Embarking on the great LM7 budget swap...Breathing Reliable life into an 81 C10

[81C10]

Hey everyone. I'm new to LSX swapping and I'm hoping you all can answer some of my questions. I've got 2000 to play with to get my truck moving. I'm trying to do this swap as cost effective as possible.

To begin...
In deciding which LM7 to work with. Is there any advantage/Disadvantage to Drive by wire? Would it be easier to swap in a drive by cable setup?

Transmission choices....I have a good 700r4 from an 85 iroc camaro. With the appropriate adapter would this be a good choice paired with the LM7? What advantage would there be with a 4L60E? Eventually I would like to boost the motor to 500 HP, will that require a major rebuild of the 700r4? Would a stock 4l60E handle that much power?

Wiring harness....It would seem it is a crap shoot on whether or not the salvage motor will include the harness. Is it better to modify an original LSX harness? or purchase a converted standalone harness?


Many thanks in advance.

[kerrige]

700r4 isn't the greatest choice if you are looking to go for 500hp. I would say spend the money on a 80E bc the 60 won't hold up either.

Drive by cable is much more simple and seems to be the common choice among most. The harness that comes with the motor would be the best choice.

[81C10]

700r4 isn't the greatest choice if you are looking to go for 500hp. I would say spend the money on a 80E bc the 60 won't hold up either.

Drive by cable is much more simple and seems to be the common choice among most. The harness that comes with the motor would be the best choice.

Ok so they won't hold up to 500 HP...but that is a couple years down the road. Is the 700r4 capable of handling the LM7's stock HP and TQ?

[kerrige]

Ok so they won't hold up to 500 HP...but that is a couple years down the road. Is the 700r4 capable of handling the LM7's stock HP and TQ?

Yeah but for the money you are going to spend on getting the 700r4 to work it would prolly be cheaper to just get the 60e with the LM7 they are pretty cheap and will make life a little more simple. Complete pull will also help your chances of getting a good harness/computer.

Also dirty dingo i wanna say makes some good motor mounts for your swap.

[81C10]

Yeah but for the money you are going to spend on getting the 700r4 to work it would prolly be cheaper to just get the 60e with the LM7 they are pretty cheap and will make life a little more simple. Complete pull will also help your chances of getting a good harness/computer.

Also dirty dingo i wanna say makes some good motor mounts for your swap.

Thanks for the heads up on the mounts...it would be nice to slide the motor back a little...


So, one more transmission option... I've got a TH400 but I'm pretty sure its off a big block. Would I have to change the bellhousing? I can't seem to find an adapter....

[81C10]

Well nevermind on the th400 question.....

I got an 02 5.3 vin Z, 4l60E, Wiring Harness, and computer....with free shipping....for 1000. only 88,000 on the motor and trans.

add an LS6 cam, some headers, I should have plenty o' power till the rest of the truck is done....


Thanks for the answers.