229 to 400 swap almost done. Need some wiring help

[madhatter]

Swapped a 400 into a 81 El Camino that originally had a 229. The only things I have left are the electric choke, lock-up wiring for the trans (TH350) and the electric fan setup. What wires in the stock harness can I use for ignition switched power? I would prefer to use the driver side wiring so I can remove the passenger side. Also, all emission controls have been taken off. Can I remove all the wiring on the passenger side? I see the wires are on the passenger side for the stock TH250 trans. Is it computer controlled, or brake light switch controlled?

Thanks
Sean

 

[pontiacgp]

you'll need to find a wiring harness that suites your purpose for the passenger side and the transmission lock up is computer controlled so if you have removed the computer then you'll need to wire up a lock up kit ....

 

[madhatter]

you'll need to find a wiring harness that suites your purpose for the passenger side and the transmission lock up is computer controlled so if you have removed the computer then you'll need to wire up a lock up kit ....

OK so how do I go about wiring a lock-up kit? Why would I need a whole wiring harness if all I need is two ignition switched wires? I am trying my best to use what is available.

 

[82cutty]

I ran a new wire to the electric choke off the fuse box that has switched power while the key is in crank mode. As fpr the trany, I have never seen a turbo 350 use a lock up converter..... As for the electric fan, I would run a 10 gauge wire off the battery and then use a switch inside using the ground as the on and off. Most fans and electric chokes pull a lot of draw and better off on there own circuits.

 

[drogg1]

I agree, I've never heard of a lockup torque converter on a th350. I'm 99.9% sure they don't exist and so you will not need to worry about that.

 

[billyjack]

THM 350 Trans had lockup convertors from '81 up. Similar to the THM 200, the lockup can be disabled with no ill effects. We unplugged many at the dealership in the 80's to resolve customer dissatisfaction with the constant on-off cycling. The 200 in my Camino has been unplugged for 15 years. The overdrive units, especially the 700, are a completely different scenario, and require some type of aftermarket controller on a de-computerized application.

Bill

 

[dougfather]

First off, I'll assume Small Block Chevy 400 (not an Olds, Buick, or Pontiac). The 229 was simply a 305, less two cylinders ((305/8) * 6)=229. So most of what you had (assuming a stock setup, less the CCC) should be pretty much the same. You may need to lengthen some wire here and there.

As for the choke, if you are keeping the same gauges or idiot lights, use the same light blue wire you had before. Otherwise, you need to find a switched 12V source.

 

[pontiacgp]

for the fan you'll need to install a relay since it draws too much power to wire it directly...as for the lock up I used a TCI kit for my 200 4r when I ran it but I didn't see one for the 350.....

 

[DRIVEN]

Electric choke - There should be unused accessory circuit in the fuse panel. It's best to give electric chokes their own circuit.
Lock-up - On the TH350c it can be left unhooked, as stated by billyjack.
Electric Fan - Do NOT wire it direct! Electric fans draw quite a bit of amperage and require a relay. Any auto parts store will have universal relay kits that include connector harness and directions. Use a temp switch on the ground side of the relay and install it in one of the heads (they will be hotter than the intake manifold).

 

[madmaxstyle]

You're transmission is the TH350C and as stated above you can run it as is without the TC lock up.
Yes the Turbo 350 did come with a lockup torque converter only for a few years 1980,81,82 (IIRC) and after 1983 most vehicles were optioned with the THM-200r4 for the overdrive and better economy.