Vortec 5.7 + 4L60E Swap

[crazydavez28]

Alright this swap is in progress. Everything seems to be working out pretty smooth for now. I have decided to re-use the transmission cooler lines and they bolt right in place of the newer ones. The knock sensor hits the new headers but it will be relocated to the drivers side to fix that. shifter arm worked perfectly. I will have to leave the oil cooler off or run a low profile filter in the future. K-member looks to be good haven't test fit it in the car yet but it shouldn't be an issue. Here are some pics, I hope to have the engine test fired tomorrow. Anybody have a part number for the A/C side adapter thing?


the old anchor

those plugs were new in august and only had 7k on them

tahoe driveshaft is going to be very close to a perfect fit :shock:

new headers and oil filter w/o cooler

new knock sensor location

the interference

old shifter arm on new transmission

 

[crazydavez28]

Got this thing running today. Still needs lots of buttoning up but I connected 4 wires to the engine's C100 connector and it fired right up once the fuel lines primed. I would recommend this swap for anyone who wants a great DD. The stock column shifter linkage fits perfect, motor mounts bolt right on, aftermarket transmission crossmember bolts right in, stock tahoe driveshaft is perfect length, and it sounds like a beast with open headers. Video:

Still need new gauges, cruise, A/C and maybe ABS we will see if the Tahoe wheel sensors can be modded for the Elco spindles.

Granted I did my research and looked at the details a lot before I did this but as far as custom hook-ups go this is a very simple swap. Special thanks to LT1swap.com for the invaluable wiring harness and connector info.

 

[78MC-BBC]

the tahoe wheel speed sensors for the abs, i highly doubt you can get them to swap they are part of the wheel bearing itself

if you wanna try getting the abs to work, try the spindles off a newer model S10 the newer ones had dual piston calipers, with abs.
I'm surprised the tahoe driveshaft was the right size, you got very lucky!

If you wanna sell a few parts off the Tahoe, i am looking for the climate control panel on the dashboard and the 4x4 selector switch on the dashboard.

 

[crazydavez28]

the tahoe wheel speed sensors for the abs, i highly doubt you can get them to swap they are part of the wheel bearing itself

if you wanna try getting the abs to work, try the spindles off a newer model S10 the newer ones had dual piston calipers, with abs.
I'm surprised the tahoe driveshaft was the right size, you got very lucky!

If you wanna sell a few parts off the Tahoe, i am looking for the climate control panel on the dashboard and the 4x4 selector switch on the dashboard.

The driveshaft wouldn't hurt to have another 1/2" but for the power I'm putting out it should be just fine and it saves me money!

Well, it's a RWD only tahoe so I can't find much on the wheel speed sensors. I agree those hub assemblies look like more work than benefit, But they are probably separate on the 2wd models... we'll see once I can tear the knuckles off.

That said the little tabs on the heater controls are broke off and the fan speed didn't work. I'm still contemplating swapping the dash into my K5 in the spring so I don't want to part it out just yet.

 

[AndrewMrChevy]

Hey Dave,

Ok to make the 4L60E work for your application you are going to need to put a 40 pulse speed sensor and correct gear drive for your rearend to run your factory El Camino speedo. First you will need a different tail shaft for your transmission off a 700R4 or 4l60E with the four bolt tail shaft. You will need to purchase Stealth conversions 40 reluctor ring for $90.00, new speed sensor and modify your transmission to install it. After you get the speed sensor installed the rest is gravy. I have included pictures for your project. Your 4L60E will not shift without the current speed sensor and all trucks 94 and newer use a 40 pulse system. Stealth Conversion will provide you will instructions on the install, but I can help you will the modification too.

With this modification you can run your factory dash in your El Camino or if you dont have the gauage cluster, you can purchase and all gauges will work like factory. Your A/C system should only need new custom hoses to make it work with the factory El Camino A/C.

 

[AndrewMrChevy]

Here is the next steps.

 

[AndrewMrChevy]

Next you will need to drill the new speed sensor hole, you will need to tap the transmission case with 3/4 - 16 tap for the sensor

 

[AndrewMrChevy]

Next you will have to remove all the shavings, remove the tape, install the modified Stealth Conversion 40 Pulse reluctor ring. Next apply teflon sealer to the speed sensor, screw in till speed sensor touches the reluctor ring and then back out the speed sensor 3/4 turn and this should set the speed sensor to the required depth to operate as factory. Next reinstall your speed sensor wire, this ends the speed sensor install mission. Next up is the Speedometer gear install.
Stealth conversion provides you some of these same instructions when you purchase their modified reluctor ring.

 

[AndrewMrChevy]

Next install the tail shaft gear and Speedometer gear with housing. Housing would depend with the factory gears you are running in your rearend. For mine I have a 3.42 rearend so I need a 39 tooth gear housing and 15 tooth Shaft gear with lock.

 

[AndrewMrChevy]

Final installed speedometer cable and speed sensor pics.

Dave if you have any issues, drop me a line

V/R,

Andrew