Olds 455 to SBC/700-R4 swap

[C20-67_N_MO]

Hey guys,

Need some help on this one.

Got a line on a good used 5.7L vortec motor and an overdrive tranny.

So what I have now is a Olds 455ci with a TH 400 in my 4x4 'burb.

If the transmission of the OD version matches up with the old BoP TH 400 then they should be a straight forward swap, correct?

[Redcap]

Whats wrong with the the Olds?

[raycow]

This swap is anything but straightforward. Assuming the Vortec came out of a 2WD, you have about 3 major issues to deal with here, in estimated order of difficulty:

1. You will need an adaptor plate to bolt the Olds to the (probable) 4L60E.
2. You will have to get a standalone controller for the transmission. Right now it runs off of the engine computer.
3. You will need to identify your transfer case and see if you can find an adaptor that will connect it to the 4L60E.

The above is in addition to all the usual stuff like shift linkage, crossmember, mounts, etc.

If you are interested in a cheaper/easier way to get overdrive in your burb, look for a 700R4 already married to a transfer case. This is a non-electronic OD transmission. You will still need the adaptor plate for the Olds, and maybe driveshafts, depending on what T/C you get, but it should end up costing less than trying to use the 4L60E.

Ray

[raycow]

Ohhh, after seeing Redcap's post, I think I might have read your question wrong. Are you wanting to use the Vortec engine? If yes, you will still need the adaptor for your T/C, but the controller issue goes away.

Ray

[C20-67_N_MO]

Originally Posted by Redcap

Whats wrong with the the Olds?

Not a thing. I just do not want this big thing in my Suburban.

Originally Posted by raycow

Ohhh, after seeing Redcap's post, I think I might have read your question wrong. Are you wanting to use the Vortec engine? If yes, you will still need the adaptor for your T/C, but the controller issue goes away.

Ray

Ray,

I can get the engine with harness, and then the next problem is the 700 4x4 transmission. Factors I know to be true:

1. Engine Harness will have to be mated with the engine and use a high pressure fuel pump and plumbing.
2. Transmission (after rebuilding) will need some kind of connection to said engine to make the electronics work?! I will be putting a 4x4 torque converter from a local tranny rebuilder into this unit.
3. Also since engine is out. will add 4x4 camshaft with kit, and headers.

So now that everyone is up to speed, with what I have in mind will linkages need to be changed over? Just need to know these things in advance to plan this out correctly.

Thanks everyone.

[raycow]

Well I am still unclear on what you are trying to do here. Are you wanting to mate the Vortec transmission to your present transfer case, or are you going to get another transmission with a transfer case already attached to it?

Ray

[C20-67_N_MO]

Simply put:

1. Sell 455CI Olds Engine.
2. Take out motor mounts for above engine and installed SBC set.
3. Installed Computer controlled 5.7L with all wiring harness in Suburban.
4. Have 700 R4 Tranny (4x4) version rebuild and then mated to NP205 transfer case.

Done.

[powerdriver 1958]

You will need all the belt drive stuff for a Chevy small block .. I'm betting yours started its life as a diesel engine truck.

It can be done with patience and bucks.

Do you tow anything with it ?

[C20-67_N_MO]

Originally Posted by powerdriver 1958

You will need all the belt drive stuff for a Chevy small block .. I'm betting yours started its life as a diesel engine truck.

It can be done with patience and bucks.

Do you tow anything with it ?

From what the SPID was saying it started life as a SBC 327.

And yes I want to use the one belt system that came on this new engine to go on this swap.

Will I have any cross member issues?

Linkage problem? Need to upgrade to Lokar or similiar and/or cheaper ones that will work with a coluum shift?

Thanks folks.

[raycow]

Originally Posted by C20-67_N_MO

Will I have any cross member issues?

Linkage problem? Need to upgrade to Lokar or similiar and/or cheaper ones that will work with a coluum shift?

The worst you will have to do is move the existing crossmember, which means a couple of new holes in the frame rails. You could also need driveshaft length mods too. All of this depends on the overall length of the 700R4 + adapter, compared with the TH400 + adapter.

