FLYNAVY30

iTrader: (1)

Ive got a freshly rebuilt 4L60E with converter, remote cooler, and remote filter that I got for a song and a dance. I planning on running it behind my carb'd LS1 that Im building for my daily driver '72 suburban. My question is, how are you guys controlling the trans? Im assuming one of the aftermarket stand alone computers, but which one is best and why? Additionally, how are you guys running your speedometer? Id like to continue to use my factory gages but dont know if there is a way to convert the electrical output to the mechanical input on the gage.

Any input is much appreciated.

handyandy496

iTrader: (9)

funny u ask this..I was looking into a 80e and how to convert if it was an old style to new style 60e. From what I got from poking around google the 60e and 80e and th400 are very similar. you can use the tail of a th400 on the 60e for a speedo cable/gear setup but you have to weld it on. As far as shifting a carb to tranny pressure cable is needed and a few th400 parts as well. There are diagrams of where you need to send your 6 prong plug of wires to and you wont even need to use all six.

Good Luck

FLYNAVY30

iTrader: (1)

interesting, thanks....a-googling I shall go

ZONES89RS

iTrader: (25)

I am running a 60 in my 94 gmc(2001 Trans) and a 80 in my 86 ta(2001 Trans as well), both are using a FAST EZ TCU Trans controller. Comes with a hand held to tune everything and works fantastic. Just had to make a bracket to operate a TPS so it gives the ecu a signal. Could not figure out how to make the speedo on either one work, I didn't try too much, but need to call them back and ask wtf the issue is.

FLYNAVY30

iTrader: (1)

interesting, thanks for the info...any chance you have a picture of the TPS bracket you came up with?

Thanks!

FLYNAVY30

iTrader: (1)

from what I can tell, this "cable-x" box looks to be the simplest option to convert the VSS trans signal to a mechanical speedo, although perhaps not the cheapest...I found them for $280 which is still probably cheaper and easier than the tail shaft change....

ZONES89RS

iTrader: (25)

This is one of the two I have made. You have to use the TPS and the arm off the TB from a 87-91 TBI 5.7 or 5.0.

FLYNAVY30

iTrader: (1)

hmmmmm.....ok so what does the TPS attach to in order to read the position of the throttle cable going to the carb? Sorry for all the questions, this is one of those things in this project I hadnt worked out yet.

RabidStreetRacer

iTrader: (1)

I am running a carbed LS with a 1994 4L60E. I am using my stock PCM on my 1994 silverado. I ran my TPS to the carb and hooked up my speedo. Holley has a TPS kit for their carbs as well: http://www.holley.com/534-202.asp
My 4L60E has been shifting just fine but it dosent handle the power. I just got a PerformaBuilt level 2 700R4. I would have kept the 4L60E if I had the money to build it and get a controller. The FAST is a good system to go with.

RabidStreetRacer

iTrader: (1)

Also, what was the 4L60E you got from? There is a difference between the GEN II small block 4l60E's and the LS ones. 93-94 have 12 pin plug harness. 95-05 and some 06-07 have 13 pin. And 06 up to 08 with the input drum sensor have 15 pin harness plug. 09 up totaly diff trans all together. Hope this helps If it is an older one like mine you have to buy an adaptor or a flexplate made for the difference. The LS engines are like 10mm shorter than the older small blocks so If you use a older trans on a newer engine and flexplate then the converter will not sit far enough on the transmission shaft.

ZONES89RS

iTrader: (25)

It uses the primary throttle shaft with the TBI arm on the side where choke would be.

FLYNAVY30

iTrader: (1)

Its a 96-98+ trans. I bought it off a guy who was running it behind a 5.3L LS and it came with the converter and bowed out flex plate you need to sit it far enough back on the shaft.

How concerned do I really need to be about this thing handling power? Its a fresh rebuild, and my truck is a daily driver, not a track car so its not going to be beaten on. The truck currently has the factory 700R4 in it, would that be a better option for this build?

ZONES89RS

iTrader: (25)

It will last a while I you don't beat it like a stepchild.

RabidStreetRacer

iTrader: (1)

it will handle it just fine if it is rebuilt. Your worst enemy with the combo is the weight of the suburban. I wouldnt beat on it if you want it to last. The 700r4 and 4l60e are the same, ones just controlled by an ECU and the other is by a detent cable and weights. Same gear ratio and internals. You would probably benefit from a shift kit and a corvette servo for the extra holding power. There are some trans builders on this site that can give you some great advise.

FLYNAVY30

iTrader: (1)

So this may be a stupid question then, but what is the benefit of replacing a 700R4 with a 4L60E? It was such a good deal that I jumped on it without doing much research ahead of time, but if there's no benefit to the swap, especially running a carb'd engine without a computer, I may just keep the 700R4 that originally came with the truck. That would prevent the added expense of buing the computer and x-cable to make the 60e work.

ZONES89RS

iTrader: (25)

For me, the 60 is improved, not a ton but allot. There is no dumb kick down cable and the lock up feature with a trans controller is there as well as tuning ability. you can increase line pressure, make up and down shifts with it in OD using buttons, lock and unlock the converter any time and fully tun the shift points.

Nicksilverado

iTrader: (1)

I will be running a 4l60e with a TCI EZ TCU, In a 88 camaro. It should work well as others have said.

RabidStreetRacer

iTrader: (1)

Exact reason I went with a 700R4. I had performabuilt wire a 12v source so I can still retain my lock up converter. I saved the $500-$700 on the computer controller and put it into a fully built 700R4 that dosent need any electronics other than for the lock up. To each their own, I needed a performance trans so it worked for me. If you have no problem with the 700R4 now then why would it be a problem with the 5.3? Spend that money on beefing the trans up for some peace of mind, thats just my opinion.

FLYNAVY30

iTrader: (1)

Ha! Im a moron....its a TH400, not a 700R4 in the truck now....bum gouge from the previous owner's description but I just crawled under it and its most definitely a TH400. So I suppose that settles it since the whole point of this swap is driveability, reliability and fuel economy (overdrive). Guess Ill be investing in the computer, speed-o cable, and TPS bracket

ZONES89RS

iTrader: (25)

Make your own bracket unless you wanna dish out the cash.