I appreciate the reply. I've been reading for weeks on the swap, but like I said I'm on a budget, enough to get 700r4 fixed and strengthened for $1,600 and roll with the 350 'til later this year and swap a vortec, for a vortec/700r4 combo. |
..Or I can start with a $1,200 vortec/4l60e pull out swap and drop it in for not much more I'll go that route. I'm more or less weighing the cost/reward and trying to get an idea from the swap guys if $3-4k is enough to get the swap done and good to go. Thanks for the advice.
Your plan to buy a good used running Vortec/4L60-E makes perfect sense to me. If you're going to spend the money anyway, it's a trade off for a new 700r4 for a USED Vortec/4L60-E, but you're getting what you want and going in the direction you intend to go in the future anyway. That's the way I think alot and why I put so many things off. Just beware, as said, it's a trade off for a NEW 700r4 for USED what you want. That 4L60-E might only last you a few months or even worse. However, I still say go for it, and if you get a few months out of it, then you should have financially recovered from the initial USED powertrain purchase and be able to get the 4L60-E rebuilt.
BTW, don't tell anyone here, but I've got a TBI motor and 700r4 that needs some used heads and head gaskets on it, and the ECM, wiring harness and all. I'm going to keep this TBI set up cuz I damn sure not going to throw it away, and the Single pc Rear Main seal core motor, and the Serpentine set up on the front of the motor I can use on my newer crate motor 350, but I think I've changed my mind again in your direction. I eventually want Vortec or LS, so I'm thinking if I have to put some cash into the used heads on a 219,000 mile TBI motor that may only last another 20-30,000 miles, and I'm going to have to go through all the labor to install the wiring harness and ECM, I might as well just wait and see if I can find a good running Vortec Set Up instead. However, I think I'll go with the Vortec motor, but still run the 700r4. Being the same ECM does control the 4L60-E, I'll have the option to update to 4L60-E if I so choose since they outside dimensions on the 2 are exactly alike. Same driveshafts, mounts, shift linkage and all is the same. I'll just have to use the Electronic Speedo 700r4 which I have. And for you, do keep in mind you need to find an Electonic Speedo Cluster if you're going to run the 4L60-E. Should be in 89-91 Burbs, Crew Cabs and K5 Blazers. You won't be running a speedo cable at all.