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05-10-2011, 12:58 AM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Posts: 11
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Transmission option for LSx swap
Hello everyone,
I have a 1971 C20 with 350/350 combo that I will be swapping out for an LS engine. I've recently purchased a 5.3 L59 engine with DBW out of a 2004 GMC Yukon 4x2. It is a complete engine pull with wiring harness, ECM, gas pedal, etc., but no transmission. I need a transmission. I know a 4L60E is mated to this engine originally. After looking through craigslist and ebay, I'm overwhelmed by the various types of vehicle this tranny goes into. I have some questions below. Should I look for a 4L60E around the same year as my donor vehicle or will newer units from similar truck work, also? Is a used 4L60E with less than <75K miles still serviceable or should I look at a rebuilt one? Does a rebuilt 4L60E come with electronics or do I have to buy them separately? I know I can use a 700R4 with this engine. Is there a pro or con with using this transmission? I am leaning towards the 700R4 partly due to no electronics involved, thus less things to break. But if the con out weights the pro, then the 4L60E it will be. I'm also unsure if the wiring harness from the engine has the TCM (transmission control module?) with it. The engine is on its way to my house right now. I should get it by this Friday. Not in a hurry to buy the tranny, yet. I'm still in information gathering mode. This is my first restore/mod project truck that will be used for towing a small bass boat on occasion. I will post pictures once I've gathered all the parts for my build. |
05-10-2011, 06:04 AM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Alta Loma, CA
Posts: 610
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Re: Transmission option for LSx swap
I wish I could help, but my 2008 5.3L / 4L60E had a separate TCM. I'm not sure if 2004 was the same. I would think that the 4L60E would be easier to install. It's just plug and play. The 700R4 would require a TV cable, which could prove difficult to hook up with a DBW system. Just my $.02.
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67 5.3L Build |
05-10-2011, 09:22 AM | #3 |
meowMEOWmeowMEOW
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: MKE WI
Posts: 7,128
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Re: Transmission option for LSx swap
700r4 would require you to switch to a cable throttle body so the TV cable has somewhere to attach. I am running a 4l80e and my main harness and computer take care of both the engine and trans. It would be the same if i were running a 4l60e. My engine is a 2003 lq4 with DBW.
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'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD
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05-10-2011, 10:55 AM | #4 |
1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 8,546
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Re: Transmission option for LSx swap
Go with a 4l60e, it will be the easiest/best option for you for the above reasons.
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05-10-2011, 02:21 PM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 6,370
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Re: Transmission option for LSx swap
The PCM controls the transmission, No TCM needed. I vote for the 4L60E also.
It will have to be from a LSx truck or car 4.8, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0. |
05-10-2011, 03:11 PM | #6 |
1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 8,546
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Re: Transmission option for LSx swap
hey Chris! how ya are?
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Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 support our troops! |
05-10-2011, 09:32 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 6,370
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Re: Transmission option for LSx swap
Doing fine John, When is the next get together? How is the cruise control coming along?
Last edited by clinebarger; 05-10-2011 at 09:32 PM. |
05-10-2011, 09:49 PM | #8 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Prunedale California
Posts: 782
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Re: Transmission option for LSx swap
Cheapest/easiest route would be bolting on an old school turbo 350/400. I just finished doing a friends ford pinto (no joke) with a 05 4.8 and a turbo 400, piece of cake, and trust me he gets respect from some camaro owners..
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05-10-2011, 09:54 PM | #9 |
meowMEOWmeowMEOW
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: MKE WI
Posts: 7,128
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Re: Transmission option for LSx swap
debatable. IIRC you need an adapter to run the oldschool trannies with the ls block engines don't you? With that cost, and the fact that most 350s and 400s you find around are tired or need a rebuild I would assume the a 4l60e could still come in as the cheapest option. Besides theres the benefit of having an o/d tranny.
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'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD
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05-10-2011, 09:58 PM | #10 | |
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Prunedale California
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Re: Transmission option for LSx swap
Quote:
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05-11-2011, 10:19 AM | #11 | |
1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 8,546
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Re: Transmission option for LSx swap
Quote:
I dont know when the next get together will be, I tried putting one together but I only had one person say anything about it, it would have been this coming weekend too. I really isnt, I had some damage from the storms a few weeks ago so my play money went to repair money and now is all but gone. I will do the cruise, just be a while longer.
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Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 support our troops! |
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05-11-2011, 11:29 PM | #12 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Posts: 11
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Re: Transmission option for LSx swap
Thanks for your advice guys. I will be going with a 4L60E instead. Seems like a less complicated route to take. 3 speeds tranny is not an option since I'm looking for improve fuel economy.
I just bought an ECE engine mount kit and transmission crossmember. Will I need to get a shorter driveshaft with this engine/tranny swap? |
05-12-2011, 05:32 AM | #13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Alta Loma, CA
Posts: 610
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Re: Transmission option for LSx swap
I had to have mine shortened with the ECE kit.
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05-12-2011, 09:50 AM | #14 |
meowMEOWmeowMEOW
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: MKE WI
Posts: 7,128
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Re: Transmission option for LSx swap
with me engine in the "front" position and a 4l80e, I had to get a longer shaft made to 57-1/2 inches.
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'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD
Last edited by BR3W CITY; 05-12-2011 at 09:50 AM. |
05-12-2011, 10:40 AM | #15 |
Has more rust than truck...
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ivanhoe, MN
Posts: 2,421
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Re: Transmission option for LSx swap
4l60e is a hair longer then the 80e. I got lucky and was able to use my stock driveshaft with a 1310/1350 Conversion U joint.
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