3.0 won't be slow

[Curious Hound]

I hope to be forcing air down this thing’s throat. So big smooth ports are good.

 

[Ranger850]

I'm inspired to build my 3.0, and possibly transplant it into my Nissan Hardbody.

 

[Curious Hound]

Got one of the broken exhaust manifold studs out tonight. I had soaked them for a few hours with PB Blaster on monday. Then got them red with a Mapp gas torch. Then soaked them some more. Have sprayed More PB Blaster on them every day since. Tonight, after spraying, I put a small pipe wrench on one and started applying pressure. It moved and I got it out. It still took a good bit of pressure so I didn't try the other three yet. Looks like I'll win that battle. I have a note on the fridge to buy some cheap candles so I can try the candle wax trick. But it may not be necessary. Having time to be patient is very helpful.


I guess having the engine sitting out in the open on the garage floor might be helpful, too.

 

[88workcar]

Please explain the candle wax trick?

 

[Curious Hound]

I’ve read it several places here in the past. Heat the broken bolt/stud to red hot. Remove the heat and hold the candle on it to melt the wax. As it cools, the wax gets wicked into the threads like penetrating oil is supposed to do.

I think the heating and cooling cycles are important either way. Expansion and contraction should help break the rust bonds.

 

[Curious Hound]

Transmissions.

What would be the best transmission for this project? I have yet to verify the transmission that came with my donor engine. For a ‘97 4.0L, I’m assuming it’s a 4r44e. Rafsanjani said first gear is bad. While moving it and tilting it some, the oil that ran out looks pretty nasty. Plus, it’s rwd. So I would have to repair it and convert to 4x4.

I would like to change to an automatic while doing this project. My thought is that I could use the bell housing from this trans since it has the 3.0L bolt pattern. Would this bellhousing also work on a 4r55e or 5r55e? Is there a point where newer transmissions are too computer controlled for me to mess with? I’m going to use a Megasquirt for Ecm.

Just wondering. There is a 2003 5r55e with transfer case for $400 on Craigslist right now. Would it be worth the money? Or a waste?

 

[racsan]

Yes (as far as I know) its a 4R44E. does nothing in first, could hear something moving inside but “no-go”. could start in 2nd then shift to D above 30 and was fine until you slowed down enough to need 1st then you had to put it in 2 again. the CL deal sounds good, Id still go through the transmission (or have someone who knows what their doing) Its at least a good starting point.

 

[Dirtman]

97 4.0 would be a 4r55e not a 44e. 4.0s always got the 55 series.

I don't think megasquirt will work with a 4r or 5r transmission. They are both 100% computer controlled so they kinda need the factory ecu unless you rig up your own standalone controls but thats above my paygrade.

The 4r44e bell housing will fit the 4r44e, 4r55e, 5r44e and 5r55e, Its more complicated than simply removing the bell housing and putting it on the other trans though. The pump and mainshaft come out with the bell housing and need to be re-aligned.

They are not very impressive transmissions though, wouldn't be my choice for anything like this project unless you plan to do some upgrades.

 

[Curious Hound]

Thanks, both of you. Just to be clear, the 97 is a 3.0l. the 2003 combo on CL is from a 4.0 l.

If it comes down to it, I can stay with the M50d that's currently in the truck. But if there is an auto that I can use with the 3.0, that would suit my offroading preferences better.

 

[Dirtman]

Ok yea 97 3.0 would be a 4r44e. All 95+ 4.0s got the 55 series, everything else got the 44 series.

I have no idea what other automatics were attached to the 3.0 besides FWD stuff. A c4 would be pretty cool but I have no idea how to make one fit.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

If you want to get REALLY frisky with a transmission, could always adapt an old Mopar gyro torque to it. Seriously one of the coolest transmissions ever designed, and genuinely bulletproof by design.

My 1953 coronet has one. I hate autos, but this thing is COOL. They were apparently tremendous in dirt in their era and beyond.


Good breakdown from allpar:

The odd M6 and M4 four-speed semi-automatic transmissions

The odd M6 and M4 four-speed semi-automatic transmissions Thanks to Argent, Bill Watson, Sam Chase, and S. Berliner. The M6, sold as Presto-Matic, Fluidmatic, Tip-Toe Shift, Gyro-Matic, and Gyro-Torque, was a two-speed manual transmission with an electric 1:1 ratio unit (loosely called an...

www.allpar.com

 

[Dirtman]

That movie gave me polio!

 

[Curious Hound]

The little gravelly voiced cartoon guy is scary.

But I learned some stuff. Don't think I'll be using that transmission though.

 

[Dirtman]

I like the 50s method of fixin stuff... Just jam a big ass pry par in there and bend it till it works!

 

[Curious Hound]

Livvy wants to do some wrenching today.