97 3500 454 4x4 project

[Wide Open]

I assume you are keeping the 4L80E behind it when you swap?

[95 S_Trucker]

Originally Posted by Wide Open

I assume you are keeping the 4L80E behind it when you swap?

There's no reason to not keep the 4l80e. It was behind the 8.1 in 01 and 02 3500HD trucks(15,000 GVW) and the 3/4 ton suburban and avalanche.

And an Allison won't fit without a body lift.

[Wide Open]

Originally Posted by 95 S_Trucker

There's no reason to not keep the 4l80e. It was behind the 8.1 in 01 and 02 3500HD trucks(15,000 GVW) and the 3/4 ton suburban and avalanche.

And an Allison won't fit without a body lift.

My question isn’t about the strength of the 4L80E or it’s compatibilty behind the 8.1.
More related to what are his plans for running his engine and transmission.

In the link he posted the guy (Dirty Larry) used an NV4500 which was available in the GMT400 trucks just not Mingoman’s so I wondered if he was staying with the auto (assume so) or swap to something else like the NV4500 (assume not)
Is he going to try and use the stock L29 setup (distributor and all) to keep it simple or swap in L18 stuff? Inquiring minds want to know.
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[95 S_Trucker]

Originally Posted by Wide Open

My question isn’t about the strength of the 4L80E or it’s compatibilty behind the 8.1.
More related to what are his plans for running his engine and transmission.

In the link he posted the guy (Dirty Larry) used an NV4500 which was available in the GMT400 trucks just not Mingoman’s so I wondered if he was staying with the auto (assume so) or swap to something else like the NV4500 (assume not)
Is he going to try and use the stock L29 setup (distributor and all) to keep it simple or swap in L18 stuff? Inquiring minds want to know.
Posted via Mobile Device

The 454 intake/distributor is not compatable with the 496. Really the only thing you can change is the throttle body on the 496(OE is drive by wire, you can swap on a drive by cable throttle body(off the 454)

Larry used an NV4500 from a 92-95 truck. Lots of variables. I think his truck is a 78 K10. I havent read through his stuff in a while.

[mingoman]

I'm planning on keeping the 4l80e trans and using my L29 throttle body on the 8.1. From what I've read that's a better way to go than drive by wire. I've got to find the right spacer to use, don't remember if that was listed in his parts list or not.
I did get some things done yesterday. My drivers seat is in, checked, cleaned, and lubed the screws and such on the power riser, everything works.
Changed my blower motor resistor, another thing I should have done with the dash out.
Installed the new heater control unit, put blue led lights in it first, with the rear defrost controls to power my heated mirrors when I get that far.

[Wide Open]

Originally Posted by mingoman

I'm planning on keeping the 4l80e trans and using my L29 throttle body on the 8.1. From what I've read that's a better way to go than drive by wire. I've got to find the right spacer to use, don't remember if that was listed in his parts list or not.
I did get some things done yesterday. My drivers seat is in, checked, cleaned, and lubed the screws and such on the power riser, everything works.
Changed my blower motor resistor, another thing I should have done with the dash out.
Installed the new heater control unit, put blue led lights in it first, with the rear defrost controls to power my heated mirrors when I get that far.

Cool thanks. Sounds like you’re making good progress.
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[Wide Open]

Originally Posted by 95 S_Trucker

The 454 intake/distributor is not compatable with the 496. Really the only thing you can change is the throttle body on the 496(OE is drive by wire, you can swap on a drive by cable throttle body(off the 454)

Larry used an NV4500 from a 92-95 truck. Lots of variables. I think his truck is a 78 K10. I havent read through his stuff in a while.

Yeah I'm not sure what I was thinking. I remember reading that the 8.1, despite being a tall deck, is compatible with standard height distributors (not with the stock intake of course) but I forgot the 8.1 firing order was also changed so it wouldn't be a simple install after all even with an aftermarket intake set up for port injection. So despite already having the wiring to operate the 4L80 it won’t be a simple drop in which is what I was thinking. Not simple of course but simplified than an entire harness swap.

[95 S_Trucker]

Originally Posted by Wide Open

Yeah I'm not sure what I was thinking. I remember reading that the 8.1, despite being a tall deck, is compatible with standard height distributors (not with the stock intake of course) but I forgot the 8.1 firing order was also changed so it wouldn't be a simple install after all even with an aftermarket intake set up for port injection. So despite already having the wiring to operate the 4L80 it won’t be a simple drop in which is what I was thinking. Not simple of course but simplified than an entire harness swap.

The biggest thing is the shape of the intake port on the cylinder heads. They are huge and cathedral shaped. All of the BBC intakes are square, peanut or oval.


I think we are all looking forward to seeing that engine in your truck.

[mingoman]

Originally Posted by 95 S_Trucker

The biggest thing is the shape of the intake port on the cylinder heads. They are huge and cathedral shaped. All of the BBC intakes are square, peanut or oval.


I think we are all looking forward to seeing that engine in your truck.

Lol, me too. Before I bought this truck I had made a deal to buy an 06 3500 crew cab with the 8.1L engine. I had to work 2 days before I could drive over to get it and he sold it, not that I blamed the guy, cash talks.
When I saw this engine for sale I checked into what I'd have to do to swap over and I'm pretty confident I can do it. It's going to be unique for sure.

[Wide Open]

Originally Posted by 95 S_Trucker

The biggest thing is the shape of the intake port on the cylinder heads. They are huge and cathedral shaped. All of the BBC intakes are square, peanut or oval.

Port shape can be accommodated. Intake port location is the deal breaker. But I know what you mean.