Vortec conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

monypit · 02-06-2002, 06:27 PM

I am putting a late model Vortec V8 w/4l60E Trans. Any advice?

gchemist · 02-07-2002, 08:38 AM

Have all the wiring? Computer? Exhaust? If you need a wiring harness get it from www.painlesswiring.com

Why not add carb instead? The tranny shifting can be controlled by using an aftermarket wiring harness. It's available from Painlesswiring too.

------------------
Gerardo
1983 Custom Truck
TX Plates: "BAD BOW"
http://www.geocities.com/abetterchemist/

monypit · 02-07-2002, 11:22 PM

I got the complete engine,pcm,and trans with wiring harness. Just gotta fit it all in

gchemist · 02-08-2002, 08:52 AM

Only problem I see is the relocation of your A/C compressor and alternator unless the Vortec is 96 or newer. Should bolt right in ???? truck? Oh, what about the fuel pump? Are you using one tank or two? You will need a fuel return line to the tanks due to the eletric fuel pump.

monypit · 02-08-2002, 07:10 PM

73 blazer one fuel tank, Is the Pcm better inside or under hood? Howmuch longer is the 4l60e. Do you think I will have to redo the driveshafts?

Longhorn Man · 02-10-2002, 01:25 PM

I would place the computer inside, much better conditions in there.
While I am not 100% positive, count on spending money on the drive shaft. Make sure you get it ballanced, and let them know it'll be in an overdrive truck, the ballance needs to be perfect for an overdrive since the shaft will be going faster than the crank.

------------------
'69 G.M.C. Short/Fleet. 350/350 Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man http://geocities.com/andys_69_gmc/
I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it.
Should be getting theone ton Longhorn with a PONTIAC 350/350 THIS WEEKEND!!!! thanks every one!

Visit The Longhorn Site http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/8752/
If you need a pic posted, e-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com
Andy, in Columbus Ohio

gchemist · 02-11-2002, 07:10 AM

If the 73 blazer had a long shaft 350TH tranny it shold be the same lenght. If the tranny is short then you will need to extend yours or buy another one.

Does the Vortec have an electric fuel pump?

------------------
Gerardo
1983 Custom Truck
TX Plates: "BAD BOW"
http://www.geocities.com/abetterchemist/

monypit · 02-11-2002, 07:02 PM

I need to put one in, is the return line and vapor line the same thing??

Longhorn Man · 02-12-2002, 01:23 AM

The vortec motors have no provisions for a mechanical pump.

------------------
'69 G.M.C. Short/Fleet. 350/350 Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man http://geocities.com/andys_69_gmc/
I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it.
Need to pick up the one ton Longhorn with a PONTIAC 350/350soon.
Thanks every one!

Visit The Longhorn Site http://www.longhorntrucks.freeservers.com/
If you need a pic posted, e-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com
Andy, in Columbus Ohio

u2slow · 02-12-2002, 06:32 AM

The only right-hand drop t-case you can bolt up to the 4L60E *and* satisfies the engine and tranny's need for an electronic speed sensor is a 90-91 NP241C from a Blazer/Jimmy/Burb.

A friend of mine easily spent 3 times his (already generous) original budget when he decided update his 87 K30 to Vortec power.

He used a '98 Vortec 454 and 4L80E tranny from a 4x4 truck. He had to source an extremely scarce transfer case for the task: An NP205 from a '91 K30 crewcab - the only NP205 with an electronic speedo. Splicing the harness was such an enormous task that by the time he was done, the entire cab had been gutted and the 98 dash and column were installed as well.

The fuel pump was an easy battle. The stock TBI sending unit accepted a 92-94 Vortec S-truck pump. The fuel tank selector would not handle the higher pressure (it literally burst) so the pressure side of the pumps were simply tee'd together - these pumps have a built-in check valve. The selector now only manages the return flow to the tanks.

The Vortec ECMs are located under-hood from the factory. They are completely weather sealed. They do generate a fair bit of heat, and benefit from the extra air flow in the engine compartment.

