The conversion has begun!!!

[OrangeCrush]

The H2 arrived last week in CA for the diesel conversion. Because it was over 2 weeks late arriving, they didn't get a chance to start on it till the end of last week.

So, here's some pics...


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/H2/h2008.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/H2/h2009.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/H2/h2010.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/H2/h2011.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/H2/h2012.jpg

I'll keep ya all informed as it goes along.

Mark

[twr]

Hi Mark, fuc- i hope he doesn't wire your truck like he did his lift.

[Easy Ed]

Tracy, good eye :giggling: :giggling: :giggling:

Hi Mark, fuc- i hope he doesn't wire your truck like he did his lift.

[twr]

Hi Ed. 20/20 for the eyes:perfect10s: my fingers are crossed Mark!!

[OrangeCrush]

I saw that but I'm hoping that it doesn't represent the wiring that goes on in my truck...lol.

Hopefully....lol.

Mark

[Viet Nam Vette]

Sweet... Just like my old 65 Corvette...Rip That Body off!:jump:

[twr]

Hi Mark, i worry to much it will be all good, it must be my 26 years as a mechanic.

[Viet Nam Vette]

Dude.. It will all work out... You have some big Balls. It's a Big job to take on ... But when it's done and that Diesel is knocken under your feet..you'll be squit-en all over the place.

Go for it !!! It's all good. You will stand out in the crowd..My Man.:dancingbanana:

[twr]

Hi Viet Nam Vette, what being done to your vette?

[HUMMERICH23]

I think its awesome you are doing the conversion! Will they do anything to your suspension to make up for extra weight of the diesel since its modified already? What will be your HP and TQ numbers in your package your getting?

[Viet Nam Vette]

Hi Viet Nam Vette, what being done to your vette?

That was done about three years ago... We pulled the body and did a completet rebuild on the frame and then droped in a GMPP ZZ502 BB with a 5 speed Tranny...Did the rear and all running gear. Then added A/C and real Freaken loud Side pipes..

That's why I admire you for the engine mods... It's all about enjoying life and your rig.. Below is the 502 in the vette after the conversion. I'm still squirt-en after all these years...

:beerchug:

[Viet Nam Vette]

Hi Viet Nam Vette, what being done to your vette?

Put up the wrong pic the first time ..My last post now has the right one...

[twr]

Viet Nam Vette thats a very nice vette you have:beerchug: sorry Mark about a side track on the vette

[Viet Nam Vette]

very nice vette:beerchug: sorry Mark about a side track on the vette

So to answer his question......."What will be your HP and TQ numbers in your package your getting?"

[Cesardajr]

who is doing the conversion? is it predator?

[ROUSHDEMON]

damn Mark... I saw that picture and had a reaction that I would have if I saw an opened wound to the bone... OUCH!
Good luck bro...

[OrangeCrush]

First, a few clarifications....

The company doing the conversion is called Hollywood Hot Rods. I could never afford Predator and Mike at Mash Motors and this guy are friends and after talking to him, I've very comfortable with him doing the work.

His lift... I didn't mention it but he's building a shop at his home. He was going to do my truck at his shop but it took me a couple of weeks to make arrangements and another 3 weeks to get the truck there. At that point he had already started to move to his new shop. He wasn't even sure where he was going to put his lift so he JUST installed it so he could start my truck. ....thus, the wiring mess. You can see in the background the framing for the building, doesn't even have sides up yet, the cement is still green, etc, etc. Bad timing on my part.

The stock LBZ duramax diesel puts out 360 HP. 620 ftlbs of torque. The allison transmission can only handle 700-750 ft.lbs of torque.

Sooooo, 3K later on a tranny and I can add more HP. I'm using a PPE HOT tuner. It has 10 levels on it. I'm using the 4th.

The 4th level puts out an add'l 225 HP and 335 ft.lbs of torque on top of the stock HP/TQ.

That'll be about 955 ft. lbs. of torque, which will leave almost 800 ftlbs. of torque at the wheels. Now tell me I can't pull my fukkin trailer. (the whole reason this conversion started in the first place.... fukkin trailer pissed me off. I told it the next time I see it, I'm yanking it's body off the fukin wheels) :fdance:


So, now ya'll know what I know. I'll keep pics and updates coming as I get them.


