Hi from GA

[78 Chevyrado]

Hey guys, I'm Kenny, From Auburn GA. I been checking out swapping a LM7 5.3 or an LQ4 6.0 into my 78 Chevy C20. Lots of great info here, so far.



Talk to yall later!

[lechez71]

welcome

[quicksilverado]

Welcome.

[zeake]

Welcome

[WARLOCK]

Welcome to the site. Doing a stock build or tossing a cam in there as well?

[78 Chevyrado]

I'll probably just do a stock build. Either engine will run circles around my current tired 350 so I may leave it alone. I think between the new engine and the OD tranny, I'll be smiling from ear to ear. Considering I'll have to have the computer reprogrammed to make it a standalone setup, how will that affect a hot camshaft needing it's own special tune? would they be compatible? would say a comp cams tune for one of their cams screw up what the tuner did to make my engine a stand alone unit?

I just started researching all this about a week ago, and I've found a huge amount of info that leads me to think the hardest part will be locating the trans crossmember, which isn't a big deal at all. I can tell you at this moment I'm not confident enough to go messing with the cam yet. I can do up a 350 no problem, but I know nothing about LS stuff.


Any opinions on which setup may be better? I think I'd rather have the LQ4 with the 4l60E. What do you guys think of the LM7 with a 4l60E?

The trucks a 78 3/4 ton. 3.73 rear; 32" tires, weighs right at 5,000lbs.

I tow a 7,000lbs trailer sometimes (only to bring home friends/family cars that break down) but usually I just ride around empty. And it is a daily driver. It'll be driven 50 miles round trip on the freeway daily. right now I been driving the focus more cuz that 350/th400 sucks gas like mad! I think it runs like 3,200RPM around 75MPH.

[zeake]

I'll probably just do a stock build. Either engine will run circles around my current tired 350 so I may leave it alone. I think between the new engine and the OD tranny, I'll be smiling from ear to ear. Considering I'll have to have the computer reprogrammed to make it a standalone setup, how will that affect a hot camshaft needing it's own special tune? would they be compatible? would say a comp cams tune for one of their cams screw up what the tuner did to make my engine a stand alone unit?

I just started researching all this about a week ago, and I've found a huge amount of info that leads me to think the hardest part will be locating the trans crossmember, which isn't a big deal at all. I can tell you at this moment I'm not confident enough to go messing with the cam yet. I can do up a 350 no problem, but I know nothing about LS stuff.


Any opinions on which setup may be better? I think I'd rather have the LQ4 with the 4l60E. What do you guys think of the LM7 with a 4l60E?

The trucks a 78 3/4 ton. 3.73 rear; 32" tires, weighs right at 5,000lbs.

I tow a 7,000lbs trailer sometimes (only to bring home friends/family cars that break down) but usually I just ride around empty. And it is a daily driver. It'll be driven 50 miles round trip on the freeway daily. right now I been driving the focus more cuz that 350/th400 sucks gas like mad! I think it runs like 3,200RPM around 75MPH.

No matter which engine you get put a 4l80 in it. Trust me on this. That 4l60 will not survive long. Might as well do it right the first time. Buy a complet 4l80/6.0 combo from a yard with computer harness and whole 9 yards.

[mwbrannen]

Welcome from Southeast Ga.. Post some pics as you go along with your build..

[blue0453]

welcome from ga.

[78 Chevyrado]

Did that 4L80E come in ANY 1/2 tonners, or is it a 3/4 ton-up item. Just want to know since that will narrow down the search. What's a ballpark cost for a 6.0/4L80E? I think all the swaps I've seen use a 4L60E. Also if it matters, I do have a small hump floorpan, so will a 4L80E fit? I have a TH400 right now.