[This message has been edited by u2slow (edited February 12, 2002).]

monypit · 02-13-2002, 11:13 AM

JTR sells a reluctor kit that mounts a replacement reluctor on the tranny tailshaft so I can use the original tcase. Is the s-series pump frame mounted or in tank? Did you buddy retro in the instrument cluster or did he replace the full Dash and how difficult was that??

[This message has been edited by monypit (edited February 13, 2002).]

u2slow · 02-14-2002, 09:22 AM

JTR's kit works great for 2wd applications. 4x4 versions of the 4L60E (and other GM trannies) eliminate the tailhousing altogether - the t-case and/or adapter bolts on in its place. The electronic sensor sits in the tailhousing of the t-case.

The s-series pump is in-tank. The 87 C/K TBI sending unit is in-tank as well. The saddle tanks are the same between carb and TBI. The S-series (Vortec) pump is interchangable with the TBI pump - they just operate at different pressures.

The entire dash was replaced - including the cluster, pedals, column, and heater/AC. Nearly every hole in the firewall was filled and new holes were cut. The "crown" on the front edge of the dash (where in meets the cowl) has trimmed to fit the flatter contour of the '87.

I have some pics somewhere, I just have to find them again.

monypit · 02-14-2002, 06:27 PM

I found another alternative today to the reluctor kit. Painless wiring has a sender that goes in line with the spedo cable or in place of it. One of my friends is using it in his jeep with no problems. I am going to try to just retro in the cluster but may opt for the Dash too.

u2slow · 02-16-2002, 03:36 AM

I don't believe the t-case and tranny use identical speedo drives - better check for sure. The Painless one is meant for the TH700 tranny - 2wd that is.

u2slow · 02-17-2002, 06:33 PM

Alright... I found the pics of the Vortec'ed 87 K30.

http://209.53.37.213/~u2slow/gallery/87k30/

The only thing that doesn't jive is the transfer case. To get everything working, he settled on a NP241C from a 91 K2500 Suburban until he found the electronic speedo'ed NP205 from a '91 crewcab.

monypit · 02-20-2002, 06:36 PM

Thanks for the pics, Painless wiring said that the speed sensor is the same so it should work on the out shaft of the tcase fine.

Tom · 02-22-2002, 11:47 PM

just for info, vortec motors do have provision for a mechanical pump. Im putting a 99 vortec 350 in my 79 silvarado right now and there is deff. a big hole in the block for a pump

------------------
78 c10 short/stepside: 383/M20/12 bolt

79 c10 short/wide: vortec 350,th350/12 bolt

99 accord v6: 200hp 3.0L, high flow intake tube w/ K&N, much more to come [think classy, not rice!]

monypit · 02-23-2002, 11:20 AM

yeah too bad you cant use it

Longhorn Man · 02-24-2002, 11:20 AM

Hmmm, interesting, every thing I have ever read on them says it isn't there. And being that they have not used mech pumps in some 15 or so years, it would make sense to belete the hole, one less place to leak. (leaking gaskets was the #1 waranty work done, and GM tried gettin rid of all the leakes, hense the '87 and up intake design, valve covers, and rear main seal.)

------------------
'69 G.M.C. 350/350. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man
I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it.
Need to pick up the one ton Longhorn with a PONTIAC 350/350soon.
Thanks every one!

Check out The Longhorn Webite.
If you need a pic posted, E-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com
Andy, in Columbus Ohio

monypit · 03-02-2002, 09:39 PM

The donor is here I got a 97 tahoe to take apart. anyone have a good line on a later model mid 80's tank that was originally for a tbi Blazer out here in AZ??

Longhorn Man · 03-04-2002, 11:16 PM

monypit...is there a fuel pump hole on that motor?

------------------
'69 G.M.C. 350/350. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man
I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it.
Need to pick up the one ton Longhorn with a PONTIAC 350/350soon.
Thanks every one!

