 2018

It ran so well in the donor, I didn’t even pull the trans off to check the clutch. Or do the timing chain fixes, nothing. I even added boost and fuel, ran stronger!

Well now it’s consuming coolant, and from what I know, that’s a head gasket at best, and a cracked block at worst, cuz it ain’t leaking out.

Now, I haven’t even done a compression or leak down test. But, I’m not real keen on a head-off repair and and I see an opportunity to upgrade, even if it’s just a stock new 0 mile long block. Or LNF swap? Is that even practical or is all new wire harness required? Maybe a built long block from ZZP is the way to go?

 

[Rttoys]

This is why I bought a second doner, to get the engine and rebuild that, then just swap. Mine was beat on by 2 teenagers before I bought it, so I know I’m in borrowed time, too.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Conversion to the LNF is doable, depends upon which way to go.

Crate LNF engines can still be found for somewhat reasonable prices, but would need the 08-10 SS/TC ECU, fuel pump (which would also change the fuel tank for the mounting hole and bolt pattern), maybe the dash panel(there has been recent discussion on model compatibility) and some wire harness mods. There may be some other items I'm not thinking of that other TC builders may know of?

Adding a turbo kit to the LNF, after a rebuild or short block swap, may be easier. There are several Goblins with the LNF turbo swaps with good success.

 

[Gtstorey]

Adding a turbo kit to the LNF LSJ???, after a rebuild or short block swap, may be easier. There are several Goblins with the LNF turbo swaps with good success.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

LSJ is correct, my miss application in this paragraph. Good catch, don't want to provide wrong info.

 

[comegetjoe]

TURBO ALL THE THINGS!!!