Engine Swap Transmission Selection

[dustinova]

I'm at the point where I need to get serious about picking up the transmission for my LS swap project. I'm swapping out the 250 inline 6/3 speed manual for a 5.3 LS, and am going with a 4L60E automatic. Since I don't have a core to work with, it seems that my options are:

1. Buy used off Marketplace/Craigslist. I'd like to avoid this if possible due to being tired of people flaking or actively trying to scam you.

2. Grab a core from a U-Pull it yard and find a local rebuilder who is willing to rebuild it as a takeout. This makes a lot of sense to me, as I could have a rebuilt transmission for probably slightly more than getting a used one through one of the big wrecking yards.

3. Buy used at a big wrecking yard. It looks like it'll cost around $1,000 in my area for a decent used 4L60E with a 90 day warranty from a wrecking yard.

4. Buy remanufactured through Summit/Speedway. This is tempting, but it'll be more than double the cost of buying used through a wrecking yard.

5. Buy new/remanufactured through Gearstar. Probably out of the question just due to budget.

It seems like options 2 or 3 would be the way to go, but I'm not sure if I'm missing anything. What have other people done when needing to get a transmission for a swap without having a core?

 

[Ricko1966]

Try to pick a good unit from the pick n pull. Pull it from a wrecked truck,so you know it isn't in the yard because of a bad transmission,if it doesn't work then rebuild it.

 

[Camar068]

make sure you check your torque converter to flex-plate gap and space as needed when you install.

 

[NickTransmissions]

I'm at the point where I need to get serious about picking up the transmission for my LS swap project. I'm swapping out the 250 inline 6/3 speed manual for a 5.3 LS, and am going with a 4L60E automatic. Since I don't have a core to work with, it seems that my options are:

1. Buy used off Marketplace/Craigslist. I'd like to avoid this if possible due to being tired of people flaking or actively trying to scam you.

2. Grab a core from a U-Pull it yard and find a local rebuilder who is willing to rebuild it as a takeout. This makes a lot of sense to me, as I could have a rebuilt transmission for probably slightly more than getting a used one through one of the big wrecking yards.

3. Buy used at a big wrecking yard. It looks like it'll cost around $1,000 in my area for a decent used 4L60E with a 90 day warranty from a wrecking yard.

4. Buy remanufactured through Summit/Speedway. This is tempting, but it'll be more than double the cost of buying used through a wrecking yard.

5. Buy new/remanufactured through Gearstar. Probably out of the question just due to budget.

It seems like options 2 or 3 would be the way to go, but I'm not sure if I'm missing anything. What have other people done when needing to get a transmission for a swap without having a core?

#2.

Or rebuild it yourself.

See my 4L60E Information thread, page one for video instruction, parts lists, tech resources. Then jump to the very last page, most recent post for a video I published on all the tools/equipment you'll need.

It would be criminally insane to pursue #3 if the price is literally $1,000.00 (plus any sales tax, if applicable).

 

[dustinova]

#2.

Or rebuild it yourself.

See my 4L60E Information thread, page one for video instruction, parts lists, tech resources. Then jump to the very last page, most recent post for a video I published on all the tools/equipment you'll need.

It would be criminally insane to pursue #3 if the price is literally $1,000.00 (plus any sales tax, if applicable).

Thanks for the advice everyone! Looks like I have some videos to watch and u-pull inventories to keep track of.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Yeah, out of those options, I'd personally pull one from a U-pull-it and either have it rebuilt or do it myself. We have a local guy here that can do any trans build you need and it's quality. But that's hard to find apparently, I've read of tons of people getting a trans rebuilt and it craps the bed in a year or less

 

[Grit dog]

“If” I was in this scenario, I’d likely be in the 1 or 4 camp. But only #1 if you have an economical plan B for a rebuilder should it not work out.
1 being subjective to what I could find. Non flaky sellers will give you enough info, video of it driving down the road etc or it’s a way to get a cheap core.
Local rebuilding, I’d only do if I had good recommendations.

Option 4 is plug n play. Again I haven’t done the homework on opinions or warranty but a good warranty helps.

Being in Porthole, OR is like living up here. Cost of everything is super inflated (except you get no sales tax!). You’ll see some stupid numbers for any local rebuilder. Guy I bought my C10 from had the th350 rebuilt in 2023. Local mom n pop grunge ball trans shop. It was $2500+ iirc. He had $10k into a local rebuilder turbo 350 and an installed no name 180hp 350 crate motor with a new carb and exhaust manifolds. Idk if the distributor is even new. But at least it leaks a little oil already! lol
That’s where I’d lean towards something that is priced on a national scale like from Jegs or Summit or whoever. Rather than paying our Wet Coast prices.

 

[dustinova]

I found a few potential options at local u-pull yards that I'm going to go check out tomorrow. I never considered attempting to rebuild one myself, but if it's only a few specialized tools and time, I might be able to handle that.

 

[NickTransmissions]

I found a few potential options at local u-pull yards that I'm going to go check out tomorrow. I never considered attempting to rebuild one myself, but if it's only a few specialized tools and time, I might be able to handle that.

I made a video showing all the tools I use to build 700R4s and 4L60Es; there isnt too many special tools...

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My 4L60E playlist has several tear down and inspection as well as reassembly step by step vids. If you do decide to rebuild it yourself, purchase the ATSG manual for those transmissions. The manual can be bought on the ATSG's website and downloaded. Cost is like $35.00.

 

[Camar068]

I'm at the point where I need to get serious about picking up the transmission for my LS swap project. I'm swapping out the 250 inline 6/3 speed manual for a 5.3 LS, and am going with a 4L60E automatic. Since I don't have a core to work with, it seems that my options are:

1. Buy used off Marketplace/Craigslist. I'd like to avoid this if possible due to being tired of people flaking or actively trying to scam you.

2. Grab a core from a U-Pull it yard and find a local rebuilder who is willing to rebuild it as a takeout. This makes a lot of sense to me, as I could have a rebuilt transmission for probably slightly more than getting a used one through one of the big wrecking yards.

3. Buy used at a big wrecking yard. It looks like it'll cost around $1,000 in my area for a decent used 4L60E with a 90 day warranty from a wrecking yard.

4. Buy remanufactured through Summit/Speedway. This is tempting, but it'll be more than double the cost of buying used through a wrecking yard.

5. Buy new/remanufactured through Gearstar. Probably out of the question just due to budget.

It seems like options 2 or 3 would be the way to go, but I'm not sure if I'm missing anything. What have other people done when needing to get a transmission for a swap without having a core?

another option is get one from someone that is parting out (option 1) and you can see the mileage with it in the vehicle. I'd say under 150k miles and you believe that to be true and actually see it in the vehicle....run it with a filter/fluid change and stick funds aside for a rebuild.

Knock on wood, I've been running mine for at least 100k after I got it at 125k miles ~7 yrs ago. A risk, but you could plan ahead for tools to do it or rebuild it yourself.

Could be cheaper that way.