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Hello all,
I have been a fan of ETGC for a while and recently watched his video on torque converters.
I am 32, in the Army, and daily drive a 92 Z71 F44 RPO that I keep in pretty good shape. No body rust, no mechanical issues that haven’t been taken care of. I am looking to replace my engine/trans after the next deployment and am thinking of doing a Vortec upgrade with 4l60e trans. Will be used for towing a 6500-7000 lb camper regularly.
I’m not looking for anything silly, just a little more power for towing with 33″ tires- they kind of suck some of the life out the old thing. A lot of people would probably say just to get rid of it for something more tow worthy, but I wouldn’t be here if that’s what I wanted to do.
I’m specifically looking for anyone with experience with these trucks and engine swaps, but I’ll take any other advice as well.
Thanks.
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What engine do you have? Also, the 4l60e is an electronically controlled transmission and will need a stand alone computer to work with your engine.
The swap is easy, Chevy makes it a piece of cake.
As a Chevy truck specialist, I’d recommend swapping in a 4.8 or 5.3(without AFM) from a newer truck in the 2000-2005 range which will already have the 4L60-E bolted to it.
You can also buy a crate motor/tranny from Chevrolet Performance
Make sure you get the computer and wiring harness as well.
The crossmember in your truck will work for the new tranny and the engine mounts will work for the new engine because they are all interchangable. The dimensions are all the same.
With the 5.3 you will need the TCM as well as the 4.8L is intergrated into the PCM, while the 5.3L isn’t.Donor truck will make it an easy swap, make sure that you reprogram the PCM to your rear end ratio.
Thanks for your service!!!!
I would not recommend using a stock 4l60E for towing that weight. The 5.3 has the power but the 4l60E isn’t great in its stock config. I would recommend you have the tranny rebuilt by someone who knows how to strengthen these units into something more robust. Or you can swap in a 6.0 with a 4l80E. Its more work and more money but it would make a great tow rig. What ever you choose to do I would re gear your differentials. with 33’s and a need to tow you should considers 4:00s or even better 4:10s.
Those trucks can have pretty high gears from factory. Going to a gear more fit for towing and your tire size with benefit you greatly. As a bonus it will help you get more “power” out of your stock motor. The down side is your motor will turn at more Rpms at highway speed. Some of that will be negated by the tire size you run. I wouldn’t be surprised if your stock truck has 3.53 gears in it now. Chevy loved those in the Z71
As for the swap the 5.3 is a pretty simple motor. When selecting a motor I suggest an 03-05. Find one with the “862” castings cylinder heads. It will last you 300,000 miles plus if you take care of it. Plan on putting some long tube headers and a good tune on it if you want to see it really come alive!
[quote=”Bsosborne1″ post=155179]I would not recommend using a stock 4l60E for towing that weight. The 5.3 has the power but the 4l60E isn’t great in its stock config. I would recommend you have the tranny rebuilt by someone who knows how to strengthen these units into something more robust. Or you can swap in a 6.0 with a 4l80E. Its more work and more money but it would make a great tow rig. What ever you choose to do I would re gear your differentials. with 33’s and a need to tow you should considers 4:00s or even better 4:10s.
Those trucks can have pretty high gears from factory. Going to a gear more fit for towing and your tire size with benefit you greatly. As a bonus it will help you get more “power” out of your stock motor. The down side is your motor will turn at more Rpms at highway speed. Some of that will be negated by the tire size you run. I wouldn’t be surprised if your stock truck has 3.53 gears in it now. Chevy loved those in the Z71
As for the swap the 5.3 is a pretty simple motor. When selecting a motor I suggest an 03-05. Find one with the “862” castings cylinder heads. It will last you 300,000 miles plus if you take care of it. Plan on putting some long tube headers and a good tune on it if you want to see it really come alive![/quote]
This is true, the 4L60-E is…meh for towing. The drop from 1st to second alone is hard on it. It needs to be strengthened with a stronger sunshell, thicker 2-4 band, 7 piece 3-4 clutch pack, aluminum accumulator, firmer 2-3 servo, and if desired 5 pinion planetaries.Thanks for all the advice. Sounds like I need to do some research.
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