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Posted By: JNPerformance 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - March 07th 2018 3:24 am
So I thought I would start this thread to show everyone what's going on and share ideas. I have had chevy pathfinder vans for 20 years now. This will be my 3rd one. I have worked on a ton of 2x4 vans also. Chevy has always been my favorite from when I was a little kid. So my first van was an 86 carbed van. Just a ratty old cargo van with 2 seats and a sliding door that never worked right and a ton of rust. I found a 92 chevy van that was 2 wheel drive and swapped everything over to it and made it a 4x4. In 2012 I purchased a Ramjet 350 crate engine and put in the van. I had a lot of fun in the van but years have past and the rust has once again won the battle. 2 years ago I found an 89 g30 2 wheel drive for sale in Las Vegas NV and bought it and flew a buddy there and he drove it back. It is in immaculate shape other than being white which will be taken care of shortly. I am getting ready to place an order for an atlas 2 transfer case. The van will have an nv4500 manual transmission in it. Already have the hydraulic clutch pedal installed. I will try to remember to post pictures as I go. Going to set the motor in soon.


Description: 92 van just after 4x4 build 2008
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Description: Ramjet 350 uncrated
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Description: 89 van from vegas totally stripped
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Description: Installing new insulation and covering engine well with treadbrite
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Description: Custom front leaf spring perches completed yesterday
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Description: 9.5 14 bolt ready to go in. Upgrading to a 10.5 14 bolt soon
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Description: Fuel tank is back in. I cut a neat access hole so I will never have to remove the tank again to get to fuel pump.
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Description: Inside of van sprayed with fire retardant foam to kill noise and strengthen body panels
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Posted By: frscke1 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - March 07th 2018 4:26 am
SWEET ! nice work on a choice van ...
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - March 07th 2018 12:22 pm
I appreciate the kind words. I love working on these vans.
Posted By: tuner4life Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - March 07th 2018 12:27 pm
Looks like a sweet project!

Couple of things. First. I'm not sure what insulation that is on the walls, but here in Indiana, it will probably hold moisture and rust the walls. I'd remove it as much as possible!

Also, can you take some pictures of the hydraulic clutch pedal setup and the master cyl? Hoping to swap my mechanical/linkage clutch to hydraulic soon and looking for pictures of this please!
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - March 07th 2018 2:22 pm
What year is your van? The insulation is closed cell so water won't penatrate it. Will get some pictures posted soon. It is an aftermarket wilwood pedal/hydraulic assembly.
Posted By: tuner4life Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - March 08th 2018 1:45 pm
Mine's a 1985. Gotcha. Closed cell should be good to go.
Posted By: Wedgy Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - March 09th 2018 8:02 pm
Going deep into another quality Chevy build.

I like the diamond plate shroud you crafted in there. Unique.
Nice work JN! Performance is right!
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - March 11th 2018 3:58 am
I appreciate it. It's a nice alternative to seeing crappy insulation that blows out over time. Posting a picture of the red van. Tore it all to heck today. It was a nice day to work outside in Indiana today. The steering columns are different between an 89 and a 92 so having to engineer some custom parts. I believe I'm going to be able to use the brake pedals from both vans so my clutch pedal will look stock. Will post some pics soon. Getting ready to place the order for the atlas 2 transfer case this week.

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Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - April 07th 2018 2:20 am
Posting pictures of brake lines and engine crossmember.

Aldo new wheels and tires!

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Posted By: frscke1 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - April 07th 2018 2:35 am
Coming along nicely ! !
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - April 07th 2018 12:22 pm
Very nice work.
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - April 25th 2018 10:58 pm
The engine came in a week ago. I went ahead and spent the money and bought another ramjet 350. They are a great crate engine.

Also working on the battery tray. Made from stainless steel and will never rust.

Transfer case is ordered and should be here in a week or so.

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Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - April 28th 2018 11:44 pm
Engine and transmission are in. Everything went pretty smooth. I found out years ago that when installing a Ramjet crate engine, there is not enough room because the ram manifold is so tall. The boom of the engine hoist won't fit between the top of the engine well and the manifold. I save myself a lot of headache and just remove it. Only costs a set of intake gaskets. Transmission went in like a breeze up the hays 12 inch super truck clutch.

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Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - April 29th 2018 11:45 am
Looking good!
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - April 30th 2018 2:14 am
O2 sensor relocation....

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Posted By: Dyno_Dave Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - May 02nd 2018 1:06 am
Rotated 90* for clearance?
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - May 06th 2018 10:23 pm
Originally Posted by Dyno_Dave
Rotated 90* for clearance?



Yes. It will hit the frame rail if left in the stock location.
Posted By: frscke1 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - May 06th 2018 11:42 pm
NICE WORK ! !
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - May 11th 2018 2:21 pm
So after 6 weeks of waiting my Atlas 2 is finally here. I have it clocked and installed where I need it. Starting on crossmember this weekend.

JNPerformance.com
Pathfindervans.com

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Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - May 20th 2018 10:35 pm
So I was able to engineer and build a custom crossmember support. Got it to the blaster and got primed and painted. It's in there and looks great. Was able to get the front axle under the van and welded in place Thursday and Friday. It's taking shape

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Posted By: frscke1 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - May 21st 2018 1:00 am
What color is the van going to be ? RED I vote RED
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - May 24th 2018 6:21 pm
Yes. It's actually a Ford color. Ruby red metallic #U6
Posted By: frscke1 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - May 24th 2018 6:32 pm
Chevy's red color is called Victory Red ....

