Well, looks like we will be going North If I can get my toad ready in time. Just bought a GMC 4.3L V6/4L60E trans/Dana 300 transfer case that I will be transplanting into my Isuzu Amigo in the next 2-4 weeks.

I bought the Amigo to be a toad years ago only to find out it can not be towed. The transfer case has no neutral. I could have just installed a Remco drive line de-coupler but that was going to be over $1000 by time I got it all done.

Sure I will have a lot more than that in to it by the time I finish the transplant but at least it will have a much smoother engine, a lot more power, an automatic trans that wifey can drive, still be 4WD and much more fun to drive.

I have to fabricate the engine mounts, trans mounts, and have new drive shafts built. A friend who is a specialist in auto trans is going to replace the output shaft of the 4L60e with the Novac adapter so that I can use the Dana 300 transfer case and go thru the trans while he is at it.

I will have all the parts and pieces by next Tuesday and it will be non-stop working after that. It will be CA SMOG legal after I finish. I already have the Blue OX toe kit installed so it will just a matter of getting the "Air Force One" installed after the engine transplant and I am ready.

Looking forward to the trip, probably leaving around June 15 or so. I will need the trip to rest up after all this work for sure!

quote:

Sure I will have a lot more than that in to it by the time I finish

Ayup! But who's counting?$

Love my Amigo, mine is 1990, has the hard top and is silver. Had mine since 1994 and it is fun to drive.

Wow. That is gonna be one cool transformation.

Ed,
Please take pictures of this transformation you are undertaking behind your barth.
Before, during, & after.
Tere

quote:

Originally posted by Mary Ray:
Love my Amigo, mine is 1990, has the hard top and is silver. Had mine since 1994 and it is fun to drive.

Mine is also a 1990, with hard top and is white. I have 80K miles on it and the V6 going in has only 60K miles, gaining a bit. Lots of work in a short time but I think I can make it!

Been wanting to do this for a long time, my intention is to take a lot of pictures but sometimes I get in a hurry and forget.

Have fun in Alaska! My wife and I are going to Alaska in Aug to Fort Greely for about 30 days... we will be flying. She will have lots of fun while I am working.

Fred & Cindy Cook
1990 32' Regency, Cummins

Isuzu Amigo Engine conversion going well, engine mounts designed and fabricated, by tomorrow I hope to have the engine and transmission mounted.

While main drive shaft is being made I will be doing all the computer/engine harness, transmission harness adaption to the Isuzu system.

Exhaust system changed over

Front drive shaft will be VERY tight!

Over all I am pleased with the progress but a lot more to do for sure.

Pictures later

You are absolutely amazing
Jim

Progress report

Engine trans and transfer case is in the Amigo. The rear drive shaft is finished. Had some clearance issues with the front drive shaft with the side of the trans. I have to notch the pan. Power steering hoses are finished. Radiator is ordered, exhaust system is measured and will be fabricated next week.

Fuel and electronics being sorted out now, BIG JOB!

I am close to the schedule that I have mapped out and hope to be on our way mid June.

Ed let me say WOW. An ambitious undertaking and plenty of progress. You are nearly building your own vehicle. Wish I had your time and talent. Someday the time. I'll never have your talent. Thanks for all your help.

When I think about projects like this (one being adding a turbo to my 1T diesel van) I stick bamboo splinters under my nails until the urge subsides...

Ed, I'm not sure but I think you are even crazier than I am! (At least I restrain myself to just 86Barth) You are my hero!

Ed, now don't go getting a fat head on us.
But, you are 'da man'.
Jim
Anytime you're looking for a project, stop over in Tennessee.
Jim

Further progress report:

All is mostly finished now with just a few minor things to review and complete.

Drive train is completely in and would be functional. Just have to finish mounting the new radiator and re-plumb the heater lines. Install the wiring harness. I bought a "stand alone" harness from Howell Engines in Michigan, and it will be CA. SMOG legal. Tow it to a muffler shop and have a new exhaust system installed. I will use the cats and muffler from the donor vehicle, the S10, but it has to be re-routed to the drivers side.

The only thing that will take some time will be re-designing the Dana 300 transfer case shift levers. I know how it needs to be done but fabrication will be time consuming.

My target date for starting is June 1st. That will give me 2 weeks to de-bug everything before we head out to AK.