L460E questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Larry S · 12-01-2008, 03:55 PM

I have a 69 c-10 that I'm planning to put a 1996 vortec 5.7/ l460e into. I went to a local trans shop to find out what will need to be done to make the trans work with my factory 69 speedometer and Im planning to make my truck a floor shift. The guy said " theres no way to put the l460e into that truck and use the factory instrument panel." He says the tach in the 1996 silverado (donor truck) tells the l460e when to shift. So he says, I can install the l460e in my truck and I put it in drive and it would never shift out of its lowest gear. Is this correct? He says I need to set the l460e to the side and find a pre electronic l460, or 700r trans. I hate to do that because the one I have has less that 5k miles on it. Is there a way to make it work, or does anybody make any kind of adapter to do what Im trying to do? As always I appreciate you guys!

Larry S · 12-01-2008, 04:24 PM

Here' my progress so far. I dont get to work on it as often as Id like.

pocketpool · 12-01-2008, 04:28 PM

i'm doing the same install. are you using the fuel injection setup? as far as i know you have to use the whole setup with computer and everything to make it work. there is a company that makes a different tail shaft so you can use your factory speedo, i can't remember the company though. also lokar makes a cable shifter kit that will work with your factory column.

Larry S · 12-01-2008, 04:37 PM

Yeah, I'm going with the injection. I have the complete 1996 donor. I was planning to transplant the harness from the 1996 to the 69, eliminating what isnt needed. The trans guy said the tach in the 1996 sends the signal to the trans to shift and without using the 1996 cluster, that the trans would never upshift out of the lowest gear. I'm no transmission man, I would like to know for sure I can use this trans without spending more than changing to a preelectronic trans. Thanks!!!

**LEEVON** · 12-01-2008, 04:29 PM

The ECM that you're using for the engine controls the shift points via input from the Vehicle Speed Sensor in the tailshaft, not the tach. You can use your stock speedo guage if you get a "Cable-X" box which converts VSS signal to cable driven, they run about $300.

tdave00 · 12-01-2008, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEEVON

The ECM that you're using for the engine controls the shift points via input from the Vehicle Speed Sensor in the tailshaft, not the tach. You can use your stock speedo guage if you get a "Cable-X" box which converts VSS signal to cable driven, they run about $300.

Sounds like he has your answer.

Larry S · 12-01-2008, 07:09 PM

Ok guys. I appreciate the input as always. I was thinking/ hoping that was the case. It looks like a trans shop would know what is going on. I guess not. When he said "there is no way to make that trans work in that truck" I was thinking MAJOR SETBACK. I know Im not the 1st guy to put a l460e in a 67-72.

**pdr510** · 12-01-2008, 07:49 PM

Here is a link for a tail housing kit to keep your mechanical speedometer: http://www.shiftworks.com/tailhousing.htm

**WIDESIDE72** · 12-01-2008, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry S

Ok guys. I appreciate the input as always. I was thinking/ hoping that was the case. It looks like a trans shop would know what is going on. I guess not. When he said "there is no way to make that trans work in that truck" I was thinking MAJOR SETBACK. I know Im not the 1st guy to put a l460e in a 67-72.

most repair shops neve4r go "outside the box". If it is not a bolt for bolt exact swap, most have no experience. I have not done this swap, but remember reading somewhere about the Cable X box mentioned above.

greystoke · 12-01-2008, 08:17 PM

you can get the stand alone computer to control your transmission. I'm putting this same thing in my 69, it's sweet. No TV cable to dink with. You can check out www.gearstar.net

OhNoJoe · 12-02-2008, 02:21 PM

do a search right here for 4L60. I think Swifty has a very good post on this swap

TEXAS 68 · 12-02-2008, 06:35 PM

I'm also doing this swap and plan on using the cable x. What kind of headers are those? And are you modifying the harness yourself?

Larry S · 12-02-2008, 08:09 PM

Ive had those headers for a long time and forgot I had em. I think they came off an 84 silverado with a 350. I had to blast and paint them. I almost went and bought a set and just happened to run across them. Yes I am planning to go thru the harness myself. I may change my mind when I get to that point and go painless, but I have the complete donor truck here so I plan to use it.

