Swapping A 5.0 To A 5.3

ribbs24601 · July 10, 2009

I am new to the forum and looking for some answers from anyone who can lend them.

I have a 1992 Chevy Silverado with a 305 and a 700R4 tranny. The 305 just isn't doing it for me and I want to buy a 2000 or newer 5.3L engine or a LS2 I believe to swap out. I would plan on running a turbo setup to get the engine up to where I want it.

My main concern is tranny mating. Will a non-electronic 700R4 mate up with a newer 5.3 without any problems or do I have to dump my tranny for a new one? If I have to dump it what would I go with and why? Please and thank you.

bill190 · July 10, 2009

I don't know about the transmission, but be aware that quite a few things tie in together electronically on a 92 like engine computer, PCM, transmission, cruise control, ABS, A/C, and maybe instrument cluster.

Anyway all the electronic stuff for a 92 would be in a GM factory service manual set.

66nova · July 10, 2009

Wow, that's going to be a lot of work. It can be done, but WOW.

I believe the 700R4 should bolt right up, but if you are talking about turbo, I would be looking for a stouter tranny than a 700R4/4L60E. Neither are known for the ability to take a lot of power.

Good luck, and lets see some pics of this build. It should be fun. What are you planning on doing with it (ie drag race)?

WilliamBos · July 10, 2009

Keep Us posted. This will be a good read!! And fun to follow.

ribbs24601 · July 11, 2009

Wow, that's going to be a lot of work. It can be done, but WOW.

I believe the 700R4 should bolt right up, but if you are talking about turbo, I would be looking for a stouter tranny than a 700R4/4L60E. Neither are known for the ability to take a lot of power.

Good luck, and lets see some pics of this build. It should be fun. What are you planning on doing with it (ie drag race)?

It was my first vehicle, it has too much sentimental value (Blood, Sweat, and yes some tears) in my book to just dump it. I am looking to make it a beautiful sleeper that has around 500 hp. A street truck (Bulletproof) that can make a good pass at the strip if needed.

Kinda worried about the extra wiring, really used to getting an echo from the engine bay, but my other option is a 383 stroker that will also see some boost. I am a certified welder so I am not afraid of fabbing up the piping.

66nova · July 11, 2009

Wow, that's going to be a lot of work. It can be done, but WOW.

I believe the 700R4 should bolt right up, but if you are talking about turbo, I would be looking for a stouter tranny than a 700R4/4L60E. Neither are known for the ability to take a lot of power.

Good luck, and lets see some pics of this build. It should be fun. What are you planning on doing with it (ie drag race)?

It was my first vehicle, it has too much sentimental value (Blood, Sweat, and yes some tears) in my book to just dump it. I am looking to make it a beautiful sleeper that has around 500 hp. A street truck (Bulletproof) that can make a good pass at the strip if needed.

Kinda worried about the extra wiring, really used to getting an echo from the engine bay, but my other option is a 383 stroker that will also see some boost. I am a certified welder so I am not afraid of fabbing up the piping.

Definitely understand the sentimental thing. I have a 95 that I have had for almost 13 years. I have put a lot of time into that truck.

The wiring and getting everything to communicate is my big concern with this project. About the only way I see it really happening is if you find a donor truck because you are going to need different computers, sensors, different fuel injection, headers...etc. Or the easier way (but just as capable of big power) is going carburated. There are some good intake manifolds out there for LS type motors. And 500hp would not be hard to get NA either.

Also, if you are planning on pulling this off, why not go with a 6.0 instead of a 5.3?

ribbs24601 · July 11, 2009

Wow, that's going to be a lot of work. It can be done, but WOW.

I believe the 700R4 should bolt right up, but if you are talking about turbo, I would be looking for a stouter tranny than a 700R4/4L60E. Neither are known for the ability to take a lot of power.

Good luck, and lets see some pics of this build. It should be fun. What are you planning on doing with it (ie drag race)?

It was my first vehicle, it has too much sentimental value (Blood, Sweat, and yes some tears) in my book to just dump it. I am looking to make it a beautiful sleeper that has around 500 hp. A street truck (Bulletproof) that can make a good pass at the strip if needed.

Kinda worried about the extra wiring, really used to getting an echo from the engine bay, but my other option is a 383 stroker that will also see some boost. I am a certified welder so I am not afraid of fabbing up the piping.

Definitely understand the sentimental thing. I have a 95 that I have had for almost 13 years. I have put a lot of time into that truck.

