99 Denali

[Snowbound]

Same as last time, video took forever to load. Maybe it's because I'm using wifi on the laptop, I had to stop upload and start it over like 5 times. Then I loaded video on computer instead of downloading right from GoPro and then started download and just walked away. At any rate, it finally loaded.

You have to excuse my coughing, I had a bad cold a few weeks back and never went to Dr and I think I was on the border of pneumonia. Didn't help that a friend left me a few of his Kool menthol smokes because I was out. They kill me. Haha

As you can hear in video, besides the squeak of the pulley, I have to readjust the rockers. The lifters leaked down and I didn't want to over load them so now I have to go back and adjust them again. I'm going back thru the wiring to find the sensor grounds and inputs to make sure everything is hooked up. MAF, IAT and MAP need to be working. Maybe it's because the scanner was set up for 99 PCM? Maybe in morning I'll enter vehicle as 01 express van and see if it reads that way. Strange that I didn't see a coolant temp on scanner, gauge just came up all sudden, and fans kicked on so it has to have a signal. Maybe it is just because it's trying to read a 99 black box instead of the 0411. Ummm, yeah, that might be it. But, she's running. Minor things to address, fuel gauge, rockers, that damn squeak, high beam indicator and fan bypass and I'm back on the road and ready for tuning. Gotta order tuning software this week.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Congratulations dude!! You got it running. When you gonna take it out?

 

[Snowbound]

Congratulations dude!! You got it running. When you gonna take it out?

Thanks bro. Feels good.
Gonna go thru rocker adjustment again tonight and check PCM with different vehicle entered in scanner to see if the sensors are working. If they are, I'll get headlights and grill put back on and throw a gas can in cargo (just incase) and I'll drive it to work. I'm not far (7 miles) from work and it'll give me an opportunity to watch the O2 and engine perimeters. Fingers crossed.

 

[Tonyrodz]

That's the best and scariest feeling!! That initial shakedown run. I'm still waiting for my ride to get done. They're having problems with the y pipe. I hope you're good to go!

 

[Snowbound]

Well, just as I thought. Entered an 01 Chevy truck in scanner and everything is reading. Didn't show me temps on coolant or intake air but showed a voltage reading that actually was moving so that's all good. Rockers adjusted again and what I was hearing is the rocket slightly hitting valve cover. Rockers and covers are getting replaced anyway so I'm not too concerned. Soon as I fired it with covers off sounded normal. But I went thru them anyway.

Put headlights and grill back on and high beam indicator is all good. Actually took it for a shake down run. I need software like yesterday. Shift points wwwaaayyyy off, bogs like its dumping fuel by the gallons and goes into convertor lock up at 25MPH. I've had some turds back in the day but I wouldn't drive this thing to the neighbors. I feel like the $100 spent for a base tune was like "borrowing" $100 to a crack head.

I hope you have better luck with your swap Tonyrodz. For what I have into this turd I could have done an LQ9 6.0 swap with rebuilding it and adding twins. Just a little frustrating because I figured it would at least run and drive half way decent. Just hate that with me just getting into tuning, this is gonna be a lot to map, diagnose and retune for a beginner. Really contemplating pulling engine and going to an LS at this point. I'll get the HP Tuners software coming this week and might tear down the 4L80E for rebuild.

@Tonyrodz - send me the link for your build. I've searched and seen bits and pieces and all the stuff your selling but couldn't find the build. Would like to know what the hold up is on a y-pipe.

I'd like to say thanks to everyone for the words of encouragement and for checking out my struggles and accomplishments (if you can call it that) throughout this chapter of the Denali. I live for this crap so I'm not throwing in the towel just yet. I will either get this thing running right or push it into Lake Michigan and "do the jingle".

