Tranny choices for LM7 conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Nima · 02-27-2017, 11:09 AM

Hi:
I am considering a vortech 5.3 conversion and trying to gather the parts. I have few basic questions:
with my truck being a manual 3 speed, what would be the easier and most cost effective route to go: an auto or manual transmission? My goal is making a nice daily driver.
What would happen to steering column/wheel in either manual or auto tranny case? I suppose needing a later model steering column as well? Will it be floor shift or column shift?
And the last questions, can driveshaft be modified or would it make more sense to get a new one?
I really don't have space to get a whole donor truck but would it be easier and more cost effective to find a 2000 and newer truck to get the engine, tranny, steering column and possible the driveshaft from it?
Thanks,

Kennuck · 02-27-2017, 09:17 PM

If you get a 5.3 with the 4l60e already attached its easy. Change the yoke that goes into the trans and use your original driveshaft. Get an auto column for 67-72 truck and a Lokar shift linkage and your good.

jessemthompson · 02-27-2017, 10:51 PM

The 4L60E would be the easiest trans to go with. As stated above get an auto column from a 67-72 truck. The newer columns won't work.

02-27-2017, 11:09 AM	#1
Nima Blue 67 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Western WA Posts: 1,179	Tranny choices for LM7 conversion Hi: I am considering a vortech 5.3 conversion and trying to gather the parts. I have few basic questions: with my truck being a manual 3 speed, what would be the easier and most cost effective route to go: an auto or manual transmission? My goal is making a nice daily driver. What would happen to steering column/wheel in either manual or auto tranny case? I suppose needing a later model steering column as well? Will it be floor shift or column shift? And the last questions, can driveshaft be modified or would it make more sense to get a new one? I really don't have space to get a whole donor truck but would it be easier and more cost effective to find a 2000 and newer truck to get the engine, tranny, steering column and possible the driveshaft from it? Thanks, __________________ 1953 GMC 3/4 ton: current project 1967 C20: 5.3 voretc with T5 conversion, 4 wheel 8 lug disc brake 1972 Nova: my 4 door sport sedan! 5.3 voretc + T5 conversion. drivable project, FUN!! 1979 Camaro Z28: 5.3 vortec conversion with build TH350: drivable project, Fun to drive 1992 Camaro RS convertible (Z28 clone): 5.3 conversion with build T5: on going project 2005 Silverado 2500, 4x4 Duramax, original owner

02-27-2017, 09:17 PM	#2
Kennuck Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Dresden, Ontario Posts: 647	Re: Tranny choices for LM7 conversion If you get a 5.3 with the 4l60e already attached its easy. Change the yoke that goes into the trans and use your original driveshaft. Get an auto column for 67-72 truck and a Lokar shift linkage and your good. __________________ 1970 Short Wide 5.3 4L60E BlackBear tune 3:73 gears, Boyd's Tank 2.5 / 4 drop 5 lug disc brakes Vintage Air 18x8 Ridlers 255/55 frt. 18x9.5 275/60 rear

02-27-2017, 10:51 PM	#3
jessemthompson Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 960	Re: Tranny choices for LM7 conversion The 4L60E would be the easiest trans to go with. As stated above get an auto column from a 67-72 truck. The newer columns won't work. Last edited by jessemthompson; 02-27-2017 at 11:01 PM.

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