Automatic Tranny Applications

[big dump]

Starting my buildup and swap of Gen III 5.3 liter, have the motor, don't have the tranny. The motor came out of a 2000 something truck, but I couldn't get the transmission with it.

What applications of 4L60E or 700R4 should I be searching for in the junk yards? I'm thinking all the 2WD should be the same out of the vans, S-10s, camaros, etc. Is that correct? Most of the fullsize truck powertrains are pulled and sold as a complete unit, but there seems to be a number of transmissions out there under S-10 Blazers and camaros etc.

Anyone have any good ideas of what I should look for? Has anyone already put this information together on the board?

[67ChevyRedneck]

This could get tricky (I'm not good with computers/electronics) but the 4l60 is computer controlled using the engine wiring harness. The 700R4... not so much. If you got all the wiring, etc with the 5.3 I'd try to find a 4l60 that would work with the wiring harness you have.

[big dump]

The engine harness that came with it has been gone through and there are no tranny wires. The guy was running it in a sand rail with a volks style trans axle I think. I can add wiring for the tranny, but at this point, there is none. The computer will have to be re-programmed anyway, so I thought I could have it taken care of at that point, but you're right, it could get tricky, that's why I've called on the help of you guys...

[LEEVON]

You can run a 700R4, Bowtieoverdrives.com sells a TV cable set-up specifically for LSx throttle bodies for about $125. The computer can be programmed to delete the trans, but you may want to check to see if it needs a VSS signal. Try LS1tech.com, there's a good sticky about transmissions behind these motors. Let us know what you decide to do!

[big dump]

Well I found a guy that's willing to part with a 2004R for $100.00 that includes the Torque Converter and Flywheel. I'm thinking that's about the best deal I can find for an automatic with an overdrive. I'm not going to run any more than 300 hp in this truck, so from the research I've done, the 2004R should be able to handle the 5.3 no problem. What issues am I going to run into if I go this route? I've already thought of a few like the kick down cable, modifying the harness to delete the electronic tranny, and possibly needing a different flywheel. Let me know if I'm overlooking anything and what you guys think about this option overall.

[leddzepp]

go to www.bowtieoverdrives.com

best info for setting up your TV cable on your overdrive automatic

[boostat4500]

Someone correct me if i'm wrong, but I believe you need to find a tranny out of a V8 car/truck. The ones in an s-10 for example, won't bolt up.
As for the VSS signal, I believe it's only needed to lock the converter, and for cruise control if you set it up that way.

[big dump]

Thanks guys. Any thoughts about the strengths/weaknesses of the 2004R? One thing I like is that it's about the same length as the TH350 which should help me a bit with the driveshaft and pinion angle. As far as power, like I said, as long as they can handle around 300hp, I'll be happy with that.

[glock35ipsc]

A properly built 200R4 will potentially outlast a 700R4. And a properly built 200R4 will easily handle 300hp.

[SactoJim]

Not sure what kind of shape your $100 tranny is in, but I would consider at least a rebuild (preferably with upgrades) before dropping it in.

These trans only came behind V6's and V8's (the biggest V8 being a 305). The 305's they were behind were usually in non-performance type cars (Cutlas, Monte Carlo, Regal....etc..)...(except the Grand National.....hard to find 200's!)).

They are fantastic transmissions when properly built and many prefer them over 700's because of better gear ratio spread from 1st to 2nd, but I would question how long a used one (not sure of condition) would last behind a 5.3 that makes alot more torque & hp than any stock 305 ever made.

[glock35ipsc]

Originally Posted by SactoJim

Not sure what kind of shape your $100 tranny is in, but I would consider at least a rebuild (preferably with upgrades) before dropping it in.

Good point! I never thought to mention that.

Here's a little something I put together that you can play with to figure out transmission ratios/rear end gearing/speed/rpm stuff:

http://www.mediafire.com/?nzztmwwbmjj

[big dump]

Good point on the rebuild. I probably will go ahead and have it done while it's out if I do pick it up. I guess I'm thinking that even with a rebuild, I'll still be cheaper than picking up a 4L60E or 700R4 as everyone I've seen so far, the owner is very proud of.

[boostat4500]

What are you seeing for prices on the 4l60E's and 700R4's? I can't see how paying to have a tranny rebuilt could possably be cheaper.

[Gray Ghost]

I'd steer way clear of the 2004r unless you know an expert builder to rebuild it. They were never built to handle more than 180hp from the factory unless you get a Vette or Buick GN version and they are high dollar.

I had one built to the tune of $1600 once and it still tanked within a few months...behind a 300 hp GM crate motor.

I'd stick with the 4l60 or 700r4...they are built much stronger than the 200 series.

[big dump]

Most of the 4L60s and 700s I'm finding around here that have been rebuilt are going from $650-$1k. I can get this one rebuilt and have 250-300 into it with the cost of purchasing it. Seems as if the better deal would have been to buy a whole combo ready to stab, but I know the motor I got ran good and I've seen it and heard it running.

[Gray Ghost]

So are you going to rebuild it yourself or do you have a friend who is a tranny expert? You can't even get a th350 rebuilt for $300 these days. Most 200 rebuilds cost over $1k.

I wish you the best of luck with it.