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Right now I have a 1990 GMC c1500 with the 4.3L. At the moment it is my daily driver/work truck but over time after I’ve purchased a newer vehicle, I want to sort of redo everything on it… (my wife loves it and wants to take over it) So it being a turn key, safe and fuel economic will be important. I’m also used to working on something more mid 60’s so… A lot of this truck is a learning experience…especially when it comes to being GOOD mpg… Lol
I’ve read that the 262/4.3L is literally a miniature 350/5.7L block. How accurate is that claim? From what I’ve read, I could in theory take any transmission from a vehicle with a 350/5.7L in it and use it for my 262/4.3L?? What all would need to be swapped/ taken from the one with the 350/5.7L to make it work??
The transmission in my truck is very…weak. Not problematic but I’d like something more modern and/or fuel efficient (if an old transmission would fit this criteria, I’ll pull it from pick a part). I believe what is in it now is the 3 Spd Automatic… but… I COULD be wrong (hold your hate mail I’m still learning…) Now…when it comes to fuel efficiency my first thought is a manual?? But if anyone else has any suggestions let me know. My wife wouldn’t mind a manual but my guess is she’d prefer it to remain an automatic. Let me know what your first suggestions would be AND what all I’d need to buy/pull to make it compatible with my exact truck and motor?
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The 262 is essentially the 350 minus 2 cylinders. The bolt pattern on the bell housing is the same as all GM small blocks, so you could probably put a 3-speed stick from the 50s on there because of that. The trans that came with your truck should be a fully hydraulic 4L60 (updated 700R4). If you do have a 3-speed, it is probably a TH350C. The shape of the pan and number of bolts can be used to ID the transmission. The simplest thing would be to swap another one just like it in there. Then you won’t have to worry about mounts, linkages, torque converter stall speed, TCC solenoid control, etc.
I am certainly not opposed to putting a 3 or 4 spd stick in there even though it’ll require some cutting and drilling and installing of pedals and all lol Do you really think it would mount right up to my bell housing? Also, say I wanted to convert it to a manual. What all would I need to swap over besides the clutch, pedal assembly, linkage and tranny??
Is there maybe a more modern version of my transmission that is most fuel efficient? Its already a light duty truck so it being a speed machine or toy hauler isn’t highest priority.
When it comes to fuel efficiency regarding manual vs automatic, the biggest factor is going to be driving skill and habits.
If fuel efficiency is important to you, perhaps you’ve got the wrong vehicle. You’re looking at spending a fair bit of cash, time and effort. Whatever fuel savings you might harvest will probably never compensate you for the investment. It’s a case of trying to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
If you’re going for fuel efficiency I would go with a 4 speed. Also, the newer automatics have torque converter lock up which also helps fuel economy. As for what you can run, to be honest, whatever you want, especially when it comes to GM’s. There’s quite a bit out there in the aftermarket.
If I were you, I’d do my homework and see what’s been done by others with your specific vehicle. You might also invest in a couple of books about automatic transmissions just to familiarize yourself with their operation.
As for switching to manual, it us doable. I don’t think you’ll need more than you mentioned. You’ll have to work out the reverse light switch. Also, the engine is set up to run with an automatic. The computers that run those are often different that the ones that run manual transmissions. But like I said, there’s a TON of stuff available for GM in the aftermarket to do what you want to do. It just depends on how much you’re willing to spend.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Thank you Eric! I was personally beginning to think a 4 speed would be good in this truck. It already gets fantastic fuel efficiency in comparison to my past GM trucks (4.3L vs 5.7L I’d sure the Hell hope so! lol) but something tells me that…There could just be better lol
I know simple things like filters, plugs, tires, etc. make a difference too. But having a tranny meant for fuel economy would make it even better! I spoke to my lady (since the truck is probably going to her once she’s driving) about the difference in driving it between the manual and auto and I think auto may just be the way to go. 1. Like you said, its already set up for one and 2. its safer and more stable that way especially for a new driver. I don’t want her dropping the clutch and that thing spinning out or something lol
I appreciate your help. Very knowledgeable and make amazing tutorials! Really helps someone learning like myself.
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