BTW.... There are several reasons why I didn't do the conversion myself.

The first, I'm afraid of the wiring...lol. I'm not much for wiring and don't really want to fuk with it.
Second, for the price I'm getting, there is NO WAY I'd mess with it.

Last but not least, I'm still trying to finish some other projects. In my waiting room floor, I've got this....

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/Nightrain/IMG_0348.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/Nightrain/IMG_0347.jpg

I'm trying to finish this bike...

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/Nightrain/IMG_0420.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/Nightrain/IMG_0419.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/Nightrain/IMG_0413.jpg


And while I'm working on this, I'm still messin' with this. I've had the engine in and out so many times, I'm thinking of installing it with velcro.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/S10/IMG_0345.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/S10/IMG_0344.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/S10/IMG_0342.jpg

Between remodelling the house for the last 11 months (just finished last week, carpet is being installed TODAY...woohoo), the mini cooper (now officially done) and the bike and S-10, there is NO WAY I've got time to do the H2.

That's the main reason why I didn't attempt it myself. I was going to do it and just pay someone to do the wiring but honestly, my plate is so full, I don't know where to start or finish.


Mark

[twr]

Hi Mark, you do have a full plate. Your not really going to hurt that poor little trailer are you?:giggling: P.S Nice scooters:perfect10s:

[OrangeCrush]

Sweet... Just like my old 65 Corvette...Rip That Body off!:jump:

Looks great. We recently finished a body-off resto at my other bodyshop for a 63 split window Corvette.

Right now we're trying to get some paint on Rick Hendrick's 1967 Corvette. He wanted it sprayed in original lacquer and when I say we literally got the last 2 gallons of silver lacquer in the country, I mean we got the last two gallons. (cost us over 2200 bucks for 2 gallons)

But hey, he's go money, right?...lol.


Mark

[OrangeCrush]

P.S Nice scooters:perfect10s:

I've been working on this bike for over a year now. I went entire last season without riding and my buddy who is doing the fab work is waiting on me to finish the bodywork so we can get this back together.

I'm dying to go riding and the pink Harley in the back is my wifes. If I don't ride, she won't.

I told her I hate to break it to her but if her bike was down... adios, I'm STILL riding.

Mark

[twr]

Come on Mark that pink bike is yours:giggling: :giggling:

[twr]

Mark, maybe i will let you ride one of mine both are red:giggling:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee138/tracy588/my%20bikes/PICT0028-1.jpg

[OrangeCrush]

I gotta ask cause I've never really understood. Why would anyone own two of the same bikes (e glides in this case)

Not dissin', just wondering. I've got a couple of friends that though are different years are the same model and I could never figure it out.

That would be like me buying a SUT and an SUV H2 for lack of better example.

Just curious.

Mark

[HummerJim]

I think the fact that he's sending you pictures as he goes would make me trust him even more. The devil is in the details with the alignment, the linkages, the wiring, and there's always something that has to be made from scratch.
I knew many of us were into Vettes, but motorcycles too! My 1969 Triumph Bonnevile was bought new and 41 years and 28,000 miles later it's one of those toys I'll never get rid of.....till death us do part. The tank has had a repaint and I rebuilt the engine with slightly lower compression ratio pistons and hardened valves and seats in the head, but otherwise it's bone stock.

[OrangeCrush]

I think the fact that he's sending you pictures as he goes would make me trust him even more. The devil is in the details with the alignment, the linkages, the wiring, and there's always something that has to be made from scratch.
I knew many of us were into Vettes, but motorcycles too! My 1969 Triumph Bonnevile was bought new and 41 years and 28,000 miles later it's one of those toys I'll never get rid of.....till death us do part. The tank has had a repaint and I rebuilt the engine with slightly lower compression ratio pistons and hardened valves and seats in the head, but otherwise it's bone stock.

Jim,

That is beautiful. Until I got older (tried holding off....just couldn't) I never had appreciation for the older bikes.

That's really cool that it's been restored.

Nice...

Mark

[pdxrealtor]

Your Hummer conversion is going to be bad ass...

what's it costing you just for the work??

[Cesardajr]

Your Hummer conversion is going to be bad ass...

what's it costing you just for the work??