Check out The Longhorn Webite.
If you need a pic posted, E-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com
Andy, in Columbus Ohio

monypit · 03-04-2002, 11:17 PM

I haven't got it out of the donor yet to see I am curious too. I always thought they did away with that in the casting.

monypit · 03-15-2002, 02:37 AM

Does anyone have a good late 80's tank that was for fuel injection(TBI) with Baffles or am I better off buying new??

------------------
1973 blazer undergoing frame off and Vortec upgrade

monypit · 03-25-2002, 11:40 PM

i got every thing apart and the block has the outline of the pump mount but no opening into th block for the drive. now i have to get evrything back together minus my left hand for a while....4lb sledge

------------------
1973 blazer undergoing frame off and Vortec upgrade

gchemist · 03-26-2002, 07:37 AM

I would get a nice poly tank if you gonna do the conversion. Nice pics. Ouch on the left hand!!

Did you change the cam on the Vortec for more power?

------------------
Gerardo
1983 Custom Truck
TX Plates: "BAD BOW"

02-07-2002, 08:38 AM	#2
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Have all the wiring? Computer? Exhaust? If you need a wiring harness get it from www.painlesswiring.com Why not add carb instead? The tranny shifting can be controlled by using an aftermarket wiring harness. It's available from Painlesswiring too. ------------------ Gerardo 1983 Custom Truck TX Plates: "BAD BOW" http://www.geocities.com/abetterchemist/ __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

02-07-2002, 11:22 PM	#3
monypit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 115	I got the complete engine,pcm,and trans with wiring harness. Just gotta fit it all in __________________ 1973/1997 Blazer/Tahoe (it just doesn't know that it is a '73)

02-08-2002, 08:52 AM	#4
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Only problem I see is the relocation of your A/C compressor and alternator unless the Vortec is 96 or newer. Should bolt right in ???? truck? Oh, what about the fuel pump? Are you using one tank or two? You will need a fuel return line to the tanks due to the eletric fuel pump. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

02-08-2002, 07:10 PM	#5
monypit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 115	73 blazer one fuel tank, Is the Pcm better inside or under hood? Howmuch longer is the 4l60e. Do you think I will have to redo the driveshafts? __________________ 1973/1997 Blazer/Tahoe (it just doesn't know that it is a '73)

02-11-2002, 07:10 AM	#7
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	If the 73 blazer had a long shaft 350TH tranny it shold be the same lenght. If the tranny is short then you will need to extend yours or buy another one. Does the Vortec have an electric fuel pump? ------------------ Gerardo 1983 Custom Truck TX Plates: "BAD BOW" http://www.geocities.com/abetterchemist/ __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

02-06-2002, 06:27 PM	#1
monypit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 115	Vortec conversion I am putting a late model Vortec V8 w/4l60E Trans. Any advice? __________________ 1973/1997 Blazer/Tahoe (it just doesn't know that it is a '73)

02-10-2002, 01:25 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	I would place the computer inside, much better conditions in there. While I am not 100% positive, count on spending money on the drive shaft. Make sure you get it ballanced, and let them know it'll be in an overdrive truck, the ballance needs to be perfect for an overdrive since the shaft will be going faster than the crank. ------------------ '69 G.M.C. Short/Fleet. 350/350 Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man http://geocities.com/andys_69_gmc/ I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it. Should be getting theone ton Longhorn with a PONTIAC 350/350 THIS WEEKEND!!!! thanks every one! Visit The Longhorn Site http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/8752/ If you need a pic posted, e-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com Andy, in Columbus Ohio

02-11-2002, 07:02 PM	#8
monypit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 115	I need to put one in, is the return line and vapor line the same thing?? __________________ 1973/1997 Blazer/Tahoe (it just doesn't know that it is a '73)

02-12-2002, 01:23 AM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	The vortec motors have no provisions for a mechanical pump. ------------------ '69 G.M.C. Short/Fleet. 350/350 Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man http://geocities.com/andys_69_gmc/ I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it. Need to pick up the one ton Longhorn with a PONTIAC 350/350soon. Thanks every one! Visit The Longhorn Site http://www.longhorntrucks.freeservers.com/ If you need a pic posted, e-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com Andy, in Columbus Ohio

