New engine and trans -- what else?

[2500HD]

My new engine (fast burn 385 P/N 12499710) and trans (4L60E P/N 19156259) and trans controller (Compushift) will be here by Friday -- I hope. I hope to have the major parts here and ready for install before i begin the project. I loose focus and desire if the truck is undrivable for a long period of time. I hope to have everything up and running in two full weekends (working Friday night to Sunday evening)

The engine is the turn key version that comes with the serpentine belt system.

My concerns are:
A/C lines -- will they have to be custome made or will the factory ones work?

Power steering lines -- custom made or will the factory ones work?

Fan and fan clutch -- factory will not work. what will?

Fan shroud -- Will the factory small blockwork shroud work? if not what will?

Carb (Holley 4160 style) -- will the factory rod style throttle work?

relocate trans mount and shorten driveshaft -- no problem.

Headers -- must have "D" port. I have looked at Sanderson CC3Dport. suggestions?

Front clip -- take off or not?

Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

All for a 67 short 2 wheel drive. Truck in avatar.

[stllookn]

Why did you pick the 4L60E and what will that conversion cost if you don't mind me asking. I am thinking about one for my big block truck that will carry a camper and tow a boat. What torque are they rated for?

[2500HD]

I chose the 4L60E because I wanted overdrive. I had three options:
700R4 (4L60). not chosen due to the fact the TV cable is tempermental as well as the lock up TQ. Making it work correctly seems to be a problem many have. When I have asked others how they like theirs I usually get "It works good except........." The except is the problem.
4L80E. This was my first choice but my understanding is they eat up alot of horse power. They are the most heavy duty and for towing are the best choice.
4L60E. rated for 370 ft pounds of torque from the factory. This number can be increased by raising the line pressure via the Compuship controller. 385/385 should not be a problem for the 4L60E with increased line pressure.

The cost is not cheap. I will have about $3200.00 in the trans and controller. add $1000.00 for for the 4L80E. There are cheaper controllers out there but they do not include the TPS and require a lap top to program. I have also heard of many interface problems with the lap top programmers. The Compushift is not that much more expensive and comes with a TPS and is fully programable with the optional display.

In your case the 4L80E or the Gear Vendors and origianl 400 would be the best choice. Both are expensive.

[KFreddy]

I just went through this with a BB setup, asuming the swap is very similar here are some answers to your questions:

A/C lines, some will have to be bent up custom to work with the newer style compressor on the serpentine set up. You might run into an issue needing a AN -12 180* bend that is close to the fire wall, I have an extra one if you need it. I'll try to get some pics of my set up to show you.

Power steering is close if I remember, only now the reservior is integrated into the serpentine system.

Fan needs to be a reverse rotation fan, Flex A Lite makes one, check Summit online and the clutch should be of the thermal type, again Flex A Lite and Summit.

Factory shroud should be just fine, depending on how far up the engine sits and the positioning of the serpentine system. I had to notch my shroud just a bit to clear the alternator and compressor.

Sanderson headers you can't beat them. I'm running the BB ones but the manifod style, excellent product top notch quality.

Just a note with the serpentine system you might want to think of installing a March Power Amp Series kit, crank and alternator underdrive pulley, this is a perfect and easy upgrade, granted you'll need to find a different belt then the one supplied by GM with your engine.

Good luck and stay focused, you'll be loving the end results...

[KFreddy]

Oh and that 4L60e, great transmission, I had one backing a 440hp LT-1 in a '96 Impala SS, 12.90 car in the 1/4, 4000lbs just like our trucks, 87,000 miles and never an issue. The only mods were a Trans-Go shift kit set at level 2 and a factory GM extended capacity tranny pan, extra 1.5 quarts if I remember correctly. Being in a car club with about 45/50 '94-'96 Impalas, the only guys that had trouble with that transmission were the ones that used a Hypertech or similar ECM modifier. They would raise the shift points to 6000, 6100, 6200 rpms trying to get more out of the motor, scratching my head over here Much like an A/C compressor the 4L60e transmission has a maximum RPM ability. About 6000 rpms, so if you continually over-rev it will eventually fail.
If you look at some old specs of '96-'97 Corvettes you will see that the ratings are different for the automatics, 4L60e, and the manual transmission, ZF 6-speed, cars. The automatics are factory calibrated to shift at under 5900 rpms and the ZF cars were tested and spun up to 6200, makes sense...

[2500HD]

Originally Posted by KFreddy

I just went through this with a BB setup, asuming the swap is very similar here are some answers to your questions:

A/C lines, some will have to be bent up custom to work with the newer style compressor on the serpentine set up. You might run into an issue needing a AN -12 180* bend that is close to the fire wall, I have an extra one if you need it. I'll try to get some pics of my set up to show you.

Power steering is close if I remember, only now the reservior is integrated into the serpentine system.

Fan needs to be a reverse rotation fan, Flex A Lite makes one, check Summit online and the clutch should be of the thermal type, again Flex A Lite and Summit.

Factory shroud should be just fine, depending on how far up the engine sits and the positioning of the serpentine system. I had to notch my shroud just a bit to clear the alternator and compressor.

Sanderson headers you can't beat them. I'm running the BB ones but the manifod style, excellent product top notch quality.

Just a note with the serpentine system you might want to think of installing a March Power Amp Series kit, crank and alternator underdrive pulley, this is a perfect and easy upgrade, granted you'll need to find a different belt then the one supplied by GM with your engine.

Good luck and stay focused, you'll be loving the end results...

Pictures of the A/C would be great. The truck has factory air that has been converted to R134. It is somewhat cold. I hope the system is more efficient (colder) with the new style compresor.

Is the new P/S pump metric or did you factory hose screw into it?

I was really wanting to stay with a standard fan and fan clutch.

The truck is a factory small block truck so the engine should be in the correct location.

Thanks for your help.

[rob32472]

Just did this with a zz4 the ps is metric you will have to get a line made. NAPA took care of this for me. The a/c lines will also have to be made. The fan is reverse so you will need to get a new one. i ordered one through NAPA for a 95 chevt truck. That is as close to stock as I was able to find. I hope this helps and good luck!

[2500HD]

KFreddy

Have you had a chance to get an pics?

[2500HD]

KFreddy

By chance have you been able to get any pics of your A/C?

I have all of the parts I can think of here or on the way. I have also decided to install all new wiring. Disassembly will start this week.