[Linked Image]

Posted By: True92 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - May 27th 2018 5:36 am
Cool looking van.
Are you still on the club??
Posted By: frscke1 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - May 27th 2018 1:00 pm
Welcome to the site True92..... PM sent, didnt want to hijack his thread.
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - October 16th 2018 12:54 am
So I've finally completed the paint and getting ready to install carpet and weatherstripping. My window for painting is closing fast here in Indiana. Looking forward to getting this beast on the road!

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Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - October 16th 2018 12:16 pm
Looking great!
Posted By: manfred Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - October 16th 2018 1:26 pm
nice car! what is this for a liftkit?
Posted By: tuner4life Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - October 17th 2018 12:16 pm
That is looking so good!! I absolutely love the bedlined interior floor!

Refresh my memory, is this an NV trans? Looks like the shifter placement isn't too bad? Does it feel "in the way" being in the middle compared to a side load trans where it's closer to the driver's seat?
Posted By: frscke1 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - October 17th 2018 2:19 pm
My 4x shiftier is in the same place ... I have a center console covering it till I need it.
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - October 18th 2018 6:00 pm
Originally Posted by tuner4life
That is looking so good!! I absolutely love the bedlined interior floor!

Refresh my memory, is this an NV trans? Looks like the shifter placement isn't too bad? Does it feel "in the way" being in the middle compared to a side load trans where it's closer to the driver's seat?


Thanks for the great comments. Yes the trans is a NV4500 out of a 94 chevy pickup that had a 6.5 liter diesel. I can't tell you about the operation yet because I'm still putting things together.
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - December 14th 2018 2:32 pm
Got the beast out of the garage on Wednesday and drove it around the driveway a little to test the brakes. Man this thing will run!

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Posted By: 1959 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - December 14th 2018 4:14 pm
Your van is looking great. It is exactly what I would like to do to mine!

Thanks for keeping us in the loop.
Posted By: kursed Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - December 18th 2018 4:01 am
Looks bitchin'! Keep those progress pics coming.
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - December 24th 2018 10:00 pm
Pictures of the interior and shifters

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Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - December 24th 2018 10:53 pm
Now that looks sweet!
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - January 05th 2019 11:23 pm
It was a nice day here in Indiana today, so I took the opportunity to finish wiring the safari rack and hoisted it into place. Still have to clamp it down. I used 1/32 neoprene under the mounts. The yellow is tape holding the rubber pieces in place. Here are some preliminary pictures.

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Posted By: Dyno_Dave Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - January 05th 2019 11:52 pm
Cool!

It will make it back out of the garage right? Under the door when it's open, etc?
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - January 06th 2019 12:17 am
Yea it clears with 6 inches
Posted By: tuner4life Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - January 07th 2019 3:07 pm
That looks very nice! Good job!
Posted By: Dyno_Dave Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - January 07th 2019 6:18 pm
Originally Posted by JNPerformance
Yea it clears with 6 inches
cheers
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - January 08th 2019 2:26 pm
Originally Posted by tuner4life
That looks very nice! Good job!


Thank ya sir
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - April 14th 2019 3:55 pm
Hello all,

So I am making progress on the KVAN. Took it a couple of days ago and got the front end aligned. I am having trouble locating a new front grill. I have went through LMC and a couple of other sources. If anyone has a nice one for sale hit me up.

The manual transmission makes the motor come alive. Never again will I have a Ramjet crate engine in front of an automatic. The growl that the exhaust emits at about 2000 rpm is unmistakable. Very happy with the outcome so far.

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Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - April 14th 2019 10:18 pm
Looking great.
Posted By: lukester Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - April 16th 2019 12:41 am
Sweet man.
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - August 26th 2019 1:16 pm
Sorry for not posting for a while fellas. KVAN is doing great. Since I started posting pictures of it, my work in the shop has tripled. I have a 2wd to 4wd conversion going on right now from Pennsylvania, and two Pathfinder shorty vans on the way from California and new Jersey for restorations. I don't have a lot of time to work on my stuff do to customer work.

I took the front bumper to the blaster a few days ago. Trying to get all of time his little stuff taken care of. One downfall of having a manual transmission van is I have to spend an extra 5 minutes to take the gearshift out to be able to get the engine cover off.

I was doing checks on the Ramjet 350. Checking bolts for tightness...etc..

Here are some current pictures...

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Posted By: JNPerformance Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - August 26th 2019 1:45 pm
Originally Posted by JNPerformance
Originally Posted by tuner4life
That is looking so good!! I absolutely love the bedlined interior floor!

Refresh my memory, is this an NV trans? Looks like the shifter placement isn't too bad? Does it feel "in the way" being in the middle compared to a side load trans where it's closer to the driver's seat?


Thanks for the great comments. Yes the trans is a NV4500 out of a 94 chevy pickup that had a 6.5 liter diesel. I can't tell you about the operation yet because I'm still putting things together.


I wanted to give you an update tuner4life on the NV4500. The shifter placement worked out great. I cus tom bent a piece of DOM with the tube shark and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. It is actually in the perfect position. With it in overdrive, it makes a perfect arm rest. I had though about putting in a gear vendors overdrive unit for an under/over splitter, but it would be to much overdrive. My RPMs are around 1800 when I'm going 70 MPH.

All in all, it is a great combo. The growl that the engine makes in 4th gear runnine about 55 is unmistakable.

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Posted By: 1959 Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - August 26th 2019 2:47 pm
Looks great and glad you are getting some work out of it. I still want you to do some work to mine so maybe next year. Thanks for keeping things posted here.
Posted By: tuner4life Re: 89 4x4 pathfinder hybrid build - August 27th 2019 11:44 am
Awesome! Glad to hear that the shifter worked out! That opens up my possibilities. Might not be stuck with a side loader after all!


Your van is turning out great btw!
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