Installing newer 350 vortec engine in 1983 C10, Help and advise!

[Slammed72blazers]

hello, im installing a 1996 350 vortec engine form a suburban 4x4 to my 1983 Chevrolet C10 2wd 350engine/700r4, I want to install the vortec engine with many of its components and electrical wiring and use the same 700r4 tranny from my 83', I was wondering if anyone had tips or advise for this biuld, one of my main questions is electrical, as in connecting the vortec engine to my 83, and if painless wiring would be an option for my biuld, another concern is connecting the 700r4 tranny to the 96 vortec, any help or advise will be very appreciated, Thanks

[67c10rustbuket]

I have a '97 vortec drivetrain in my truck although I have not started it yet. (I have the complete engine and trans) I am using the harness from the donor vehicle as is one other guy I know about on here. That being said there are a bunch of wires to eliminate and track down circuits all over the place to figure it all out. Painless would be the way to go if you have the money. Here is a link to the correct harness from summit racing and a link of the same at painless

You can run the 700R4 just fine but will need a lock up controller if you dont already have one.

[Slammed72blazers]

Thank you very much for the information, cleared many of my questions, if you have any more advise let me know

[RandyP]

Are you changing the gas tank(s) and running a fuel pump in the tank?

[Slammed72blazers]

Im using the same gas tank, but im going to install an electric fuel pump, until i save for a bigger better custom gas tank

[67c10rustbuket]

I bought a Boyd's tank from the vendor area on here. I was lucky enough to get in on this years group buy discount. Custom made to fit between the rear frame rails, fully welded .125 aluminum with 0-90ohm sending unit and aeromotive in tank efi fuel pump, The efi tank has extra baffling to keep the fuel at the pump head to keep constant pressure. Here are a couple links on here for the tank I am using.

pro performance (vendor) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=522456

Boyd's sale thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=362307

It cost me about $600 but well worth it.

You will definately need an EFI fuel pump preferrably in tank but many people use Walbro in line pumps on a non baffled tank, just dont let it get below a 1/4 tank to keep constant fuel psi.

I don't know about emissions laws in Co but here we can get by with a lot. That being said most late efi swaps including LS based swaps will eliminate the rear two O2 sensors ( after that cat, and the cats for that matter) Then you will need to have your computer reflashed. If you do not have anyone local the street and performance is highly recommended for reprogramming.

street and performance link http://hotrodlane.cc/

Also on LT1swap.com there are ECM pinouts of our computer, Pinout=what all them wires go to.

Here is a link to that LT1swap.com page http://Lt1swap.com/1996_vortec_5.7/index.htm They also do ECM/PCM reprogramming

That is about all my brain can dish out at the moment, and that should keep you busy for a little while

[Slammed72blazers]

In another thread i was told that my transmission does not work, cause the vortec engine uses pcm controls for the tranny versus my older transmission which uses tv cable

[SBTork]

this may work for using the stock 700R4 with the newer vortec engine. I would call the company before ordering just to be sure....
http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/cata...php?ITEMID=373

[67c10rustbuket]

Originally Posted by Slammed72blazers

In another thread i was told that my transmission does not work, cause the vortec engine uses pcm controls for the tranny versus my older transmission which uses tv cable

This is true, however I was thinking with the engine pcm reprogrammed to eliminate 02 sensors and set to run as stand alone without input/communication from the trans you could run any transmission. You certainly wouldn't be the first to put a 700r4 behind a newer engine. There are plenty of people using a 700r4 behind an LS1. I would think you could add a bracket to connect the TV cable to the throttle body linkage. Just with the cable kit from bowtie overdrives cable kit. I have not done this so this is just what I think. Before you go making decisions I would call a reputable programmer like street and performance or elsewhere that is familiar with late model engine swaps. it would certainly seem easier to use the proper year 4L60E though. Can you sell the 4x4 trans to buy a 2wd 4L60E? or swap the tailhousing and output shaft to convert the 4x trans to 2wd? if that is even possible, i'm not that familiar with the 4x4 4L60E.

[walkerscott]

i can send you folks a screen shot of the file that shows the number of variables that can be tuned out rear o2 is an option...

Will you want to run a fan ecm has option for 2 fans or 2 speed fans which is quite nice

[ta2ed]

just curious as to how this is going i am doing the same swap myself.