That's what I am going for.
The nv4500 is ready
CK5
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L18 8.1L swap resource thread
- Thread starter Larry
- Start date
The nv4500 is ready
I’m on FB, but, not on it.
There are several 8.1/496 groups active on FB.
Many, many people all asking similar questions. I do not respond as I don’t want a presence on FB. Just interesting how many people are having similar troubles/questions.
ie: What transmission can I use? Can I use a manual transmission? what flywheel will I need?
Can I “not use” the DBW, and use a TPS/IAC? What Throttle body do I use in this case?
All questions we’ve answered here.
There are several 8.1/496 groups active on FB.
Many, many people all asking similar questions. I do not respond as I don’t want a presence on FB. Just interesting how many people are having similar troubles/questions.
ie: What transmission can I use? Can I use a manual transmission? what flywheel will I need?
Can I “not use” the DBW, and use a TPS/IAC? What Throttle body do I use in this case?
All questions we’ve answered here.
If you look at your cable throttle where the linkage hooks up you’ll see there is an extra lug where the cable for a cruise control servo cable attaches. I’m not currently aware of anybody that makes a cable specifically for a th350 to 8.1, but you might be able to figure something out with something like what I used on my 5.3 install with a 700r4 using a cable throttle. Bowtie overdrives had a cable with an end that used the lug for the cruise cable (which looks the same as the 7.4 cable throttle typically used on our 8.1 installs). It also had the length to reach the forward mount location of the throttle vs a central mount for an older tbi or carb setup.
What I don’t remember is what the trans end looked like because my memory has me thinking the Th350 and 700r4 cables are different in that end. But that’s where someone could get creative and get one of each and make them go together in some way.
Or you just get a nv4500 and do the sex change operation now and not worry about messing with an antique 3-speed automatic that was never intended to be behind a big block of any style.
I fully recognize you probably just want to get the truck running and driving but if a 5-speed is the ultimate goal, I wouldn’t waste my time fooling around with the slushbox.
Having blown up 2nd gear in the th350 in my Nova with a basic 350 with a mild cam in it I can venture to guess the trans won’t live long without serious upgrades behind an engine that makes 455ft/lbs of torque stock.
The FB peeps would have to read and possibly search. If they could read and search they would have found this thread. I'm constantly amazed at the info that people cannot even google search. If I didn't have a commercial interest, my social media usage would be entertainment only. And maybe keeping up with some news since it does seem to be a good outlet for a few interests, if you have a fine BS filter.
Having raced a TH350 built to the limit of what's practical and stopped our engine development at maybe 400hp, I would agree. Of course I also kept a 700R4 alive behind a 504 BBC that wasn't stock at all but it was very built with a full manual VB and I drove it like I wanted it to live most of the time. Again, not the right way.
