Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Still working on my plan. I'm probably gonna swap the fuel system out for a intank setup from Aeromotive. They have this Phantom kit that looks trick.

You should think about doing a OEM fuel module like I did. I've had a 50% failure rate with Aeromotive products and will never use or recommend them. None of the aftermarket companies have a fuel pump that will even come close to the longevity and engineering of a GM OEM designed module.
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

OK. What's the setup you recommend. Could I swap out the Aeromotive pump and swap with an OEM in the Phantom kit. I ordered a AC Delco Sending Unit.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693077

Here is what I did. I could help answer questions if you've got any.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Hmmm. May leave well enough alone and keep a spare inline pump in my saddle box.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Well don't get me wrong, I'd run any intake before an inline. Haha. But seriously. The only difference between mounting an Aeromotive phantom and the GM OEM is drilling a larger hole and welding in a ring vs using the Aeromotive foam gasket.

In fact bring your tank with you in January and we'll cut and weld the ring in while you're here :ito:

Let me ask you this?? How low can the fuel get in your current setup before the sloshing causes fuel delivery problems? Do you have to fill up at 1/2 tank? 1/4 tank?

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Well that's the thing. It's never happened. I'm obsessive compulsive. I never get close to empty. It's just not gonna happen. With a 31 gallon tank, I'll go down to 10 gallons, but not much lower than that. I was jacking around with the fuel situation because I was having some engine squirrelly behavior on the Ramjet with cold start up that I was thinking was fueling, but I've now ruled that out in my mind. That's a tuning problem.

The other thing is your setup looks like there's plenty of OEM connectors and such. I'd like to keep running a factory AC Delco sending unit and just add an extra hole with a cute baffled thingy to manage sloshing. That's what's cool about the Phantom setup. That said, what's your problem with the Aeromotive stuff. Are the pumps crapping out. Because that's a very attractive thing about the inline pumps. I can swap that in a pinch.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Yes the Aeromotive products (I've used both Phantom in-tank and A1000 external) have a short lifespan. Especially the external. The heat just kills them. They are a great product if you're drag racing or doing other sports like that, but to me if you're trying to drive 3k miles across the country or even 500 miles across west Texas in 118* weather, they just aren't up to the task. Last one left us stranded in El Paso, TX. That was it for us. No more external pumps. Next we installed a Phantom kit, 1st one was bad out of the box, second one lasted Hot Rod Power Tour but you couldn't get below about 1/2 tank before the sloshing caused engine stumbles around corners. And with a vehicle that gets 10MPG that really sucked. ALWAYS stopping for fuel.

With the GM Fuel module you don't need to put gas in every 10 gallons. You'll be able to drive it like a normal vehicle and get gas when it's on E. Or before if you like, just not needed. The Jet pump will keep the bucket full and the pump covered and cool even when there is very low fuel level in the tank.

The reason we put the pump right where the factory sending unit was is because this is the Vapor Dome location. This is where the tank needs to see it's vent located to function properly and not get fuel coming out of the vent system of the new fuel module.

Last time I had idle trouble with my RAM-JET it was an O2 sensor that went bad. I know those engines are supplied with a code reader, but let me tell you, a bad O2 won't throw a code on the MEFI3 (upgraded) or the MEFI4A/B. I'm not sure which you have.

If you still have trouble after that, or if you've got a non closed loop upgraded MEFI3 I'd check for vacuum leaks and check the MAP sensor signal.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

And that's why Phillip is a badass. :)

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Quick question, can you use a standard OB2 reader on these things. I don't see a standard hookup. I do have one of those marine EFI code readers that came with it. Kind of goofy. It would just be nice to see if it's sending clean numbers.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

I've never actually tried to scan it with a new OBD2 scanner. From what I remember the MEFI connector was a 10 pin and OBD2 are 16? However I never really looked that close.

Do you have an O2 version or no? If so you could try testing the sensor first. I would say that's the biggest hang up with the factory Ram-Jet electronics. Not a very good supply of information for the diagnostics. I used to have the factory Ram-Jet manual but can't remember if I still do or not.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Yep. Got the O2 sensor. I have some suspicions there because the harness for it was leaning on the exhaust and melted a bit before I noticed it and zip tied it out if the way. It looked fine, but who knows.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Ain't it the truth? I was reading the explanation thinking "I'm sold." I've never heard anyone else explain how steep the downside is to aftermarket fuel pumps.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

If I can save one guy from being stuck out in the middle of no where with his family I feel good. Problem is you don't know that's going to be you until it happens. Converting the Blazer tank to a late model style module isn't the cheapest option, but it is the best in my opinion and is a great candidate for the fuel module upgrade. Many people talk and ask about if the tank they want to purchase is "EFI Baffled". If you've looked in any GM fuel tank after 1998 there are no baffles, that's because they aren't needed anymore and just take up space. The module is the pump/baffle/sending unit all in one. I hate to call it a magic bullet but that's pretty much what it is.

My buddy Carl lays out all of the information on his website.. Here is a direct link: GM Fuel Modules

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Let's see how the native gallery works:

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Is that a grill you're towin?

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

That's our smoker. I'm pretty good on it.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

And again, behold the awesomeness of Phillip. After our earlier conversation, I asked Phillip if he could put together a solution for me. He was kind enough to send me an exact parts list (very detailed) and I had everything shipped to him. Here is what he produced. I can't tell y'all how grateful I am. We have a solid community.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

I forget to show y'all the addition of the Vision X LED headlights. The Vision X LED headlights required me pulling out the crappy HID equipment, resoldering fresh lamp plugs and cleaning it all up. Should have took some pictures. I didn't wire in the halos. I just can't handle that much trendy. I could always hook them up to a relay/switch later on.

