My question isn’t about the strength of the 4L80E or it’s compatibilty behind the 8.1.
More related to what are his plans for running his engine and transmission.

In the link he posted the guy (Dirty Larry) used an NV4500 which was available in the GMT400 trucks just not Mingoman’s so I wondered if he was staying with the auto (assume so) or swap to something else like the NV4500 (assume not)
Is he going to try and use the stock L29 setup (distributor and all) to keep it simple or swap in L18 stuff? Inquiring minds want to know.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

The 454 intake/distributor is not compatable with the 496. Really the only thing you can change is the throttle body on the 496(OE is drive by wire, you can swap on a drive by cable throttle body(off the 454)

Larry used an NV4500 from a 92-95 truck. Lots of variables. I think his truck is a 78 K10. I havent read through his stuff in a while.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I'm planning on keeping the 4l80e trans and using my L29 throttle body on the 8.1. From what I've read that's a better way to go than drive by wire. I've got to find the right spacer to use, don't remember if that was listed in his parts list or not.
I did get some things done yesterday. My drivers seat is in, checked, cleaned, and lubed the screws and such on the power riser, everything works.
Changed my blower motor resistor, another thing I should have done with the dash out.
Installed the new heater control unit, put blue led lights in it first, with the rear defrost controls to power my heated mirrors when I get that far.

Cool thanks. Sounds like you’re making good progress.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Yeah I'm not sure what I was thinking. I remember reading that the 8.1, despite being a tall deck, is compatible with standard height distributors (not with the stock intake of course) but I forgot the 8.1 firing order was also changed so it wouldn't be a simple install after all even with an aftermarket intake set up for port injection. So despite already having the wiring to operate the 4L80 it won’t be a simple drop in which is what I was thinking. Not simple of course but simplified than an entire harness swap.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

The biggest thing is the shape of the intake port on the cylinder heads. They are huge and cathedral shaped. All of the BBC intakes are square, peanut or oval.


I think we are all looking forward to seeing that engine in your truck.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Lol, me too. Before I bought this truck I had made a deal to buy an 06 3500 crew cab with the 8.1L engine. I had to work 2 days before I could drive over to get it and he sold it, not that I blamed the guy, cash talks.
When I saw this engine for sale I checked into what I'd have to do to swap over and I'm pretty confident I can do it. It's going to be unique for sure.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Port shape can be accommodated. Intake port location is the deal breaker. But I know what you mean.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Heck yeah! It should be pretty awesome. The 96-00 GMC's are some of my favorite trucks.

Are you thinking of going with the brackets Larry used to retain your AC?

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

These ports are huge.

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4061/4...c68_z.jpg?zz=1

Yes I know. I have two 8.1’s sitting in my shop and several 454’s.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Are you thinking of going with the brackets Larry used to retain your AC?[/QUOTE]

Yes definitely. I'm very grateful he has already done this and was kind enough to post all the part numbers online. Air is really nice in July and August around here and I don't want to hack the frame up when I don't have to.

Yes definitely. I'm very grateful he has already done this and was kind enough to post all the part numbers online. Air is really nice in July and August around here and I don't want to hack the frame up when I don't have to.[/QUOTE]

Yeah for sure. I bought a complete 01 Express as a donor vehicle because I couldn’t find the brackets around here. Hopefully you have better luck.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Finally got my visors back today. Put white led lights in them then put my nos vanity doors and mirrors on. They're up! Hope to get a little more done tomorrow.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

It is coming up nice!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Installed my speakers today. I used some of the leftover rattle trap on the inside of the doors and used the factory connectors on the new front speakers, may have to splice the back since I didn't have any in the doors from the factory.
I used a drywall cutter to zip open the back panels then checked the clearance on my speaker. It's close, but doesn't touch.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Back speakers are finished. After checking everything over I pulled the panels back off so the painter won't have to work around them. Still haven't decided on a radio yet. I'd like a newer style, but not sure I want to go with a dbl din. Shame there aren't more 1.5 din options.

Looks good! Nice work.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Unless you are looking for dvd/backup camera options, a single din will get you lots of options in a less expensive package.

Great work so far.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

The dvd I can do without, but I have thought a backup camera would be nice as long as this thing is. I'll make up my mind soon. I've got to, I'm about finished with the interior.
Thank you and everyone else that have enjoyed this build btw!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Both of the Metra double din installation products I have seen are very clean looking. I thought about doing it in my 98 Z71 before I sold it. Yes, I love the backup camera in my CCSB 2500HD, very convenient in tight spots.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

The push button lights that flank the center dome light look good with LEDs. Are you happy with them? Did you get them local or order them online? The build looks great. Like to see these rigs be saved from the abuse they have endured.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Attachment 1715952
This is my single din, flip up, reverse camera, dvd, stereo. Just a cheapy but works real nice. It just shows the top of the tow ball, very easy hook ups.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Really happy with them so far. I've gotten most all of them online, super bright lights, ebay, etc.
Glad you're enjoying the build, thanks!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Terrick, pretty sure I'm going the dbl din route. There's a metra dash in my future and probably a kenwood of some sort.