so I'm installing a 5.3 in my 72 cutlass. I've heard of fitment issues with 4L60's hitting the trans tunnel, but nothing about a 4L80. which trans will have the least amount of complications installing? I'm also getting the Holley 1" forward install kit to help eliminate some trans installation issues I've heard about with the bellhousing. any advice or links will be appreciated.

 

The 4l80e is bigger than the 4l60e. If you want to LS swap your Oldsmobile I suggest finding a Chevy truck that runs and drives vs. sourcing one in the salvage yard.

 

Why a 4l60 over a th400?

 

Same reason he's using an LS instead of a 455.

 

4L60E? Good luck! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

They come with extra neutrals

 

Why spend the time installing one of these POS? I believe the 4L80E will just clear. I depends on the year and cooler line location. Both need a custom drive shaft, you may have to tweak the mounting location as well. Anything over stock, I would not even consider a 4L60E.

 

It’s not cheap, but use the Holley 302-3 pan and their forward mounts. 4l80 will fit with mods. You’ll need a new trans crossmember. Shiftworks sells adapters to let you use your factory shifter if you want.

 

Never understood why someone swaps in a 327(5.3) vs a 350 or 455.

 

Power to weight ratio for one, although, a 6.0 is probably a better option at this point.

 

Cost is another. Getting an Olds to make power reliably is expensive. These little LS motors can make a ton of power with boost on the stock bottom end (assuming you appropriately adjust the ring gaps).

 

More things to take into consideration:

1. Are you using a factory ECU and wiring harness or going carbed on the LS?

2. Check out PSI conversions for the best harness solutions for efi LS setups and trans TCMs

3. Look at the LY6 engines and a 4L80E using a T42 TCM if you want a more factory hardened approach.

The LY6 has the big rectangle ports and it is a 500hp engine all day with a tune on decent sized cam and headers installed

4. be prepared to cut or mod the trans tunnel for most new trans swaps

 

With a 4l80 Holley forward mounts should eliminate this

 

The 4L80E is actually slightly easier to fit in the A-body tunnel. The 4L60 has that wart of a servo on the passenger side that causes the problems. I don't know anything about LS mounts, but a 4L80E behind an Olds motor in the stock location only requires minor adjustments with a hammer to clear.

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/art...let-chevelle-2

 

Thanks for that info on the tunnel.

I know that they will fit, but I wonder what the trans angle is in relation to the pinion angle.

I bet it is a negative trans output.

It works, but may not be ideal for u joint and driveline angles for longevity and power loss.

Each car is different, and will need to be checked.

or just assemble and drive it, no worries

:-)

 

Holley makes a complete install kit with mounts, pan, headers, and cross member. I plan on running the 4l80. the 60's can't handle much over stock hp. reason for the 5.3 is I can get a low mileage 5.3 all day for around 1200. a lq4 6.0 is 2k+. for the weight and cost savings, I can do a cam swap, ls6 intake with bigger TB, and should make a min same power as a 6.0 if not more. as for fueling, I was planning on running the factory setup and ecm, but I've been watching some install videos running the holley ecm and tuning looks to be pretty easy for someone with mechanical knowledge like me. I'm still playing around with some ideas so for now the olds engine will stay in. once I decide on what I'm running, then I'll get everything before the tear down. maybe this winter since its already 100+ here in Phoenix.

 

5.3 and 6.0 are essentially the same weight.

 

I have bought several LY6’s for the same cost as the 5.3L’s

The LY6 and LQ4 are worlds apart for power potential. The LY6 is basically a 6.0L with LS3 heads and variable cam position (VVT) capabilities. All it needs is a nice sized cam and headers to open its potential.