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I have a 4.8 (lY2) DBW 2008 model complete engine with complete harness and wanting to install into a 1971 impala.
I want to run a TH350 as of right now and possible TH400 later down road. My future plans after installed and running is to learn turbo functions and install a single setup. Car now has 383 SBC Brodix IK 180 pro systems 780 carb with a AEM air fuel monitor and gauge, 700r4 corvette servo and GM 8.5 Detroit true trac with 3.90 gears stock axles. Will be a primary street car/grocery getter and possible strip later.
My questions are:
1. Best way to set up factory E38 system far as tuning goes.
2. Running TH350 without kick down and can DBW be tuned to work with this transmission like this.
3. Running gauges, tach, oil pressure, boost, volts?
4. Proper fuel system setup for future turbo plans?
5. Proper and best way to setup harness?
6. Tuning systems HP tuners, MS, EFIive? How does the systems work and which one is best for my application and plans?
Also I plan building my transmission first so any good information on building it up for this application would also be appreciated. I understand a SBC setup, timing, fuel ratio etc.
I know I have a lot of question and really want to set this up in my car in so any help, information, ideas, do this don't do that would be greatly appreciated. I will try and post pics here as I go. Thanks
I am going to work on getting wiring, transmission and fuel done and getting into car first and the start building turbo system.
I bet that 69 was fun
Love your ride..
The 69 was etching primer green rescued from a meth park in vegas back in 07. Literally disassembled it with hand tools...a true survivor.
A fast burn headed 385 stroker with C & S blow-thru carb. I only got it going on 93 octane with a cheapo hundred dollar HEI distributor; at 8 pounds and no burnout or trans brake it surprised people with mid-low 11s @ 122. If I ever do it again for sure LS power like you're doing...I'll be checking your build.....
Thanks man
Grandfather left me the car he bought it new. I rode in it all the time when I was a kid. I got a 383 in there now with IK Brodix 180's and a pro system 780, 700r4 and a 8.5 with 3:90's and a trutrac. I checked out your Malibu build i was amazed at how quick it went together. I hope once I get my mind around the wiring and do a rebuild on the TH350 I get started putting in. What do you recommend is best for stock fuel system to get it up and running and ideas on ECM tuning
Thanks
I am in the process of a 4.8l in my '76 c10. I used lt1swaps.com for my pcm base tune and unlock. There is also a lot of info for wire harness modding there as well.
I made my own fuel system with the Dorman nylon fuel kit. Its a lot like the factory stuff in cars and its safe.
Here's a front view. I had more on my old phone. What kind of tune does he put in the ECM. I checked out his wiring removal list and printed it out I am going to give that a go here soon. That's my favorite year's body style on the C10. I thought about doing a dump or cell on the fuel tank that way I would be ready for future upgrades.
I had the VATS turned off and set tire size and axle ratio. He can also set a/c parameters as well as electric fans. Since my 4.8l is stock I didn't feel the need modify anything else such as timing and fuel curves. He charged something like $80. It wasn't the fastest turn around but I believe this stuff is a side job for him and like the rest of us he does the best he can. I'm happy and would recommend his services.
I thought GM did a good job of HP-to-CID its almost 1:1.
Thanks for explaining that. Yes a lot of people really underestimate the " little" 4.8 but I believe it has serious potential after ready what people are doing with them. I agree GM did well with this platform. I have a return less fuel system and found an MSD external pump setup that I thought I could run with my stock tank for now. I will have to get in touch with him that's reasonable to get it up and running.
Your turbo 350 transmission will work fine behind the 4.8 without a kick down , but if you want a kick down , they came with electric ones also , my 49 truck had a push switch below the accelerator pedal hooked to the turbo 350 for a kick down
That was a good setup to get it all. I haven't totally ruled out an electronic trans yet. I really plan on hammering this car in the future so if anything I would like to get a 4l80e but they are on the high side used from what I have found plus I still need to research them more. TH400 possibly also later.
4l80e would be a great option. I had no transmission in my truck to start with. I have read that 4l60e's cant take a lot of abuse with out a lot of upgrading.
My trans had decent fluid in it when I bought it, not to dark and not to clean. It looked like it was in good condition when I got the set up.
I got this Turbo400 cheap. The bell housing has an ear broke off and it was missing a speed-o gear and governor valve. Looking at using a JW bell housing with an LS style bolt pattern. My questions are about the case are 1. Is the 2-3 accumulator piston housing of case good or bad? 2. Is the reverse servo piston casing good or bad? 3. The chipping marks around speed-o gear part of casting in the case? 4. Does anyone notice any other problems inside of case?
Dude, love your username and your choice of cars. I had the same car in doo-doo brown in high school. Nowhere near this clean, though.
That's the first set of big wheels I've seen on one of these that I actually like and think compliments the car.(Just my opinion...yeah, I know, @$$holes, blah, blah, blah)
This aught to be a great build. I'll be watching closely.
04-24-2015, 08:00 AM
4.8 (LY2) 2008 model swap 1971 impala build 
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