**schwoch1** · 12-03-2008, 12:17 AM

I am using a '94 B body (caprice/impala) LT1 and 4L60E transmission in my '71 GMC and it works great. I am using all of the under hood harness from the Caprice and it runs and works great, all I had to do was program the security system out of the LT1 PCM. Alot of transmission shops can't fathom anything else other than what came from the factory. The PCM (computer) tells the transmission when to shift, so if you are using the stock EFI, the transmission will also work too! The PCM also controls the speedometer. You can use the Abbot CableX or something similar (DO NOT CALL TERF INC, he cannot produce the product he advertises)to run the speedometer. I adapted the electronic speedometer from a S10 to the stock gauge cluster, it can be done, just takes a little ingenuity!
Your swap will work and work well, it will just take a little bit of work. If you are using the stock harness, it will work!!!
Keep us all posted!!!

Mike

nicolas72gmc · 12-03-2008, 03:16 AM

I've gotta sub this one, too much valuable info here for when I attempt mine.

nicolas72gmc · 12-03-2008, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schwoch1

I am using a '94 B body (caprice/impala) LT1 and 4L60E transmission in my '71 GMC and it works great. I am using all of the under hood harness from the Caprice and it runs and works great, all I had to do was program the security system out of the LT1 PCM. Alot of transmission shops can't fathom anything else other than what came from the factory. The PCM (computer) tells the transmission when to shift, so if you are using the stock EFI, the transmission will also work too! The PCM also controls the speedometer. You can use the Abbot CableX or something similar (DO NOT CALL TERF INC, he cannot produce the product he advertises)to run the speedometer. I adapted the electronic speedometer from a S10 to the stock gauge cluster, it can be done, just takes a little ingenuity!
Your swap will work and work well, it will just take a little bit of work. If you are using the stock harness, it will work!!!
Keep us all posted!!!

Mike

Mike, what kind of power you getting out of that combo?

TEXAS 68 · 12-03-2008, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry S

Ive had those headers for a long time and forgot I had em. I think they came off an 84 silverado with a 350. I had to blast and paint them. I almost went and bought a set and just happened to run across them. Yes I am planning to go thru the harness myself. I may change my mind when I get to that point and go painless, but I have the complete donor truck here so I plan to use it.

What are you doing about the egr tube on the driver side header? Here's mine

OhNoJoe · 12-03-2008, 03:23 PM

http://www.ls1truck.com/forums/front...rans-swap.html

check this out to get some basics

ZZ4Blazer · 12-03-2008, 09:31 PM

You could always have the egr programed out of the computer with a tune. That way you could delete it, and not have to worry about modifying your headers.

A performance tune really wakes up those vortec motors too.

TEXAS 68 · 12-04-2008, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZZ4Blazer

You could always have the egr programed out of the computer with a tune. That way you could delete it, and not have to worry about modifying your headers.

A performance tune really wakes up those vortec motors too.

That's what I want to do since the computer needs reprogramed anyway, but I can't find anything to plug the massive hole in the intake.

rob32472 · 12-04-2008, 09:18 AM

Go to the gm performance parts website they have a stand along controller with wiring, software, and all u need a lil pricey but u know it will work correctly. Just my 2 cents

piecesparts · 12-04-2008, 04:16 PM

IF ALL ELSE FAILS Street and Performance sells a tranny tailshaft housing that allows for BOTH the electric computer drive and a gear drive for your speedo. I have seen them installed in the early Chevy trucks with late model EFI engines in them. Your tranny guy is behind the times on this one. It is not cheap, but it does exist. Also--have you considered aftermarket gauges and along with that put in an electric speedo and run it from the 4L60E output? There are more than one way to skin a tranny.

Larry S · 12-05-2008, 08:20 AM

Man theres alot of info on this forum! Where will be the best place to take my truck to get the computer reprogramed, egr deleted, and performance tune, and what does that usually cost. I have little experience with efi, and I know I'll learn alot before this one is rollin!

