Tranny swap

DamDude · July 25, 2004

Hi all, I have a 86 chevy 1ton w/ 454 and thm400 tranny. I would like to swap it out with a 4L80 transmission. Has anyone done this or can you point me in the right direction.

thanks DamDude

Colorado Kid · July 28, 2004

You'll have to have a stand alone controller for the (electronically controlled) 4L80-E. These are not cheap. Otherwise (if it's 2WD) all you need is to have the driveshaft shortened. 4x4 would mean relocating the T-case, modifying T-case shift linkage and a new front drive shaft.

These guys sell the controllers:

Jet Peformance

TCI Automotive

DamDude · July 29, 2004

Thanks Kid,

I did'nt think anyone had an anwser for me. I'll check out the links. But it's starting to sound like a real expensive project for a older truck.

Thanks DamDude

Chris97K1500 · July 29, 2004

I think it would be better to buy a built up Turbo 400 tranny from a place like B&M. TRUCKS! on Spike TV put one behind a 572 cubic inch GM BB, and it makes over 600hp and torque. They even added an overdrive to it. It was called project Copperhead, might want to check it out. just a thought, Chris