[XCELERATIONRULES]

I currently have a 2002 5.7 motor and 4l80e transmission available.
I'm thinking of transplanting this into a 74 Elky.
Need some help planning the swap.
What do I use to reprogram the computer?
I have the complete harness,but comes from a 2002 commercial truck...I'm guessing it is standard GM...but not sure if commercial vehicles have cats?
Does it matter?
The Elky runs on the longer 118 wheelbase...so a 112 wheelbase drive shaft would work?
4l80E uses it's own yoke?
What type of oxygen sensor do I choose?
What type of oil cooler setup will keep the trans healthy?
I've never played with the new technology of today's motors and electronics.
Any books that would help me out?
Thanks,guys.

 

[novaderrik]

if you are replacing a small block, then the engine drops right in with the stock mounts and you could even use all of your stock accessories if you wanted. i think you need to drill holes in the frame to slide the trans crossmember back for a 4L80E, but that's not too hard.. the stock shifter linkage and trans cooler lins should hook up..
then it's just a matter of figuring out the wiring harness, which isn't really that hard once you figure out what you need and what colors GM made all the important wires.
you will need a high pressure fuel system with a return to run the efi.

 

[XCELERATIONRULES]

I believe the donor truck currently has an external transmission cooler...which I could transplant.
I see guys at the track running laptop's in car,where they can tailor shift points etc to their HP and torque curve.
I was wondering if this is an option with a 2002 gm prom setup.
The donor is made by workhorse,who basically buys the gm chassis,then builds a step van from it.
Every engine part I've inspected in standard Gm fare,but I know nothing about the new engine setups.
I'm old school...but you have to step into the future sometime.
Thanks.

 

[Uppster]

Derrick is correct on several points, but I believe the transmission tunnel will have to be cut out and remade for the 4l80. Edelbrock makes engine mounts and headers for the swap, that is what I used. You need to be aware of your steering box and pulley positions. Their are places online that can modify your wiring harness and computer. LS1tech.com is a great forum for finding out the little things that can drive you nuts. Keep us posted on your progress. And don't be afraid to ask questions, you are not the first to do this swap. Welcome to the future.

 

[XCELERATIONRULES]

I believe standard engine mounts will work...not sure of the headers though.
Vortec engines have different exhaust port sizing?

 

[Chris R]

I think everything was switched over to the LS motors by 2002 werent they? You would be trying to take an ECM from a 2002 that was designed for the LS based motor (like a 5.3) and adapt it to the old style familiar small block 5.7 350. In other words, thats not going to work.

You need an ECM from a pre 2000 vehicle that had the small block 5.7 in it instead. Your basically trying to take an LS based computer and trying to get it to work on an SBC. They both have completely different parameters and one has DIS while the other has a distributor, thats only the beginning.

Now if all of this isnt true, and you can grab everything off the commercial donor. Just grab everything and transfer it over to the El Camino and your all set. Get it running first and then pull the ECM out and get it re-flashed.

 

[XCELERATIONRULES]

I checked the Vin id through workhorse..L31,5.7...last year for the L31 motor.
The motor runs great as it is...I'm just interested in what type of performance and mileage I can get out of it in a better looking truck.:yes:
Can I change out the fuel injection system for the better ls series type?
Thanks.

 

[novaderrik]

I checked the Vin id through workhorse..L31,5.7...last year for the L31 motor.
The motor runs great as it is...I'm just interested in what type of performance and mileage I can get out of it in a better looking truck.:yes:
Can I change out the fuel injection system for the better ls series type?
Thanks.

no, but you can get a carbureted intake and really simplify things.. you'd need a trans controller, tho..

 

[XCELERATIONRULES]

I need to keep the system intact...If I went Carb...which I would love to do...I'd ditch the opti-junk.
The whole system works well right now...I don't want to have to install expensive electronics in the transmission.
I hate this new carp...but it keeps falling in my lap.

 

[novaderrik]

I need to keep the system intact...If I went Carb...which I would love to do...I'd ditch the opti-junk.
The whole system works well right now...I don't want to have to install expensive electronics in the transmission.
I hate this new carp...but it keeps falling in my lap.

opti junk?

 

[XCELERATIONRULES]

opti spark...I call it opti junk.
I will most likely just sell the setup...I have no patience for the electrocnic headaches.
I've decided to just use the funds to pay for my 396 build.
So much easier on the wallet...and the noggin.:beers:

 

[novaderrik]

the opti spark was only used on the LT1, L99, and LT4 and was mounted behind the water pump on the front of the engine..

if you go with a carb, you just use whatever old Chevy V8 distributor you have laying around. still need a trans controller for the 4L80E, tho..

 

[XCELERATIONRULES]

If I can use HEI ignition,I would be excited.
I'm guessing I just need a Vortec intake and Holley carb?
I have plenty of Holley's sitting about,along with a nice turbo 400.
I'm sure someone can use the 4l80E.

 

[novaderrik]

you just need the Edelbrock 2116 Performer intake- or the 7116 if you want an the RPM version- intake gaskets for a 96-02 Vortec engine, and whatever carb and distributor you want to run.. i don't know if the stock vortec cam had the lobe for the mechanical fuel pump, tho, so an electric pump might be in your future or you could swap in a bigger cam with a fuel pump lobe while you have the intake off..

with all the vortec accessories, a quadrajet, and an open element air cleaner makes it look something like this vortec headed 305 that i'm putting in my 86 Camaro..

 

[XCELERATIONRULES]

Di I need to run a roller cam?
I like to just go hydraulic if possible.
$800 for cam and lifters is nuts.

 

[novaderrik]

Di I need to run a roller cam?
I like to just go hydraulic if possible.
$800 for cam and lifters is nuts.

you could get a roller cam made for a factory roller block and use all your stock lifters, pushrods, and even the timing chain if it's still good. if you just want a mild cruiser, then get a stock LT1 takeout cam.. i think those had the fuel pump lobe for whatever reason...

 

[XCELERATIONRULES]

I don't mind running an electric fuel pump,although the blue Holley pump I used previously was extremely loud.
I'd just run an in tank fuel pump and run better larger sending unit and lines.