02-12-2002, 06:32 AM	#10
u2slow Web Wheeler Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: BC, Canada, eh? Posts: 388	The only right-hand drop t-case you can bolt up to the 4L60E and satisfies the engine and tranny's need for an electronic speed sensor is a 90-91 NP241C from a Blazer/Jimmy/Burb. A friend of mine easily spent 3 times his (already generous) original budget when he decided update his 87 K30 to Vortec power. He used a '98 Vortec 454 and 4L80E tranny from a 4x4 truck. He had to source an extremely scarce transfer case for the task: An NP205 from a '91 K30 crewcab - the only NP205 with an electronic speedo. Splicing the harness was such an enormous task that by the time he was done, the entire cab had been gutted and the 98 dash and column were installed as well. The fuel pump was an easy battle. The stock TBI sending unit accepted a 92-94 Vortec S-truck pump. The fuel tank selector would not handle the higher pressure (it literally burst) so the pressure side of the pumps were simply tee'd together - these pumps have a built-in check valve. The selector now only manages the return flow to the tanks. The Vortec ECMs are located under-hood from the factory. They are completely weather sealed. They do generate a fair bit of heat, and benefit from the extra air flow in the engine compartment. [This message has been edited by u2slow (edited February 12, 2002).] __________________ '66 C10 longstep - Clifford equiped '84 C20 Suburban 6.2L - awaiting 4x4 conversion '91 V3500 Crewcab - awaiting diesel swap

02-13-2002, 11:13 AM	#11
monypit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 115	JTR sells a reluctor kit that mounts a replacement reluctor on the tranny tailshaft so I can use the original tcase. Is the s-series pump frame mounted or in tank? Did you buddy retro in the instrument cluster or did he replace the full Dash and how difficult was that?? [This message has been edited by monypit (edited February 13, 2002).] __________________ 1973/1997 Blazer/Tahoe (it just doesn't know that it is a '73)

02-14-2002, 09:22 AM	#12
u2slow Web Wheeler Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: BC, Canada, eh? Posts: 388	JTR's kit works great for 2wd applications. 4x4 versions of the 4L60E (and other GM trannies) eliminate the tailhousing altogether - the t-case and/or adapter bolts on in its place. The electronic sensor sits in the tailhousing of the t-case. The s-series pump is in-tank. The 87 C/K TBI sending unit is in-tank as well. The saddle tanks are the same between carb and TBI. The S-series (Vortec) pump is interchangable with the TBI pump - they just operate at different pressures. The entire dash was replaced - including the cluster, pedals, column, and heater/AC. Nearly every hole in the firewall was filled and new holes were cut. The "crown" on the front edge of the dash (where in meets the cowl) has trimmed to fit the flatter contour of the '87. I have some pics somewhere, I just have to find them again. __________________ '66 C10 longstep - Clifford equiped '84 C20 Suburban 6.2L - awaiting 4x4 conversion '91 V3500 Crewcab - awaiting diesel swap

02-14-2002, 06:27 PM	#13
monypit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 115	I found another alternative today to the reluctor kit. Painless wiring has a sender that goes in line with the spedo cable or in place of it. One of my friends is using it in his jeep with no problems. I am going to try to just retro in the cluster but may opt for the Dash too. __________________ 1973/1997 Blazer/Tahoe (it just doesn't know that it is a '73)

02-16-2002, 03:36 AM	#14
u2slow Web Wheeler Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: BC, Canada, eh? Posts: 388	I don't believe the t-case and tranny use identical speedo drives - better check for sure. The Painless one is meant for the TH700 tranny - 2wd that is. __________________ '66 C10 longstep - Clifford equiped '84 C20 Suburban 6.2L - awaiting 4x4 conversion '91 V3500 Crewcab - awaiting diesel swap

