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.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.