 

[Tonyrodz]

Lol, you're over the hump. You're 90% home, as I see it. All you have to do is sort out the little niggles and you're done. You got a lot further then some guys have gotten. I don't have a dedicated build page, sorry. Guys are constantly after me to do one. I did a 6.0 swap in my 03 Tahoe. I originally had a 4.8 with 276,000 on it. Ran beautiful! No issues other than a p0300, random misfire. Gf drives it at least 95% of the time. I could've left it alone, but..... Lol, you know how it goes. Told the gf, so many miles, tearing into it gonna find issues, blah, blah. Got an 05 6.0 from a 2wd Silverado. Pulled the vc's off and it was clean. Had to change some things, looked like the motor fell, nothing serious, cracked oil pan and timing cover. Changed that. Got some Speed Engineering headers and y pipe, supposedly direct fit for 2 and 4wd--WRONG! So my buddy did the work and left the y pipe unhooked to the factory y pipe, also had to take the front prop shaft out, as it was right against it. Y pipe was also laying against the trans. Heat will eventually kill it. So, took it to another guy to finish up, he's doing a bigger cam , pushrods, did a 3000 Circle D torque converter, trans cooler, and he has to hook up the exhaust and weld in big mouth cats and an mbrp muffler. Everything is done except for the exhaust! Speed Engineering made it seem like they've never had a fitment issue, not true. They said motor mounts are probably sloppy, nope. Checked and they're nice and tight. So, my guy has contacted them and we're both waiting on an answer. It's been a week already. I hope they do the right thing

 

[mtl111]

Once jerryjoe28 let me know about your build thread i've been on here everday checking your progress. You've done some damn impressive work and like Tonyrodz said you're like 90% done. Keep up the good work and we'll be watching kinda like a soap opera we can't miss out on! Lol! Great work man!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[Tonyrodz]

Once jerryjoe28 let me know about your build thread i've been on here everday checking your progress. You've done some damn impressive work and like Tonyrodz said you're like 90% done. Keep up the good work and we'll be watching kinda like a soap opera we can't miss out on! Lol! Great work man!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

We're rooting for ya brotha!

 

[Snowbound]

Hahaha. Thanks guys. Appreciate it. I'll get it right, believe me. Let it be known that this is a fill in project. I didn't plan on taking this far but I couldn't leave it running lean. I mean, I have over $8k in building the engine and for me to have that kind of cash into a 99 Denali that's only worth $3000 on a good day to the right buyer, I couldn't stand that it didn't run like the receipts say it should. When I built this engine I planned on it going into my 97 K1500 but then decided to go another route on that one. Then I figured I could always pull the engine and put an $1800 crate engine in it or rebuild the vortec that's sitting on the gauge floor and just drive it as a back up vehicle or sell it. But as you guys understand, we can never leave good enough alone. Friend always tells me I could never buy a new vehicle. He says I would just bring it home and tear it apart. He's probably right.

Anyway, I'll keep plugging away at it until it's right. Thanks for keeping me focused.

@Tonyrodz - that sucks about that y-pipe. Thing looks nice. Should flow well. Alright, I feel better because I've seen most of what your doing but I couldn't find the build. Sounds like you have a solid plan and will do well in that rig. But I agree with the masses, you should put together a build. It's always nice to go back to or share link for anyone that's interested in how you did something rather than explaining it again. You'll get ahead of it, sometimes the anticipation is the best part.

 

[Snowbound]

Don't want to create waves here, not sure if it's allowed so I figured I'd put this in its own post incase it needs to be removed.

Just wanted to show my other projects that are on hold while I've been messing with one. First is my 97 K1500 Centurion Conversion. I bought it in January of '00 with 62,000 miles. Didn't realize at the time that it's a rare truck. GM didn't make crew cabs in 1/2 ton trucks in 97. It was ordered as an extended cab, cab chassis or camper special as dealer told me. Then went to a conversion place in Michigan for the frame extension and rear cab added. 350/4L60/241 but had a 14 bolt semi floater rear axle. I put a 6" lift on it and plowed with it for 8 years but I took care of it. Washed it after plowing every time and waxed it 3x/ year.

