New LS Swap, have question on shifter

[robbie_d68]

There is all kinds of information on LS Swaps on this forum and youtube. One thing that I am having trouble finding is how to hook up your old gear shift. How do you use the Neutral safety switch, do you need it? Can I use my old shifter just without the neutral safety switches? Almost done with the build, just trying to get this figured out without having to take it to a trans shop to finish the build.

[MDPotter]

If the stock gear shift you're referring to is your stock shift column, then you can use Lokar's shift linkage kit. From what I've read, as long as you have the wiring in the column to serve as the safety switch and and reverse light signal, you don't need it. Those stock switches that mount to the transmission (in the OEM form) serve as gear indicators as well as neutral safety (so vehicle won't start in gear or neutral), reverse light signal, and to tell the PCM what gear the trans is in. But if you've got a stock automatic column, it should have the wiring for the neutral safety and reverse lights. If you get rid of the switch, the engine idle won't change when you shift gears. If you're doing a cam swap, you might consider leaving it as I've heard it can be an issue with idle.

[joeydurango]

It's been several years, but on my LS swap (since sold) I recall just using the the stock wiring/switch/column shifter, and a Lokar shift rod to reach the 4L60e - pretty much what MDPotter is suggesting above. Nothing complicated. Of course, I could be misremembering, it's been a while...