Printable View
i have a 1987 chevy 3/4 4x4 and want to do a resto mod on it and for the engine transmission i wanted to use an lt1 4l60e or 4l80e combination. i'm trying to find more information on what i'll need to do this swap into my pick up. i've read about guys doing this with 2x4 model trucks similar to mine but nothing thats a 4x4. any help would be appreciated. i'm just trying to do some research before i go ahead and get into this project.
guess it's kinda a crazy idea huh?
Personally, I would not waste the effort with the LT1 engine. That engine was only made for a few years and parts are pricey. Get a Gen3 engine with the newer technology and better fuel mileage. They never put LT1 engines in trucks at the factory so that makes the conversion even more difficult. The newer 5.3/6.0L engines are the way to go and you get a better transmission to go with it.
ok, so if i went with a 5.3/6.0L engine, would the motor mounts have to be modified? how hard would it be to come across a vehicle with that engine in that's trashed, how much money ruffly would i be looking at?
Price depends on your shopping abilities and what's available in your area. You need to get Gen1 to Gen3 adapters, available on Ebay for $40.
ok i'll have to check that out. what about the trans? probably have to get some sort of different crossmember made.
the earlier Gen3 4x4 setups are probably going to be your best bet. Check around and see if any of them still have the manual linkage setup.
i have a 4.8( was suppose to be 5.3) didnt check serial number when i bought it. i have a lt-1 in my roadster, the 5.3 complete change over, motor tran, wiring comp was cheaper than the lt1. just alittle more work to install, but 5.3 lot better tourque than lt 1
plus the LTx do not like water.. and being a 4x4 they kinda ooozzz their
way to the wet stuff...
a tuned 6.0 genIII and your th400 would be strong combination, less
work to get it running. 80e if you want.
airdeano
the lt-1 distributor is on the front of the engine, and it will get wet and the it is very expensive to replace.the 95 -97 are vented and that helps alittle bit, but still a big disavantage, 5.3 or 6.0 wins easily
L@@k in the ls conversion forum. "my engine sits 1" back" has some real good info. I just went over a bunch of 4x4 stuff thereQuote:
Originally Posted by bigredrocket87
as far as a x-member just make one, its nothing difficult, just get some 1.5" square tubing and go to town. i did it in about an honest 5-10 minutes. even used the factory drilled x-member bolts just so i wouldnt have to drill any more holes in the frame. (im lazy)
look at my 5.3 silverado folder @
Putfile - Welcome to my homepage!
http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/10/28521414325.jpg
basically its 1 bar per frame rail (which the pictures cuts off/cant see, and the part you can see is welded on top of that. why is one side higher than the other.. dunno, it just works out like that.. the oil pan to the front seteering rod looks good.
http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/10/28521414390.jpg
clint
as far as the axels, i dont own a 4x4, but make sure the axel comes out of the t-case on the same side as the axel's yoke. other than that its a simple drive shaft issue. have one made to fit.
I am 99% sure the front diff on a chevy strait axle truck is on the passenger side, I think that you can buy an adapter to clock the newer transfer cases to exit on the correct side you need. Go with the 6.0, you can crank out well over 325hp on a tight budget.
i thought the newer t-cases are on the DRIVERS side, and the 73-87's are on the PASS. side. im not too sure, but im willing to be corrected if im wrong