Then decided I was tired of completely replacing front end every year so it was time for a solid axle swap and an extreme lift.

I have pics of the entire conversion but this is where I'm at now. I have a 454/TH400/205 and running on Chevy Dana60/14 bolt full floater. But I also have an extra 4L80 that I might use. Was thinking about doing a Duramax but after getting into the wiring I decided to use a Cummins 24v with a P-pump conversion. It's too big for garage so I only get to work on it in summer.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Hahaha. Thanks guys. Appreciate it. I'll get it right, believe me. Let it be known that this is a fill in project. I didn't plan on taking this far but I couldn't leave it running lean. I mean, I have over $8k in building the engine and for me to have that kind of cash into a 99 Denali that's only worth $3000 on a good day to the right buyer, I couldn't stand that it didn't run like the receipts say it should. When I built this engine I planned on it going into my 97 K1500 but then decided to go another route on that one. Then I figured I could always pull the engine and put an $1800 crate engine in it or rebuild the vortec that's sitting on the gauge floor and just drive it as a back up vehicle or sell it. But as you guys understand, we can never leave good enough alone. Friend always tells me I could never buy a new vehicle. He says I would just bring it home and tear it apart. He's probably right.

Anyway, I'll keep plugging away at it until it's right. Thanks for keeping me focused.

@Tonyrodz - that sucks about that y-pipe. Thing looks nice. Should flow well. Alright, I feel better because I've seen most of what your doing but I couldn't find the build. Sounds like you have a solid plan and will do well in that rig. But I agree with the masses, you should put together a build. It's always nice to go back to or share link for anyone that's interested in how you did something rather than explaining it again. You'll get ahead of it, sometimes the anticipation is the best part.

Lol, so I'll put you in "the build thread" group. If I did that tho, I'd have to start all over again.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Don't want to create waves here, not sure if it's allowed so I figured I'd put this in its own post incase it needs to be removed.

Just wanted to show my other projects that are on hold while I've been messing with one. First is my 97 K1500 Centurion Conversion. I bought it in January of '00 with 62,000 miles. Didn't realize at the time that it's a rare truck. GM didn't make crew cabs in 1/2 ton trucks in 97. It was ordered as an extended cab, cab chassis or camper special as dealer told me. Then went to a conversion place in Michigan for the frame extension and rear cab added. 350/4L60/241 but had a 14 bolt semi floater rear axle. I put a 6" lift on it and plowed with it for 8 years but I took care of it. Washed it after plowing every time and waxed it 3x/ year.

Then decided I was tired of completely replacing front end every year so it was time for a solid axle swap and an extreme lift.

I have pics of the entire conversion but this is where I'm at now. I have a 454/TH400/205 and running on Chevy Dana60/14 bolt full floater. But I also have an extra 4L80 that I might use. Was thinking about doing a Duramax but after getting into the wiring I decided to use a Cummins 24v with a P-pump conversion. It's too big for garage so I only get to work on it in summer.

Looks huge next to the garage.

 

[Snowbound]

After 97 got its makeover I missed having a plow truck. I wanted something with a short wheelbase and a Diesel engine. Settled on a K5 GMC Jimmy. Bought this right before X-mas in '12. Had a locked up 350/700r4/241.

Was going to use a 6.5 turbo diesel and the 4L80 but I couldn't source rod bolts so I scrapped that idea.

Bought a Cummins 12v and adapter to use the 4L80. Then it got interesting. I tore this thing down, blasted the frame and then completely boxed the frame and filled every hole I wasn't using.

There's a lot of hours in this thing doing rust repair. Wasn't any bad rust that was noticeable when it was together but after tearing it down to a bare tub revealed things that needed attention. I hate panel replacement and all the labor that has went in and still needed sucks. I even made a rotisserie so I can get at things better.