TEXAS 68 · 12-05-2008, 11:09 AM

http://www.speedscenewiring.com/

I've talked to these guys and they can rework stock harness and computer to what ever specs you want for around $450-600 depending on what you want

piecesparts · 12-05-2008, 11:37 AM

Another wiring and EFI expert is Mike Noonan at EFI Connections. He does a lot of rebuilding of wiring harnesses for shops all over the country.

www.eficonnection.com

12-01-2008, 03:55 PM	#1
Larry S Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Gainesville Ga Posts: 210	L460E questions I have a 69 c-10 that I'm planning to put a 1996 vortec 5.7/ l460e into. I went to a local trans shop to find out what will need to be done to make the trans work with my factory 69 speedometer and Im planning to make my truck a floor shift. The guy said " theres no way to put the l460e into that truck and use the factory instrument panel." He says the tach in the 1996 silverado (donor truck) tells the l460e when to shift. So he says, I can install the l460e in my truck and I put it in drive and it would never shift out of its lowest gear. Is this correct? He says I need to set the l460e to the side and find a pre electronic l460, or 700r trans. I hate to do that because the one I have has less that 5k miles on it. Is there a way to make it work, or does anybody make any kind of adapter to do what Im trying to do? As always I appreciate you guys!

12-01-2008, 04:24 PM	#2
Larry S Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Gainesville Ga Posts: 210	Re: L460E questions Here' my progress so far. I dont get to work on it as often as Id like. Attached Images

12-01-2008, 04:28 PM	#3
pocketpool Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: ozark mo. Posts: 586	Re: L460E questions i'm doing the same install. are you using the fuel injection setup? as far as i know you have to use the whole setup with computer and everything to make it work. there is a company that makes a different tail shaft so you can use your factory speedo, i can't remember the company though. also lokar makes a cable shifter kit that will work with your factory column.

12-01-2008, 04:37 PM	#4
Larry S Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Gainesville Ga Posts: 210	Re: L460E questions Yeah, I'm going with the injection. I have the complete 1996 donor. I was planning to transplant the harness from the 1996 to the 69, eliminating what isnt needed. The trans guy said the tach in the 1996 sends the signal to the trans to shift and without using the 1996 cluster, that the trans would never upshift out of the lowest gear. I'm no transmission man, I would like to know for sure I can use this trans without spending more than changing to a preelectronic trans. Thanks!!!

12-01-2008, 04:29 PM	#5
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,893	Re: L460E questions The ECM that you're using for the engine controls the shift points via input from the Vehicle Speed Sensor in the tailshaft, not the tach. You can use your stock speedo guage if you get a "Cable-X" box which converts VSS signal to cable driven, they run about $300. __________________ '86 GMC C30 Crew ~ '86 C20 Crew ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '74K10 ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

12-01-2008, 07:09 PM	#7
Larry S Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Gainesville Ga Posts: 210	Re: L460E questions Ok guys. I appreciate the input as always. I was thinking/ hoping that was the case. It looks like a trans shop would know what is going on. I guess not. When he said "there is no way to make that trans work in that truck" I was thinking MAJOR SETBACK. I know Im not the 1st guy to put a l460e in a 67-72.

12-01-2008, 07:49 PM	#8
pdr510 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: LA Posts: 158	Re: L460E questions Here is a link for a tail housing kit to keep your mechanical speedometer: http://www.shiftworks.com/tailhousing.htm __________________ 1970 C-10 Fleet Side Gen IV 6.0 with 4L80E

12-01-2008, 08:17 PM	#10
greystoke Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Buckeye, Arizona Posts: 694	Re: L460E questions you can get the stand alone computer to control your transmission. I'm putting this same thing in my 69, it's sweet. No TV cable to dink with. You can check out www.gearstar.net

12-02-2008, 02:21 PM	#11
OhNoJoe Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Springfield Illinois Posts: 182	Re: L460E questions do a search right here for 4L60. I think Swifty has a very good post on this swap

12-02-2008, 06:35 PM	#12
TEXAS 68 Vortec in the works Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Spring,Texas Posts: 735	Re: L460E questions I'm also doing this swap and plan on using the cable x. What kind of headers are those? And are you modifying the harness yourself? __________________ 68? It's all figured out untill you get it apart. Is it Sunday yet??? 68 Project 68 SWB frame off/98 Vortec with stock FI/power everything. 95 ECLB 2500 with 346,000 on the clock(the original HD) 99 Lesabre-wifes ride 08 Crew Cab LTZ-All Mine 89 SWB 5/7 drop-Son's first ride.