I 2nd this question, will conversion to diesel finally be cost effective...
i hope so...

[OrangeCrush]

I 2nd this question, will conversion to diesel finally be cost effective...
i hope so...

Yes, it's cost effective.... I made a deal with the guy not to disclose how much I'm paying for the labor. When it's done, I'll verify the work and post everything.

Not trying to be evasive, just keeping a promise.


Mark

[kalantar]

Mark,

Is this a new engine and tranny you are installing?
Where in California is this? (SoCal?)
Do you mind sharing the cost of the parts?

I am considering doing the same thing and would really like to see the finished project. I live in Orange County.

[OrangeCrush]

Mark,

Is this a new engine and tranny you are installing?
Where in California is this? (SoCal?)
Do you mind sharing the cost of the parts?

I am considering doing the same thing and would really like to see the finished project. I live in Orange County.

No, it is not new. My truck has 50K miles on it and I wanted a donor truck with roughly the same miles.

I ended up buying a 2007.5 (looked specifically for an LBZ duramax diesel engine) 2500 chevy truck with 44K miles for 8500 bucks. (Travis found the truck for me in CA)

You really need an entire donor truck and not just the drivetrain since there's too many add'l items needed. (ie. gauge cluster, harness, ecm, radiator, 4WD/2WD push buttons, fuel tank, fuel pumps, etc, etc)

In the meantime, he came across the same truck with 26K miles so if he manages to get his hands on it, he may use that one.

Travis is located in Astcadera, CA.

Hope that answered your questions.


Mark

[edbrick]

I can't wait to see how this turns out. An H2 with a duramax should be the perfect combination.

[pdxrealtor]

How's your conversion coming along??

[OrangeCrush]

How's your conversion coming along??

Sorry, been busy, I should have posted some pics.

Here's a quick update...

Drivetrain is completely installed, exhaust, fuel system, tank and stuff is done.

He's prepping the radiator support (you have to modify the upper tiebar) to get the body back on.

This coming week he's starting the electrical.

Slowly but surely... He's being anal as hell and I told him that I'd rather he take his time than "jerry rig" anything.

So far, so good.


Mark

[pdxrealtor]

Cool man... looking forward to pics!

[Viet Nam Vette]

Cool man... looking forward to pics!

Yeah Me too... That's gonna be F awsome!!!!:D

[OrangeCrush]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/H2/h2007.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/H2/h2006.jpg


Just a few pics...

I'll post more later...


Mark

[OrangeCrush]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/H2/testfit005.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/H2/testfit004.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/H2/testfit003.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/MyBlueC5/H2/testfit002.jpg

Just test fitting...

[Viet Nam Vette]

What did the Motor come out off...it is used correct??

[OrangeCrush]

What did the Motor come out off...it is used correct??

Yeah, I couldn't afford a new engine so I bought an '07 Silverado with 44K miles. It was a total.

I was trying to keep the mileage similiar to what the truck already has so used works in both ways.


Mark

[Viet Nam Vette]

Yeah, I couldn't afford a new engine so I bought an '07 Silverado with 44K miles. It was a total.

I was trying to keep the mileage similiar to what the truck already has so used works in both ways.


Mark

Cool..Smart Move. Diesel's are know for their long lasting milage as long as they are serviced when due.

Lots-a electrical gack going on there in them pics. Whats the HP and Torque rating on that motor.. ?

[splne1]

LOOKING GOOD!!!:perfect10s:

[timgco]

Damn Mark, have that rig shipped to Denver for some testing! I run that rig up I70 through the mountains and make sure that deisel works properly! :excited:

[OrangeCrush]

LOOKING GOOD!!!:perfect10s:

Thanks bud.... getting there.




Damn Mark, have that rig shipped to Denver for some testing! I run that rig up I70 through the mountains and make sure that deisel works properly! :excited:

I'll make ya a deal. I'll ship it from CA to CO and you drive it to me when you're done, deal? :fdance:

[kalantar]

Any updates?

[OrangeCrush]

Any updates?

Yup, sorry, should have kept this going...

