5.3 Vortec to 91 Blazer with 700r4

[Zoomad75]

Ok, I've been all over the net looking at info on putting a 5.3 in front of a 700r4 trans in my new to me 91k5. I'm getting confused on some of the details. Main ones being for the tv cable and convertor lock up.

My 5.3 has the DBC (cable) style throttle body. I've found the kit by Bowtie overdrives. The question I'm racking my brain on, has anybody set up a tv cable to the 5.3 throttle body without the Bowtie Overdrives kit?

Next up, I've read a bunch of threads from multiple forums that indicated a lockup kit would be needed in this application too. Keep in mind this is a 700r4 that originally came in this 91. I've had a lot of dealing with the th350 and 400's but missed out on the 700's so it's foreign to me. I've got it in my mind since this truck came with the 700r4 it's already set up for convertor lockup, but am I right? If not then I would assume I need the lockup kit that TCI or Bowtie overdrives sells.

Just a little background, I'm using an aftermarket MEFI4 controller and harness to run the 5.3. So I don't have to go screwing around with tuning the trans and resulting codes out of a stock pcm.

Any ideas would be very helpful as I'm at the parts buying stage of my buildup. I have a tight budget and only want to do things one time. Thanks

[cableguy0]

Its gonna be real tough to get the geometry correct without a proper kit. 700r4s live and die by the tv cable. If the adjustment is wrong you will literally burn the transmission up in less than a mile. Im not sure on the lockup myself but Im sure someone else can chime in and help out.

[littlevictories]

i was gonna go that route and use the 700r4 my truck had in it. I was gonna snag the linkage from a junkyard quadrajet and fab something up. problem is a q-jet and a DBC throttle body don't have the same "throw" or throttle linkage arm length. someone has to figure that geometry out ( bow tie OD's obviously did). wouldnt be impossible, just take some time and some patience.

then you need a spacer for the crank, and mess with the TC bolt holes

by the time i calc'd it all up it made more sense to me to sell the old stuff and just buy a rebuilt 4l60e.

[Zoomad75]

Thanks for the responses so far. I did gather that the tv cable adjustment is hyper critical on the 700 from what I've found so far. So I need to get it right. I was wondering if anybody else has a kit. I'm on a tight budget on this so the $160 they want for it is going to suck up a chunk of the coin. Still, if it's the only source I'll probably just suck it up and get it.

I kinda figured I'd get some "dump the 700 and get a 4l60" type responses. Again, this comes back to my budget. The truck already has the 700. I've already got the MEFI4 harness and controller. The MEFI4 does not have the ability to control a 4l60e or any trans for that matter. So If I switch, i've got to dump the controller, harness and trans. Or buy a stand alone trans controller and harness. More stuff to buy. If the 700 is not worth running, I'll end up ditching the slushbox altogether for a nv4500. It just means I'll have to save more.

Thanks for the help so far.