77 Dodge Ramcharger 4bt conversion.
#16
Registered User
Thread Starter
Newest upgrade
Hey Guys, it's been quite awhile since I updated my thread. Since doing the 4bt conversion, my next upgrade was to enhance the dash with new and additional gauges.
I wanted to keep the classic look of the 70s dash panel with the standard Oil pressure, Fuel, Temp, Speedometer, and replace the old Amp gauge with a Voltmeter gauge. And, add Tach (diesel), Boost, and Pyro (EGT).
I found a 70s dash panel for cheap off eBay, Widened the existing gauge holes to accept 2-1/16 gauges, and cut out the additional gauge holes at both ends of the panel, and repainted it.
I installed all Autometer gauges with the exception of the Speedometer. With the Speedo, I went with the SpeedHut GPS Speedometer to get an accurate reading without having to figure out the equation of speedometer gear, axle gear ratio, and tire size. It will work for me.
All gauges were installed, wired in, and all gauges work perfectly. I'm very happy with this upgrade.
Video http://redirect.viglink.com/?format=...%2FxCssDxg9Ofw
I wanted to keep the classic look of the 70s dash panel with the standard Oil pressure, Fuel, Temp, Speedometer, and replace the old Amp gauge with a Voltmeter gauge. And, add Tach (diesel), Boost, and Pyro (EGT).
I found a 70s dash panel for cheap off eBay, Widened the existing gauge holes to accept 2-1/16 gauges, and cut out the additional gauge holes at both ends of the panel, and repainted it.
I installed all Autometer gauges with the exception of the Speedometer. With the Speedo, I went with the SpeedHut GPS Speedometer to get an accurate reading without having to figure out the equation of speedometer gear, axle gear ratio, and tire size. It will work for me.
All gauges were installed, wired in, and all gauges work perfectly. I'm very happy with this upgrade.
Video http://redirect.viglink.com/?format=...%2FxCssDxg9Ofw
#18
Registered User
Thread Starter
#19
Registered User
Thread Starter
New upgrade...
I received this turbo upgrade a couple days ago. It's the Holset Super HX30w. I have to do a few minor mods. But, it's going in. The factory H1C is fine for a 4bt powered Doritos Stepvan, But, seriously lacking in performance.
This is the turbo upgrade that I have wanted to do since I did the 4bt CTD conversion. It's finally happening.
For those that are turbo savvy, remove or keep the silencer ring? Any difference in performance? Or, is it just for the whistle?
Thanks, Mike
This is the turbo upgrade that I have wanted to do since I did the 4bt CTD conversion. It's finally happening.
For those that are turbo savvy, remove or keep the silencer ring? Any difference in performance? Or, is it just for the whistle?
Thanks, Mike
#21
Registered User
Thread Starter
#22
Registered User
I agree with Pat.
It just makes it more quiet, I don't think it offers any restriction to the turbos potential.
It just makes it more quiet, I don't think it offers any restriction to the turbos potential.
#24
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Land of the Toxic Avenger
Posts: 6,770
Received 1,637 Likes
on
1,112 Posts
Great ride man ! Loved the upgrade of the dash.
If I ever become a divorced, single guy, I hope to have as many toys as you have.
Who knows ? with any luck, she'll divorce me and I can "live the dream"..
If I ever become a divorced, single guy, I hope to have as many toys as you have.
Who knows ? with any luck, she'll divorce me and I can "live the dream"..
#25
Registered User
Thread Starter
Getting back on topic...
#26
Registered User
But you know the old saying: The reason divorce is expensive?? Because it is worth it.
Keep us posted on the performance with the new turbo. My next project is hopefully a pop top RC, or an old flathead Dodge for TROG. I haven't decided.
#29
Registered User
Thread Starter
Super HX30w upgrade.
Hey Guys, this is where I'm at now. The Super HX30w is bolted down. Oil inlet and outlet is clocked vertical. Oil outlet silicone hose connected. Compressor housing is clocked so I could connect to the crossover tube. I Know, that's a lot of clamps within 10 inches. But, it's a variety of machined adapter, coupler, silicone reducer and hump hoses. And, at least these are genuine T-clamps as opposed to the radiator hose style clamps that came on the 4bt. It's not pretty. But, will work for now.
Just waiting on steel braided oil hose and already have the down pipe at the muffler shop to remove about 3 inches and re-weld v-band lip to pipe. I should receive those Monday or Tuesday. Almost there...
Well, I got the factory down pipe back from the muffler shop. What a difference. He cut out nearly 3 inches of pipe and re-welded the v-band lip back on. In the pic, both pipes are 89 thru 93 Dodge CTD factory 4x4 down pipes. I wanted to show the difference. And obviously, I wanted to use the pipe with the heat shield. That modified pipe should tuck in nicely between the turbo and firewall with a little room to spare.
The shop didn't charge me a dime. Mainly, because he didn't want to guarantee the pipe angle and fitment. He just said if it works, bring him some Bud Light...LOL. He's also the same guy that installed my new exhaust in the RC 5 years ago after the 4bt swap. So, I've gotten to know him fairly well.
Almost finished with the HX30w turbo upgrade.
Just waiting on steel braided oil hose and already have the down pipe at the muffler shop to remove about 3 inches and re-weld v-band lip to pipe. I should receive those Monday or Tuesday. Almost there...
Well, I got the factory down pipe back from the muffler shop. What a difference. He cut out nearly 3 inches of pipe and re-welded the v-band lip back on. In the pic, both pipes are 89 thru 93 Dodge CTD factory 4x4 down pipes. I wanted to show the difference. And obviously, I wanted to use the pipe with the heat shield. That modified pipe should tuck in nicely between the turbo and firewall with a little room to spare.
The shop didn't charge me a dime. Mainly, because he didn't want to guarantee the pipe angle and fitment. He just said if it works, bring him some Bud Light...LOL. He's also the same guy that installed my new exhaust in the RC 5 years ago after the 4bt swap. So, I've gotten to know him fairly well.
Almost finished with the HX30w turbo upgrade.