You can keep your stock column and use aftermarket linkage. An aftermarket shift indicator is available that has an OD position. The 700 needs a TV cable and you might have to do some bending on the cooling lines.

Ray

[C20-67_N_MO]

Thank you raycow.

great insight!

[C20-67_N_MO]

Originally Posted by powerdriver 1958

Do you tow anything with it ?

It has a towing system on the rear.

Found out with Sammy's help this was used by US Army Corps of Engineers. Dating from 1995-1999 is the last stickers on the back of the rear view mirror.

Very interesting history this truck has lead.

[C20-67_N_MO]

Picture of the transmission in question.

May or may not rebuild it.

Depends on costs vs. finding one in salvage yards.

[1959 Apache]

Originally Posted by C20-67_N_MO

Picture of the transmission in question.

May or may not rebuild it.

Depends on costs vs. finding one in salvage yards.

The trans in the pic is a 700R4 or 4L60, (not 4L60E). Therefore, the only electical connection is the 4 pin connector on the drivers side that controls torque converter clutch lock-up. All shifting is controlled by the TV (throttle valve) cable and the governor. If you plan on using your existing transfer case that was behind the TH400, the 700R4 output shaft is 27 spline and the TH400 output shaft is typically 31 spline, so you may need to change the transfer case input shaft. Also the TH400 transfer case adapter is 6 bolt for the TH400 and the 700R4 needs a 4 bolt (TH350 style) There is usually TH350 to NP205 adapters on E-bay.

[C20-67_N_MO]

after bring this to my transmission guy he said it would NOT mate up with my NP205. And like 1959 Apache is saying it would take an adapter.

So instead of going this expensive route, I will just have my BoP TH400 rebuild and get the beast back on the road and enjoy it.

This swap can wait!

Thanks everyone for your input.

[raycow]

You can still run the Chevy engine with the BOP TH400. A thin adaptor plate is available that goes between the engine and transmission. It is offered by a lot of vendors, so it might be worthwhile to shop around for price.

http://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS/JEGS-Engi...51074/10002/-1

Ray

[powerdriver 1958]

I was just wondering if you towed much. The olds 455 will have more low end torque than the 350 . But if you don't pull with it thats a non factor .

[propanemudtruck]

I've got an adapter plate template, it's not much really. I'll trade you my adapter for the 455! We can even meet half way!

[C20-67_N_MO]

Originally Posted by raycow

You can still run the Chevy engine with the BOP TH400. A thin adaptor plate is available that goes between the engine and transmission. It is offered by a lot of vendors, so it might be worthwhile to shop around for price.

http://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS/JEGS-Engi...51074/10002/-1

Ray

I would look into this but not at this time.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by powerdriver 1958

I was just wondering if you towed much. The olds 455 will have more low end torque than the 350 . But if you don't pull with it thats a non factor .

Maybe not doing much towing right now but may in the future. Heck with the low end torque this Olds 455 has it would be fun off-road too!

Originally Posted by propanemudtruck

I've got an adapter plate template, it's not much really. I'll trade you my adapter for the 455! We can even meet half way!

[tapeworm]

Originally Posted by propanemudtruck

I've got an adapter plate template, it's not much really. I'll trade you my adapter for the 455! We can even meet half way!

I'd take a 455 over a small block any day! Then again, I'm sure the 455 is a bit thirsty on gas.

You could probably sell the 455 and buy a complete parts truck that will have the transfer case, wiring, computer, linkages, ect

[propanemudtruck]

Originally Posted by C20-67_N_MO

Quote:
Originally Posted by propanemudtruck
I've got an adapter plate template, it's not much really. I'll trade you my adapter for the 455! We can even meet half way!

(in the words of Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber:
So you're saying there's a chance?

[special-K]

If anyone ever does go to use a 700r4 in a 67-72 4wd,all you do is scoot the motor forward the amount that the transmission is longer.You don't need to do any driveshaft work or move the crossmember.