The low beams are good. The high beams are great.

I also pulled the batteries and cleaned the terminals. I only needed to POR15 the auxiliary battery tray. Apparently, the factory tray never saw any acid.

Just as an FYI, using the [Go Advanced] button and then [Manage Attachments] is a super easy way to add photos from your phone. It automatically adjusts the size of the photo. I'm hoping the admin will allow us to use this function to repair our threads. No more crappy Photobucket.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Just as a heads-up, I pretty much restored all the pictures on this thread the hard way. Painful, but who wants dead links.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

You'll have to send me a tutorial on using the native image hosting. Can't figure that out to save myself!

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

I'm probably describing it poorly. When I mentioned native gallery, I was actually not talking about the gallery, I was talking about the ability to embed. The only drawback to that is that you loose the ability to edit it after 10080 minutes (1 week).

The more flexible way to do pictures is to upload them two-at-a-time to your gallery on this site. There's a 500kb limit on size, so most people will need a phone app to resize their photos. I have an Android phone. I downloaded a free app called "Photo & Picture Resizer" to help me handle the duty. Strangely, most of the free photo editors don't allow you to resize your photos, which seems terribly strange to me. If I need to do edits on the photo, I'll just use a free photo editor app and then resize. It, honestly, sucks. It would be cool if the upload functionality of this site were more robust, but I'm still happy they're willing to host all these pictures.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Purchased this twin stick kit from Offroad Design. When the NP203 comes back from rebuild, I'll have the shop install this. Kit comes with simple black knobs. I had it powdercoated flat black. Don't want it to be distracting:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1024x7681.jpg

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

So the Offroad Design kit came with this glossy, vinyl, faux metal sticker. A bit disappointing for the price of the kit. Who do we call for an upgraded plaque? That's right....Phillip. Phillip took a digital image of the sticker, redrew it in his vector software, made a few subtle improvements and is producing an appropriate plaque. I'll post when I receive the finished product.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...4-768x1024.jpg

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

The TH350 is being rebuilt, the NP203 was shipped off today for rebuild, ECM was sent off for reflash, delivered the fuel module and twin stick kit to the mechanics.....Now we just wait.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Things are happening though! That's awesome.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

So here's the much more appropriate plaque produced by Phillip. Phillip uses "laser beams". Notice we went with fillets instead of right angles and chamfers. No glossy mess. Looks like a freakin' plaque. Made of adhesive backed metallic material. I asked Phillip to make me two in case little fingers do their damage in the future.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ium/18130.jpeg

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

And the comparo.....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...0-1024x768.jpg

One looks like a sticker. The other does not. Looks like brushed aluminum.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

You get it applied to the dash yet???

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Not yet. Waiting on the tranny and transfer case to get back and installed. Probably two weeks.

I did get an update today on the transfer case. Apparently the NP203 was in pretty good shape.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

The transfer case and transmission are rebuilt and ready to go.

The shop is in the process of installing the twin stick kit for the NP203. The factory lever mechanism is just a messy beast. The Offroad Design kit is much cleaner. I'll loose the 4x4 indicator light feature, but I think I'm competent enough to figure it out without the light.

The TH350 is now built for a little hammering with the RamJet 350.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...6-768x1365.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...8-1024x576.jpg

Probably have it buttoned up at the first of next week.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Man that looks great!

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

I talked to Verne at Transfer Case Express. He's their old school guy that works on the NP203s. Apparently he cut his teeth early on rebuilding 203s and 205s. He's a big fan of the 203 case. Although heavier and longer than the 205s, the full time abilty and toughness make it a formidable box. Speaking from experience, I know the kind of abuse that me, my father and his friends dealt out. This box never failed. Verne only needed to replace some bearings, seals and a shifting fork/collar (which I can't perceive anything wrong with). Think about that. This truck has who-knows-how-many miles on it, and the meat is in great shape. Feels real good. While I was checking in at the shop, I dropped off a B&M 12 Bolt Cover for them to install out back. I had it powdercoated satin black for it to blend in. I'd prefer a Hickey cover, but I can't wait forever. Ultimately, this is probably a better cover anyway.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Unfortunately that's probably true!

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Still looking like next week. Checked in for updates. They're cleaning up the hard fuel lines and various connections. Going premium semi metallic on the brakes. Front pads were pretty worn. One of the rears was leaking. Twin stick is installed. Needed to offset slightly to the right.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

I've had multiple pads on the Blazer since getting it done. They all dusted like crazy except for these!

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=1029451&jsn=2

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Why so many sets of pads?

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

First set came with the truck they were 16 years old and didn't want to stop. Second set would leave my wheels literally BLACK after 2 days of driving. Those were the NAPA Gold ones. And then this set I've got now. Love them. It's weeks of driving before I see dust starting to build and that might even just be road dust.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

That's cool. I've had good experience with the ACDelco semi-metallics. Those suckers can grab. Since I don't run chrome, dust has been less of an issue.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

They're finishing up the front driveshaft and everything should be done.

So here's a little tidbit. I had an ulterior motive in going through the major components on the Blazer. Back in March, I had a wild hair and decided to put in an application to the 2017 Copperstate Overland. Space is limited on these glamping overland trips, but I couldn't think of anything more epic I could reasonably experience with the Blazer and a good friend. Thus, I wanted to make sure we didn't crap out in the desert.

Well.....I just got word today that my application was accepted. So, for the next few weeks, I'll be in a frenzy prepping the Blazer before shipping it off to Arizona. I would love to hear everyone's input on preparations, because I do admit, outside of some basic camping, I'm pretty green to this scene.