Engine and all drivetrain is in and done. Body's on.... (he had to take it off roughly 5 different times to make sure everything fit... and then when he did get it on, he found out he had to pull the body one more time and make new engine mounts, tranny mounts and shorten the driveshaft (again)

He had it in there but felt it would be better if it was one more inch back so he redid it all.

Anyway, he's doing the electrical this week, then he sends it to his buddy who works at a Hummer dealership to make sure all electrical systems function correctly.

Oh, the only other thing is the radiator support. Because you have to basically cut it out and drop it down a few inches, the upper tie bar gets cut to crap.

So he made his own upper tie bar out of stainless and sent it out to get laser cut.

Other than that, shipping will add another 3-4 weeks on to this.

Almost done...


Mark

[HummerJim]

As you know the trick is in all the details (take it from one who dropped a small block Chevy into an XKE when he was in his 20s)! Even with a custom oil pan the steering and front end suspension required some hair pulling. Never could fit the heater blower, so it ended up under the dash with a small Crosley unit and it took 4 months to track down a short that was draining the battery. From the pictures, it looks like your guy really has his sh** together.
It looks like he is doing a very thorough job. 3 - 4 weeks for shipping? You're not going to drive it cross country, make a vacation out of it, visit your Hummer friends on I70??? With the old one being Orange Crush, this one should be the Beast! You are going to have so much fun in that Hummer!

[OrangeCrush]

As you know the trick is in all the details (take it from one who dropped a small block Chevy into an XKE when he was in his 20s)! Even with a custom oil pan the steering and front end suspension required some hair pulling. Never could fit the heater blower, so it ended up under the dash with a small Crosley unit and it took 4 months to track down a short that was draining the battery. From the pictures, it looks like your guy really has his sh** together.
It looks like he is doing a very thorough job. 3 - 4 weeks for shipping? You're not going to drive it cross country, make a vacation out of it, visit your Hummer friends on I70??? With the old one being Orange Crush, this one should be the Beast! You are going to have so much fun in that Hummer!

I'm not one for jerry rigging. I told the guy I do not care what it takes but don't fuk up my truck or there will be hell to pay. I never want to hear that they were "trying to save money" or whatever... I want it done RIGHT.

Having said that, I'm thrilled so far with the work being done, he seems as anal as I am so I honestly have no fears with what's being done.

Yeah, 3-4 weeks... it took me almost a month to get a carrier to get the truck out there.... hopefully it doesn't take as long getting back.


Mark

[timgco]

DAMN! Good luck on it all!

[Viet Nam Vette]

Having done a conversion on my 65 Vette from a SB to a 502 BB with a Keisler 5 speed tranny .. I also know what you can run into. When you change one thing it always effects another.

It took me a year including redoing the frame with all new suspension parts with the Body Off.
When you drop in a BB then Fuel Electrical and mechanical all jump up and bite you in the Hiney.

But being as ANAL as I am an you ..If I didn't have what I needed I either had it made or Fabbed it myself or bought the correct part to make it work.

Since all the parts are happy and work together I'v had no problems with any brakeage of any thing in the drive line. And I Jump on it every now and then... Mostly "Then" :D

Here's a pic of the motor cramed into the 65 Vette.

[OrangeCrush]

That's freakin' pretty as hell.

Not sure if you looked at my pics in the beginning of this post but I'm installing a blown 468 cu.in. into my S10.

It's tubbed, caged and basically done. I'm just revamping since I had an Lt-1 for a few years in it first.

Never ending project...


Mark

[Viet Nam Vette]

That's freakin' pretty as hell.

Not sure if you looked at my pics in the beginning of this post but I'm installing a blown 468 cu.in. into my S10.

It's tubbed, caged and basically done. I'm just revamping since I had an Lt-1 for a few years in it first.

Never ending project...


Mark

Thanks Mark for the comments on my install. I didn't know you were a gear head like me.. I didn't see the Pic's... I'll go back and check out your Pavement destroyer... 468 with a Blower is a monster!!!!!!... There's no weight in that S10... you'll need a "G Suit" ....

:jump:

[Viet Nam Vette]

Yeah Baby.. Just looked at your pic's.. That's a Friggen Beast.. I like that Low profile Blower with the snout.. Now we have to Rides to watch from you..

Keep us up on the H2 conversion as well as the rocket ship...:beerchug: