After arriving at MoTech,...
After arriving at MoTech, Real Steel’s OE engine harness, grille, and, later, fenders, were removed and everything was cleaned up.
First, let's explain the name change. We found that many don't know what a Gen IV GM V-8 is. Many others thought this was a GenRight project vehicle. While GenRight builds great Jeeps, this isn't one of them. This one is ours. So, after asking readers what the name should be, we've decided on "Real Steel," after the movie about a resurrected derelict robot boxer. Our YJ was a derelict and is now resurrected, too.
After getting its interior and exterior (except paint) rejuvenated at Dixie 4 Wheel Drive, Real Steel went to Las Vegas, Nevada, so MoTech could install a GM Gen IV 5.3L aluminum block V-8, a 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission, and an Atlas transfer case. Tom Wood's Custom Driveshafts is building the front and rear CV driveshafts for the project.
MoTech knows their GM powertrains. They use OE GM components in all their swaps, the only exception being the new, reliable MoTech 10 fuse/2 relay box that replaces the large GM Power Distribution Center. As the new mill came with an AC compressor, we contacted Collins Brothers for the rest of the YJ air conditioning. The company that built these units for Jeep is out of business, so Collins Brothers found a new-looking used OE YJ AC unit in their giant Jeep yard, with all of its parts, and sent it to MoTech.
Deadlines being what they are, you don't see the new Griffin aluminum radiator and electric fan setup (they hadn't arrived yet). We'll show you those in the next installment.
Check out the photos for more information on MoTech's fine work. Next – Real Steel returns to Dixie 4 Wheel Drive for its final dialing-in.
Here’s our new mill, just...
Here’s our new mill, just off the truck. This GM LS-series Gen IV V-8 is an aluminum block (with cast-iron cylinder liners) LH9 5.3L that produces 300 hp at 5,200 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. The engine has variable valve timing (VVT) and active fuel management (AFM). The AFM cuts cylinders when the mill is loafing for better fuel economy. The horsepower and torque numbers will be better in the YJ than they are here, as we’ll be using a less restrictive exhaust than the OE trucks do. The LH9 has electronic throttle control, an extended-life accessory drivebelt, extended-life iridium spark plugs, and GM’s excellent oil life monitor system.
The electronically controlled...
The electronically controlled GM Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission has a low first gear and two overdrives. Its ratios are: First, 4.02; Second, 2.36; Third, 1.53; Fourth, 1.15; Fifth, 0.85; Sixth, 0.67. These ratios will allow the YJ to crawl in the rocks and cruise on the highway. The 6L80 is taller and slightly shorter than a 4L60. We used the OE torque converter.
We ordered our Atlas with...
We ordered our Atlas with a 3.0 low range. With the low first gear of the 6L80, we’ll still be able to crawl. We don’t want to get too low with an automatic, as torque multiplication is lost. The Atlas has a bolt pattern that allows the transfer case to be clocked up for better clearance.
Goodbye, old OE parts. We...
Goodbye, old OE parts. We did, of course, retain the grille.
The old YJ motor mount brackets...
The old YJ motor mount brackets were removed and the frame cleaned up for new MoTech brackets.
The old YJ motor mount brackets...
The old YJ motor mount brackets were removed and the frame cleaned up for new MoTech brackets.
GM OE hydraulic motor mounts...
GM OE hydraulic motor mounts isolate the V-8 well. Real Steel will be as smooth as a new GM pickup or SUV.
MoTech builds all their bracketry....
MoTech builds all their bracketry. Here are YJ motor mount brackets being cut out.
MoTech motor mount brackets...
MoTech motor mount brackets before they’re assembled and installed on the frame.
The LH9 V-8 and 4L60 are mated...
The LH9 V-8 and 4L60 are mated and heading for their new home.
That V-8 looks good in our...
That V-8 looks good in our YJ.
Before installing motor mount...
Before installing motor mount bracketry, it’s best to measure three times, weld once.
There was some jockeying to...
There was some jockeying to get the 6L80 just right.
MoTech fabricated a bracket...
MoTech fabricated a bracket that raised the 6L80 so its pan wouldn’t hang below the Tera Belly Up skidplate. They were still able to get a three-degree angle at the rear of the transmission because there’s so much room in the YJ engine bay to move up the V-8.
MoTech builds their own engine...
MoTech builds their own engine harnesses, using OE Delphi connectors and retaining the GM color coding for easy identification or servicing in the future.
The GM E38 Gen IV ECM mounts...
The GM E38 Gen IV ECM mounts with a MoTech bracket, as does the MoTech fuse block. MoTech uses the GM body control module (BCM). Everything works, including the OE cruise control, electronic shifting, AFM, and VVT.
Our Lokar 4L60 shifter will...
Our Lokar 4L60 shifter will work with the 6L80 once MoTech is finished. The Lokar and Atlas shifters fit through the stock YJ floor access.
Our YJ, being a 1989, used...
Our YJ, being a 1989, used a block-mounted mechanical fuel pump. MoTech is using a 1995 4.0L YJ in-tank electric fuel pump.
Smittybilt’s fast and powerful...
Smittybilt’s fast and powerful 2781 12-volt air compressor puts out 5.65 cfm at 0 psi. It fits where the old YJ jack used to.
With almost everything installed,...
With almost everything installed, our YJ is still sitting a bit high for our taste. BDS leaf packs don’t sag, which speaks well for their quality.
MoTech is named for Mo. Mo...
MoTech is named for Mo. Mo checks on all installations and is happy about the way Real Steel YJ is turning out.