Gen III swaps

[77crewcab]

I have had a 2003 2wd Silverado kinda fall into my lap. It is a wreck that was totalled due to a tree falling across the bed and cracking/bending the frame. Any way I am considering what to do with the engine and trans and thinking of putting it in my Blazer down the road. It is a 5.3 with a 4L60. I am wondering what the best option would be for an auto trans.

1. Rebuild the 2wd 4l60 to 4wd and to accept a 208 from behind a 700
2. Trade for a 4wd and fit the 208
3. Use the 700/208
4. Use a nv4500 with a 208 or 205

I would love to use the 4500 but if I were to stay with an auto what is the best way to go. Also is there anything special needed to put the nv4500 behind a 5.3?

 

[1979jimmy350]

go with the manual a stock 5.3 with no torque management can cook a 4l60E, being that a Gen III had an option for a 4500 you should just be able to get the later bell housing and clutch components. I am running a 465 behind my 5.3 and needed a special flywheel.

 

[77crewcab]

That is kinda the way I am leaning. But I would have to find ecm from a stick 5.3 right?

 

[1979jimmy350]

That is kinda the way I am leaning. But I would have to find ecm from a stick 5.3 right?

nope, you just need yours reflased, and you will have to do that any ways being that you need to get rid of vats. You can send it somewhere to do this or get a copy of HP tuners ( i went this route and it is really nice being able to change every thing it made adding computer controlled electric fans a breeze). I know there is a Place in Texas that is big in theses Swaps called nelsons proformance they could help you out on the tune

 

[blazin_blazer]

shoot...hack the frame at rear of cab and 4 link it, throw on a tubbed bed and have a truck again

here in arkansas, the banks will loan full amount of vehicle price on a totaled vehicle..w/ your promise to fix the vehicle...i've had several friends do just like i said, then throw on a set of wide m/t tires in back, then a custom paint job(all w, borrowed money)...and sell the customized truck for a custom truck $$price, and thats how they make their living, buying from insurance companys and puttin 'em back on the rd.

 

[77crewcab]

Not worth my time to do something like that. Besides I don't want to sell it, because I want the parts. I got it free just to remove it from my buddy's driveway after the city tagged it as a junk vehicle. He bought it back after the insurance company totaled it for $300. Let it sit in his driveway for two months and then needed it gone by yesterday. He called and said come get it it is yours free if you can move it today. I already have the seats, doors, front clip sold. I basically saved the engine/trans and the dash and steering column. The engine will definately make it into the blazer down the line and I am thinking of trying to make the dash fit as well.

 

[dyeager535]

If I were you, first the NV4500 route, but you mention if auto whats the best...

You are going to have a problem with the transfercase no matter what route you go, since you'll need it to run VSS. I bet a '90/91 R/V 241 would work.

I'd stick with the stock 4L60E if going automatic, since it was behind that motor in the first place.

 

[pauly383]

You are going to need to use a late model transfercase adapter if you use the 4l60e , the end of the transmission is a hex design with six bolts that kinda looks like a stop sign . You can't use an earlier adapter .

The transfercase side of the adapter is still six round .

I have no idea why they changed it .

 

[dyeager535]

So can you bolt up a 208/passenger drop 241 to the "newer" adapter that would be used?

 

[77crewcab]

Well tranny sold today so NV4500 it will be. What issues will I face putting a 208 behind the 4500?

 

[pauly383]

So can you bolt up a 208/passenger drop 241 to the "newer" adapter that would be used?

When I put the new 4l60E in my 99 Sub , the case looked normal up front ( albeit drivers drop ) with six round pattern .

Its the end of the tranny and front of adapter they changed towards late 90's .

 

[1979jimmy350]

the newer auto transmisson use the same pattern as the turbo 400 so if you should be able to use that adapter to make it work

 

[pauly383]

the newer auto transmisson use the same pattern as the turbo 400 so if you should be able to use that adapter to make it work

Good to know , sounds like GM making ONE adapter pattern for all trannies and picked a bigger pattern over a smaller one

Someone verify the holes line up because i have never owned a th400