The wiring and getting everything to communicate is my big concern with this project. About the only way I see it really happening is if you find a donor truck because you are going to need different computers, sensors, different fuel injection, headers...etc. Or the easier way (but just as capable of big power) is going carburated. There are some good intake manifolds out there for LS type motors. And 500hp would not be hard to get NA either.

Also, if you are planning on pulling this off, why not go with a 6.0 instead of a 5.3?

The stock cranks in the 5.3 are safe up to around 500hp plus around here they are easier to find plus usually cheaper too.

Being new to this place its nice to see that I can actually get solid answers to my concerns in a forum.

ribbs24601 · July 11, 2009

Well, I guess the old 700r4 isn't gunna work, wont be able to handle the power. Would anyone be able to explain what a manual valve body and a reverse shift pattern mean on a turbo 400? Engines are one thing but tranny's blow my mind.

66nova · July 11, 2009

Well, I guess the old 700r4 isn't gunna work, wont be able to handle the power. Would anyone be able to explain what a manual valve body and a reverse shift pattern mean on a turbo 400? Engines are one thing but tranny's blow my mind.

A manual valve body basically turns your auto into a manual with out a clutch. You have to shift gears it will stay in the gear you put it in. So if you stick it in 3rd and try to take off. It takes off in 3rd. A manual valve body will also keep shift pressures higher. Helping to get that firm positive shift.

A reverse shift is exactly as it sounds. I will show you below.

Normal foward shift pattern

R

N

3

2

1

Reverse shift pattern

R

N

1

2

3

A manual valve body with reverse shift pattern is what most drag racers prefer (including myself) whether they are using a 2, 3, or 4 speed. It allows you to shift when you want to, shifts are firmer and allows you to do a burnout it the gear you want to with out shifting in the water box. I will do a burnout in 3rd to get the wheel speed up quick and it's actually easier on the tranny.

If you end up going this route, you will want to put a shifter through the floor. You will not want to try to column shift it. I highly recommend the B&M Racheting shifter. It is awesome.

ribbs24601 · July 12, 2009

A manual valve body with reverse shift pattern is what most drag racers prefer (including myself) whether they are using a 2, 3, or 4 speed. It allows you to shift when you want to, shifts are firmer and allows you to do a burnout it the gear you want to with out shifting in the water box. I will do a burnout in 3rd to get the wheel speed up quick and it's actually easier on the tranny.

If you end up going this route, you will want to put a shifter through the floor. You will not want to try to column shift it. I highly recommend the B&M Racheting shifter. It is awesome.

Well I am liking the idea of putting a florr shifter more and more in the truck. Now I gotta figure out where I can find a turbo 400 that can be overbuilt to handle around 600 hp so it will be somewhat bullet proof. Thanks for all of the information.

66nova · July 12, 2009

A manual valve body with reverse shift pattern is what most drag racers prefer (including myself) whether they are using a 2, 3, or 4 speed. It allows you to shift when you want to, shifts are firmer and allows you to do a burnout it the gear you want to with out shifting in the water box. I will do a burnout in 3rd to get the wheel speed up quick and it's actually easier on the tranny.

If you end up going this route, you will want to put a shifter through the floor. You will not want to try to column shift it. I highly recommend the B&M Racheting shifter. It is awesome.

Well I am liking the idea of putting a florr shifter more and more in the truck. Now I gotta figure out where I can find a turbo 400 that can be overbuilt to handle around 600 hp so it will be somewhat bullet proof. Thanks for all of the information.

What's your budget? There are some great company's out there that build some great transmissions. Often times you can buy a new one for not much more then having one rebuilt. Plus it will come with a warranty. Most of the companys will also build a torque converter to match your combo.

We have had really good luck with Coan transmissions. They are not cheap but we have ran a number of them between the different cars at our shop. My dad current is going on his 4th season with his TH350 that he got from them and it behind a motor that is making right around 800 hp. The car is a 3550lb camaro that runs in the 9's.

Remember it is not just the hp of the motor you have to worry about with a tranny living. It is also the weight of the vehicle, gears, tire size, traction, etc.

Alljackedup408 · July 12, 2009

+1

ribbs24601 · July 12, 2009

As far as a budget goes, it is an ongoing project and I am still a college student. I know of a local street shop nearby who specialize in high performance trannys, and I am gunna stop by and see what they can do for me.

I have seen a few 2000 and up 5.3 LSX motors on ebay for 1500 in decent condition, turbo is in question on who to go with, and painless wiring will be my solution if I run into wiring hassles which I am kind of worried about.