87 v10 ls

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I'm in the process of gathering all the goodies to do a resto an LS swap on my 87 V10. My truck currently has a 5.7 TBI 700R4 208 combo. I've already purchased a 99 LM7 engine with harness, ECU, and all accessories. I have done an immense amount of searching and research but I'm still on the fence about some things, chiefly of which trans to go with and the pros and cons on each. My plan is to restore the truck, do the drive train swap, and run it for a year or so to see whats what. At that point I would like to install a T70 turbo. This where I know the 4l60 is not going to survive, and feel I need to go 4l80. I understand either trans will need a VSS signal. The 4l60 has its pros for me because I can (if my research serves me) reuse both drive shafts, and either modify my current 208 T-case or find a 241c w/vss. With the 4l80 I'm not exactly clear as to what else I'm going to need to make it happen.

I'm assuming my 99 ECU will control the 4l80.
-do I need to purchase a trans of the same year, or will any 4l80 do?
-will my t-case options change?
-will drive shafts still work?
Basically, what are the differences between the 4l60 and 4l80 swap parts/install wise?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[yevgenievich]

91 3/4 crew and suburbans came with 4l80e, that would be the easiest source for parts that fit right in. LS ecu can control 4l80e regardless if it originally came with 4l60e. Early 4l80e came with a different plug, that was updated in 93 or 94. Most earlier ones were converted because the original style leaked. There are conversion plugs available for early transmissions. All will bolt up to ls motor, except for the need for a spacer on the end of the torque converter nose in some instances. It really depends on the flywheel used and the year of the transmission. If it originally was used with a sbc, then it will need a spacer unless bolting to 6.0 ls motor. Wiring is a little different between 4l60e and 4l80e, requiring moving of two pins in the connector. Easily solvable and there are plenty or tutorials online about it.

 

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Haven't posted any progress and figured it was time!

 

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few more!

 

[dougbert]

looks like some good work there. I am in the middle of my build at the moment as well (See sig). The one thing I am lacking that you have in the pictures is the extra set of hands which makes me smile more than the truck. Good find(s).

Nice your gal is out there with ya.

I went NV4500 manual 5 speed myself

dougbert

 

[throttle out]

looks like some good work there. I am in the middle of my build at the moment as well (See sig). The one thing I am lacking that you have in the pictures is the extra set of hands which makes me smile more than the truck. Good find(s).

Nice your gal is out there with ya.

I went NV4500 manual 5 speed myself

dougbert

Been following your build very closely bud, and it has helped me when I needed it. Our builds are very similar and has been fun watching your progress. For now at least I'm using my 700R4- NP208 combo behind my LM7. The truck came with a fresh 700 in it with upgrades and it worked well, we shall see how long it lives lol!
She's a keeper for sure. Kinda funny, I've build many a basket case motorcycle in that garage, she never wanted much to do with those lol. This though, she's been all over! I am truly blessed! Her cousin owns Park City Brewery in Park City. We have meaning to pay them a visit soon, would love to see that truck.

 

[dougbert]

Been following your build very closely bud, and it has helped me when I needed it. Our builds are very similar and has been fun watching your progress. For now at least I'm using my 700R4- NP208 combo behind my LM7. The truck came with a fresh 700 in it with upgrades and it worked well, we shall see how long it lives lol!
She's a keeper for sure. Kinda funny, I've build many a basket case motorcycle in that garage, she never wanted much to do with those lol. This though, she's been all over! I am truly blessed! Her cousin owns Park City Brewery in Park City. We have meaning to pay them a visit soon, would love to see that truck.

hey thanks for watching. One of the reasons for a build thread is to get others to look at it for hints, helps and for corrections.

So you have found an interest for her to come out of the house and visit and help out. Wish my wife had some interest in the building of the rig. Oh well. You are also blessed to have a garage to be in for those michigan winters

and come visit. Should have the ride running by mid summer or earlier. Park City is some 15 miles north of me

dougbert

 

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A bit more progress!!

 

[dougbert]

is that just the shipping paint on the headers? looks too shiny any thing else. Be ready to burn off the shipping paint by running it, then put on some more permanent. On the driver's header I had to move the O2 sensor bung b/c the original put it in the middle of the shackle

looking great

 

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Shipping paint for sure lol. Gonna paint em neon orange lol, JK

 

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Finally made some more progress!!!

Got my front axle back together with new Moog parts. New sending unit with EP381 fuel pump. I decided to cut the barbs off the ends of the sending units feed, return, and vent lines and use compression fittings to convert to -6an. -6 steel braided line with cushion clamps. Bowtieoverdrives TV setup for my 700R4. Energy suspension motor mounts. Dirty Dingo plates for the engine side. The Schoenfeld 1302LS1 headers fit awesome, but i looks as though I may have to relocate the driver side O2 bung.
Scored huge on my local craigslist and found a set of Cooper Discoverer STT's in 33x12.50-15 with only 4000 miles on them for $350
Anyhow, just plugging along and wanted to share!!

Sammy

 

[foamypirate]

Very nice, looking good! Keep it up.