This thing has been pulled apart and put together a few times to check clearance and fitment. It's been a labor of love and when it's finished it'll never see a plow hanging off it. I put the 97 in storage and pushed this thing out of garage under a portable garage so I can build a 22' 12k lb trailer to haul my toys. But trailer got put on hold for the Denali.

Now you guys can see where I'm at with my stuff. And I'm always tearing into my sleds and bike while these projects are going. Here's a picture that puts the 97 into perspective. Denali, 2500hd and Big Red in a lineup.

 

[Snowbound]

Lol, so I'll put you in "the build thread" group. If I did that tho, I'd have to start all over again.

That's half the fun. Start over and you'll cut out all the BS. I'd like to see it come to life from what it was to where it's at.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I'll tell you what, you don't mess around! You go all out! Looks like some great father and son projects right there. Let me put my thoughts together on this build page.

 

[Snowbound]

I'll tell you what, you don't mess around! You go all out! Looks like some great father and son projects right there. Let me put my thoughts together on this build page.

They get involved whenever possible. I mostly worked on the K5 in the middle of the night because I was on afternoons but come the weekend, they wanted to know what they could do. I enjoyed every minute of it.

Hell yeah, good to see your going to do a build. I'll be looking for it.

 

[Tonyrodz]

They get involved whenever possible. I mostly worked on the K5 in the middle of the night because I was on afternoons but come the weekend, they wanted to know what they could do. I enjoyed every minute of it.

Hell yeah, good to see your going to do a build. I'll be looking for it.

I loved working on my cars with my son. He knew all his hand tools before he was 10. He's a mechanic now. Guess I ruined him! Lol

 

[Snowbound]

Been getting nowhere fast the past few days. The Equinox decided to start acting up due to lack of attention. It's been a good vehicle and served us well over the years. Only thing I've ever done beside oil changes is 2 sets of tires, 2 sets of front brakes and one rear, and an EGR valve. Had it since '10 and on this past Thanksgiving we were headed home from family's house and I looked down and seen temp gauge pegged and we lost heat. Coolant was full and wasn't boiling over? Checked hoses and they were under pressure but not hot. By the time I checked things over and opened bleeder valve the temp was back to normal and it didn't act up the rest of the way home. Next day I replaced temp sensor and it's been good up until Wednesday. I was sleeping and she went to drive her nephew home and got 4 miles from house and temp gauge was pegged again. She pulled over and called me but I didn't answer. Called my buddy who only lives a few miles from us and asked if he could come pick up kids from our house and take Nick home for her. She told him she was gonna let it cool and head home and then I called her back. She told me what happened and Don was coming to get kids. Long story long, Don's driving around looking for her and left his phone at home, she makes it home and pulls in garage and since we can't get hold of Don she calls his wife. Bout 15 minutes later I'm out of bed, Don is here his wife is here and Nicks dad is pulling in. Holy crap!! So much for sleeping. Haha.
I can't have this thing act up on us so I got a thermostat, couple gallons antifreeze, water pump, idler pulley, plugs, wires and fuel filter. Tore it apart on Thurday morning and had a few engagements at kids school Friday so I went to bed after that and woke up 2am Saturday morning and got it done. Thinking about trading it in this weekend. Time for something with 3rd row, thinking a newer Denali or Escalade. She wants the Yukon Denali XL. We shall see what happens this weekend.

 

[Snowbound]

Had to spin the rig around so I can drop the tank a little to put a new cap on one of the pipes coming from sending unit. Need to make sure it's sealed completely so it holds pressure and I can fill it up without it leaking. Soon as that's done I'll go fill it up and wash it so it'll be ready to get dyno tuned.

I'm only getting it dyno tuned so it will run with all the mods and I can tweak it once I get new trans installed. Being new to the tuning world I think it would be a lot to figure out, it'll be a lot easier to make little changes at first to see how things effect each other. Waiting for Straightline Performance to get back to me with an appointment.

 

[Tonyrodz]

So you have everything figured out and it's good to go?