12-02-2008, 08:09 PM	#13
Larry S Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Gainesville Ga Posts: 210	Re: L460E questions Ive had those headers for a long time and forgot I had em. I think they came off an 84 silverado with a 350. I had to blast and paint them. I almost went and bought a set and just happened to run across them. Yes I am planning to go thru the harness myself. I may change my mind when I get to that point and go painless, but I have the complete donor truck here so I plan to use it.

12-03-2008, 12:17 AM	#14
schwoch1 Local Detroit diesel nut! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Burlington, WI Posts: 175	Re: L460E questions I am using a '94 B body (caprice/impala) LT1 and 4L60E transmission in my '71 GMC and it works great. I am using all of the under hood harness from the Caprice and it runs and works great, all I had to do was program the security system out of the LT1 PCM. Alot of transmission shops can't fathom anything else other than what came from the factory. The PCM (computer) tells the transmission when to shift, so if you are using the stock EFI, the transmission will also work too! The PCM also controls the speedometer. You can use the Abbot CableX or something similar (DO NOT CALL TERF INC, he cannot produce the product he advertises)to run the speedometer. I adapted the electronic speedometer from a S10 to the stock gauge cluster, it can be done, just takes a little ingenuity! Your swap will work and work well, it will just take a little bit of work. If you are using the stock harness, it will work!!! Keep us all posted!!! Mike __________________ Nothing cool anymore, I am old and boring....

12-03-2008, 03:16 AM	#15
nicolas72gmc Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sunny Arizona Posts: 525	Re: L460E questions I've gotta sub this one, too much valuable info here for when I attempt mine. __________________ Nick "Everyone has a plan, 'till they get punched in the mouth".........Mike Tyson 1968, GMC, SWB, Project 1972, GMC, LWB, Daily Driver, 383, headers, 2.5"/3" exhaust, 200r4, 3.5/5 ECE components. 1972, C/10, LWB, 350 vortec, th350

12-03-2008, 03:23 PM	#18
OhNoJoe Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Springfield Illinois Posts: 182	Re: L460E questions http://www.ls1truck.com/forums/front...rans-swap.html check this out to get some basics

12-03-2008, 09:31 PM	#19
ZZ4Blazer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Akron, OH Posts: 95	Re: L460E questions You could always have the egr programed out of the computer with a tune. That way you could delete it, and not have to worry about modifying your headers. A performance tune really wakes up those vortec motors too.



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12-04-2008, 09:18 AM	#21
rob32472 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: dallas ga Posts: 1,505	Re: L460E questions Go to the gm performance parts website they have a stand along controller with wiring, software, and all u need a lil pricey but u know it will work correctly. Just my 2 cents

12-04-2008, 04:16 PM	#22
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: L460E questions IF ALL ELSE FAILS Street and Performance sells a tranny tailshaft housing that allows for BOTH the electric computer drive and a gear drive for your speedo. I have seen them installed in the early Chevy trucks with late model EFI engines in them. Your tranny guy is behind the times on this one. It is not cheap, but it does exist. Also--have you considered aftermarket gauges and along with that put in an electric speedo and run it from the 4L60E output? There are more than one way to skin a tranny. Last edited by piecesparts; 12-04-2008 at 04:18 PM.

12-05-2008, 08:20 AM	#23
Larry S Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Gainesville Ga Posts: 210	Re: L460E questions Man theres alot of info on this forum! Where will be the best place to take my truck to get the computer reprogramed, egr deleted, and performance tune, and what does that usually cost. I have little experience with efi, and I know I'll learn alot before this one is rollin!

12-05-2008, 11:09 AM	#24
TEXAS 68 Vortec in the works Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Spring,Texas Posts: 735	Re: L460E questions http://www.speedscenewiring.com/ I've talked to these guys and they can rework stock harness and computer to what ever specs you want for around $450-600 depending on what you want __________________ 68? It's all figured out untill you get it apart. Is it Sunday yet??? 68 Project 68 SWB frame off/98 Vortec with stock FI/power everything. 95 ECLB 2500 with 346,000 on the clock(the original HD) 99 Lesabre-wifes ride 08 Crew Cab LTZ-All Mine 89 SWB 5/7 drop-Son's first ride.

12-05-2008, 11:37 AM	#25
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: L460E questions Another wiring and EFI expert is Mike Noonan at EFI Connections. He does a lot of rebuilding of wiring harnesses for shops all over the country. www.eficonnection.com

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