Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

What did you do to your TJ today?

Jumped in a few hours ago no turning back now (exhaust manifold replacement).

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I knew it would be more of an effort needing to deal with the intercooler, PSC steering parts, ARB compressor, and catch can but things are going ok so far.

Didn’t expect I’d have to remove the savvy sliders to remove the fender. I thought I was going to have to remove the shock as well due to the reservoir hose being in the way but I barely got the fender off and thanked the universe…bc the front Fox install is not a good time (especially when charged up).

I really hope the JBA manifold install with titanium studs works out okay. I bought this stuff well over a year ago and just never go to the job. I need to apply some mouse milk to the manifold fasteners before I call it a night.
 
Last edited:
@Ricgowan


Have you looked at the Hella E codes and Auxbeam LEDs?
$98.96 on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Hella-Halogen-Replacement-Headlight-Standard/dp/B000FKIURK?tag=wranglerorg-20

View attachment 559080



These are a direct replacement for the H4 Halogen bulbs (plug and play), I have the Q20 series and IMO they are WELL worth the price and that is a pair not each. Auxbeam didn't charge me tax or shipping
https://auxbeam.com/products/gd0020...IcOj5c-kLZN2SQKat61AfsKL7p0p5rx6JAAoHWoIroS3s
View attachment 559079
Yea, I had a set installed. I like the LED headlights I have and they have great output, but they don't look the part. It is being picky.
 
@Ricgowan


Have you looked at the Hella E codes and Auxbeam LEDs?
$98.96 on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Hella-Halogen-Replacement-Headlight-Standard/dp/B000FKIURK?tag=wranglerorg-20

View attachment 559080



These are a direct replacement for the H4 Halogen bulbs (plug and play), I have the Q20 series and IMO they are WELL worth the price and that is a pair not each. Auxbeam didn't charge me tax or shipping
https://auxbeam.com/products/gd0020...IcOj5c-kLZN2SQKat61AfsKL7p0p5rx6JAAoHWoIroS3s
View attachment 559079

I've been running the Hella E codes for several years now and love them. I did the LED H4 bulb conversion last year and they're great.
 
Jumped in a few hours ago no turning back now (exhaust manifold replacement).

View attachment 559105View attachment 559106View attachment 559107

I knew it would be more of an effort needing to deal with the intercooler, PSC steering parts, ARB compressor, and catch can but things are going ok so far.

Didn’t expect I’d have to remove the savvy sliders to remove the fender. I thought I was going to have to remove the shock as well due to the reservoir hose being in the way but I barely got the fender off and thanked the universe…bc the front Fox install is not a good time (especially when charged up).

I really hope the JBA manifold install with titanium studs works out okay. I bought this stuff well over a year ago and just never go to the job. I need to apply some mouse milk to the manifold fasteners before I call it a night.

Titanium hardware? Got any more info on that?
 
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Jumped in a few hours ago no turning back now (exhaust manifold replacement).

View attachment 559105View attachment 559106View attachment 559107

I knew it would be more of an effort needing to deal with the intercooler, PSC steering parts, ARB compressor, and catch can but things are going ok so far.

Didn’t expect I’d have to remove the savvy sliders to remove the fender. I thought I was going to have to remove the shock as well due to the reservoir hose being in the way but I barely got the fender off and thanked the universe…bc the front Fox install is not a good time (especially when charged up).

I really hope the JBA manifold install with titanium studs works out okay. I bought this stuff well over a year ago and just never go to the job. I need to apply some mouse milk to the manifold fasteners before I call it a night.

Now that's a familiar sight.
20220530_153001.jpg
 
Replaced the valve cover gasket and replaced the spark plugs yesterday. Definitely was leaking badly. Engine didn't want to run very good at first, but after a couple restarts seemed to settle back in...have to see.

Of course now that summer is almost completely over, I tried to install my spiderweb shade. I tried the 6" bungee ball ties recommended here. Wwwaaayyyy to short for my still padded roll cage. I'm going to order 11" and see if it's a go.
 
Any pro tips?

Liquid wrench the exhaust collector bolts before hand.

Once I had the fender off, it wasn't that hard to get to the manifold lower bolts. I think there were still one or two that I had trouble getting torqued properly when reassembling.

Make sure the intake manifold is flush to the head before tightening. IIRC there are two nubs to position it correctly.

I followed the FSM, took my time and had a stool to sit on.

Oh, make sure all connections get reattached. On the first startup my check engine light came on, I thought "oh crap!". Turns out I forgot to connect the coolant temp sensor on the thermostat housing.
 
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I'm off to get my Jeep state inspection done. Fingers crossed.

Update
One hour later and it's all good for another year. 45 minutes was driving both ways.
View attachment 559188

How do you not have a Youtube channel built around trolling people? I can picture it now with fake crowd laughter at every shocked face and turn of a head. You could even troll other trolls...if you drove by in a WhistlinDiesel video, Cody's crew would stand there stunned and call it for the day.
 
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Reactions: Kiwi TJ
Liquid wrench the exhaust collector bolts before hand.

Once I had the fender off, it wasn't that hard to get to the manifold lower bolts. I think there were still one or two that I had trouble getting torqued properly when reassembling.

Make sure the intake manifold is flush to the head before tightening. IIRC there are two nubs to position it correctly.

I followed the FSM, took my time and had a stool to sit on.

Oh, make sure all connections get reattached. On the first startup my check engine light came on, I thought "oh crap!". Turns out I forgot to connect the coolant temp sensor on the thermostat housing.

Thanks, @Jeepin'Ed

I stopped last night after getting the exhaust dropped and fiddling with my EGT probe's set screw that didn't want to come out. I added mouse milk to the intake fasteners but I haven't lubed the exhaust fasteners yet.

I taped all of the connectors and most hoses blue to help ensure things get reinstalled. If there was ever a sensor to forget, I'd want it to be something easy like the IAT or ECT (sounds like you made easy work of the job).

Supposedly, the Banks and JBA manifolds are not a fun install for the late model years. Thankfully, I chose stock-sized collectors so it won't make the installation even worse than it might be. My biggest mistake so far was not buying additional razor blades for cleaning up the side of the block (I probably don't have enough).

I'll keep an eye on the dowels for lining things up and ensuring the intake manifold is flush (fingers crossed). Thanks again for the tips and encouragement.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts