Savageyote

Hi all, I’m tech tired. Always wanted a carbed LS 454. My intake manifold developed a coolant leak so I’m wanting to go carburated but the transmission issues scare me. I know modern FI is very reliable…until it isn’t and that’s when the diaper rash begins and I just want gas/air/spark then put it drive.I had carburetors in past so tuning jets and choke is not a problem. My L480E shifts perfectly so I hate to go to a different tranny but will if I have to. I have some questions if you all would please.
1) what’s the best alternative automatic transmission alternative should I get ?.
2)I would settle for going older throttle body, if I get a donor or summit new throttle body could I still use my tranny ?.
thank you for any help, other thoughts.

strutaeng

I don't know anything about carburators, other than they are definitely not for me. So can't comment on that.

But to answer your question about the transmission: the 4L80e is really the only option you have. GM didn't make any other heavy duty transmission for these generation of trucks. Unless you want to go with a NV4500. You can get a stand alone controller to control the electronics portion of your transmission.

TrendSetter

The 97 454 is a good motor. I’d strongly suggest keeping efi, new ford injectors and convert the ecu to 0411 and it will be a good reliable motor
my 97 454 dually with the smallest cam comp sells and 0411 with basic tune gets 11.5-12.5 mpg.

Frank400

I am currently running a carbureted LS powered 68 Camaro, I love it. My next build is a 66 chevy II and I am planning in a 4l60E for a trans, along with carbureted LS. The plan is to use a terminator x max for the ignition side of my motor, plus the transmission control. All I will need, according to my research and what I was told, is to buy a throttle position sensor so the computer will "know" where I'm at %wise for the throttle to tell the computer to control the trans.

Frank400

I've had suggestions for those Throttle position sensors, just don't remember off the top of my head.

Ls7colorado

iTrader: (3)

You could run a carb intake with a Holley Terminator X MAX stealth which is a throttle body EFI setup (4150 style) which will also control the transmission. It will look identical to a carburetor, you wont have to mess with your fuel system much and you can tune for any modifications you want to make fairly easily... but there not cheap...