02-17-2002, 06:33 PM	#15
u2slow Web Wheeler Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: BC, Canada, eh? Posts: 388	Alright... I found the pics of the Vortec'ed 87 K30. http://209.53.37.213/~u2slow/gallery/87k30/ The only thing that doesn't jive is the transfer case. To get everything working, he settled on a NP241C from a 91 K2500 Suburban until he found the electronic speedo'ed NP205 from a '91 crewcab. __________________ '66 C10 longstep - Clifford equiped '84 C20 Suburban 6.2L - awaiting 4x4 conversion '91 V3500 Crewcab - awaiting diesel swap



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02-20-2002, 06:36 PM	#16
monypit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 115	Thanks for the pics, Painless wiring said that the speed sensor is the same so it should work on the out shaft of the tcase fine. __________________ 1973/1997 Blazer/Tahoe (it just doesn't know that it is a '73)

02-22-2002, 11:47 PM	#17
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,748	just for info, vortec motors do have provision for a mechanical pump. Im putting a 99 vortec 350 in my 79 silvarado right now and there is deff. a big hole in the block for a pump ------------------ 78 c10 short/stepside: 383/M20/12 bolt 79 c10 short/wide: vortec 350,th350/12 bolt 99 accord v6: 200hp 3.0L, high flow intake tube w/ K&N, much more to come [think classy, not rice!] __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

02-23-2002, 11:20 AM	#18
monypit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 115	yeah too bad you cant use it __________________ 1973/1997 Blazer/Tahoe (it just doesn't know that it is a '73)

02-24-2002, 11:20 AM	#19
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Hmmm, interesting, every thing I have ever read on them says it isn't there. And being that they have not used mech pumps in some 15 or so years, it would make sense to belete the hole, one less place to leak. (leaking gaskets was the #1 waranty work done, and GM tried gettin rid of all the leakes, hense the '87 and up intake design, valve covers, and rear main seal.) ------------------ '69 G.M.C. 350/350. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it. Need to pick up the one ton Longhorn with a PONTIAC 350/350soon. Thanks every one! Check out The Longhorn Webite. If you need a pic posted, E-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com Andy, in Columbus Ohio

03-02-2002, 09:39 PM	#20
monypit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 115	The donor is here I got a 97 tahoe to take apart. anyone have a good line on a later model mid 80's tank that was originally for a tbi Blazer out here in AZ?? __________________ 1973/1997 Blazer/Tahoe (it just doesn't know that it is a '73)

03-04-2002, 11:16 PM	#21
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	monypit...is there a fuel pump hole on that motor? ------------------ '69 G.M.C. 350/350. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it. Need to pick up the one ton Longhorn with a PONTIAC 350/350soon. Thanks every one! Check out The Longhorn Webite. If you need a pic posted, E-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com Andy, in Columbus Ohio

03-04-2002, 11:17 PM	#22
monypit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 115	I haven't got it out of the donor yet to see I am curious too. I always thought they did away with that in the casting. __________________ 1973/1997 Blazer/Tahoe (it just doesn't know that it is a '73)

03-15-2002, 02:37 AM	#23
monypit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 115	Does anyone have a good late 80's tank that was for fuel injection(TBI) with Baffles or am I better off buying new?? ------------------ 1973 blazer undergoing frame off and Vortec upgrade __________________ 1973/1997 Blazer/Tahoe (it just doesn't know that it is a '73)

03-25-2002, 11:40 PM	#24
monypit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 115	i got every thing apart and the block has the outline of the pump mount but no opening into th block for the drive. now i have to get evrything back together minus my left hand for a while....4lb sledge ------------------ 1973 blazer undergoing frame off and Vortec upgrade __________________ 1973/1997 Blazer/Tahoe (it just doesn't know that it is a '73)

03-26-2002, 07:37 AM	#25
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	I would get a nice poly tank if you gonna do the conversion. Nice pics. Ouch on the left hand!! Did you change the cam on the Vortec for more power? ------------------ Gerardo 1983 Custom Truck TX Plates: "BAD BOW" __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

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