Pics of my rig

[stmitch]

Thanks guys! I'm really glad it's finally coming together.
The tuning hasn't been finalized, but it will be SCT. I've been working with Fred @ Rogue Performance throughout the build since he has so much supercharged 3.0 and flex fuel experience. I've been unable to reach him for the last several weeks however, so I've been e-mailing other highly regarded SCT tuners and testing the waters. Hopefully Fred gets back with me. I'd like to finish what we started together, but I'm running out of time.

Hoping to have the engine and 5spd trans into the truck in the next 2 weeks. Then, it'll just boil down to final details like adding the gauges and working the bugs out.

 

[03ranger30]

Damn that engine is looking good and it isn't even together yet.

 

[stmitch]

Damn that engine is looking good and it isn't even together yet.

Thanks! But now it's together...

Had to change the valve covers due to some interference with the supercharger, but the stock ones may work out better in the long run. Should have the engine and 5 spd trans in the truck by the end of the week!

 

[stmitch]

Old engine is out! Engine bay is cleaned and prepped. Should get the new engine in tomorrow!

 

[stmitch]

Engine is in! Just have to hook up hoses, electronics, etc. Then get the clutch/trans in the truck.

 

[Beef52751]

looks awesome, i love your truck BTW!!!

 

[stmitch]

Thanks! I always like hearing that. Makes me feel like I'm doing something right.

I got the new clutch, and 5 spd trans in last night. At this point, the major components are all installed, but there's still a lot of work to do.
I have to:
Prep and install the new driveshaft
Install the clutch pedal and master cylinder, and clutch line
Route and connect wiring harness/fuel line stuff under the hood.
Install the Explorer radiator
Customize my e-fan to work with the Explorer radiator
Install gauges
Install new fuel pump
Install shifter
Mount the coil pack
Install larger MAF

 

[multiranger]

Holy crap that is one bad ass truck!! Love what you are doing

 

[stmitch]

That means a lot coming from you Multiranger! Congrats on your recent TOTM!

I did get some of the items on the list knocked out today. Got the auto trans stuff removed from the interior, installed the expo rad, and got the fuel lines/ ac lines/ power steering lines/ and wiring harness connected in the engine bay.

 

[stmitch]

Nothing really picture worthy since the last post, but I did get the new driveshaft sandblasted and painted, and my tuner came today. Ended up dealing with Greg@speedydyno after lots of recommendations from local Ranger guys.

 

[doorgunner]

Man! that's some clean stuff!

 

[stmitch]

Thanks Doorgunner! That's the best kind of compliment. I don't do the things I do for other people's benefit (I do them because it would bother me to do it half ass), but it's always nice to know that someone else notices the extra work that's gone into it.

 

[fox408]

Wow. Great build. Any updates?

 

[stmitch]

Wow. Great build. Any updates?

Thank you! No real updates. I'm finishing my final semester of college, so my focus has been on senior projects and finals lately. Not to mention the usual holidays/girlfriend/family/work stuff.
I have to find the harness connector for the clutch pedal position sensor, and then I can get the interior put back together. I've torn the entire interior apart looking for it. I know what it looks like, and where it should be but so far, it hasn't been there. I'll get to work on it in the next couple of days.

 

[stmitch]

Well, the clutch position sensor that I need to do the manual trans conversion is definitely not included in my stock dash wiring harness. I'd seen several other trucks that had the necessary connector even if they were auto trans trucks, so I'm not sure why mine doesn't have it. Ford only has 1 part number for the dash harness, so I figured I'd go to the yard, and see what I could find.
Ended up with an entire dash harness from a 00 4 cyl, Auto trans XLT trim truck. I pulled the entire harness out, and pulled my stock cab harness out, but there are several differences, so it looks like I get to do a bunch of wiring that I hadn't planned on. Ford clearly made different dash harnesses for our trucks despite what I'd been told by other people who had done this swap, and the local Ford dealer.