'99 Silverado 4.3 to 5.3 Swap with 4L80e bonus

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stutaeng

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So today I went and picked up my torque converter. It's a place that specializes in high performance builds.

I just got a stock rebuild. I asked a few questions about high stalls just out of curiosity. The guy eventually asked how much power I was making, LOL.

Thank you @L31MaxExpress for finding this place.

Transmission rebuild is still ongoing...parts are looking good. Even though it was an older unit, I don't think it had a ton of miles based on my inspection...
 

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stutaeng

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Started installing the seals, bushings and things like that today. I used some hose clamps and PVC/PVC fittings reamed to resize the Teflon sealing rings on the input shaft. It worked well.

The front pump bushing had a good amount of wear. I had to go rent a race/seal installer.

Most lip seals are installed on the pistons, but not fully assembled. That's supposed to be a challenging step.

And I installed the Sonnax no-walk case bushing.

I screwed up installing the Transgo 16 springs on the retainer...I installed them on the wrong retainer! They look identical, LOL. I'm wondering if they are the same, so I can just swap them...
 

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stutaeng

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I got a new wiring harness, the spring retainer I screwed up and a late-4L80e engine braking band in the mail. The newer style band is wider and is considered an OEM upgrade for the early 4L80e/3L80/TH400 , although the original one looked brand new and I could of reused.

I did the pump disassembly, clean, inspect and installed the Transgo high performance boost valve upgrade. It was intimidating, but not that bad really. Pump just needs alignment and torque spec. Otherwise it's done.

Only major item to take care of is the valve body. It's turning out to be a fun little (actually big) project.

BTW, I've been driving the swapped Silverado on the weekends. I haven't driven my 00 K3500 GMT 400 since I got this thing running, mainly because the 'ol ranch truck doesn't have AC.

I'm really happy with the swap though! Totally worth it! Regearing is next, as soon as this project is wrapped up.
 

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Knightmare

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Hello, finally starting on my 99 Silverado ECSB 1500 2wd 4.3/4L60e/3.42 NBS. I've had it since my college years and has been pretty reliable, but has had very low oil pressure and the tranny is acting up. No money for a engine/tranny rebuild, but would like to put some life back into it. Finally retired it from being a daily driver and can work on it as I have time nights and weekends.

Decided to finally pull the trigger on a 5.3/4L80e swap. I know this is a NBS, but it should be pretty close to the 96-00 OBS. This is my first large project, so it's going to go slow...I'll post photos as I go along, and links to other forums that are useful.

Trying to go for a stock swap/setup, where possible, on a budget. Goal is to make the truck reliable again to use it on out of town work across the state. May need to tow a 6x12 trailer, so regearing will most likely be required, especially with the tranny swap. Nothing fancy or exotic for this swap.

Wish me luck!
4l65 would have been the better choice
 

stutaeng

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Ok, tackling the valve body. Did the Transgo magic stuff. Just a final cleaning left and 3 valves to reinstall and the new solenoids, PWM and force motor.
 

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tayto

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HD2 kit is a waste of money if you are rebuilding the trans. you can internally dual feed by leaving a seal off the centre support and plugging a hole in the case. i only use HD2 plate if trans is in vehicle.

EDIT: make sure to do the AFL valve in the VB if unit was higher mileage. Can take to a trans shop and see if they can do for you. Transgo & sonnax make a kit.
 

stutaeng

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HD2 kit is a waste of money if you are rebuilding the trans. you can internally dual feed by leaving a seal off the centre support and plugging a hole in the case. i only use HD2 plate if trans is in vehicle.

EDIT: make sure to do the AFL valve in the VB if unit was higher mileage. Can take to a trans shop and see if they can do for you. Transgo & sonnax make a kit.
Thanks. Yes, I did the AFL valve. I bought that Transgo kit that has the reaming tool and bunch of new valves with springs.

I agree on what you said about the HD2 kit. This is my first rodeo on this adventure though. I think if I do another one of these I will get the Jake's Performance kit.
 

tayto

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jakes kit is nice but not sure you want to be deleting accumulators without tuning FWIW. heads up on the HD2 kit, I recently did one in a 92 GMC. the plate was manufactured incorrectly and causes me a bunch of grief. had the valve body out 3 times pulling my hair out until I found the problem. they had used 2 top plates and 1 bottom plate. the middle plate was missing a slot

Edit: you can "air check" these holes and make sure air flows from 1 to the other.
 

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stutaeng

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Not much of an update. I haven't really worked on the tranny rebuild. I'm trying to finish-out a restroom on another house project. I have painted the case and built a holding fixture. I posted this another recent thread here:
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I also purchased and started messing with HP Tuners because want to learn how to basic things like regearing, deleting VATS, etc. to ECU...seems like it's relatively easy. This is from a tune repository I downloaded, not mine.

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I was looking for I don't what and I came across another version of this transmission. The ones from the XJ12 Jaguars. Check it out:

Looks like extra ribs added to the bellhousing area, different bellhousing bolt pattern, and tailhousing mounting bolt is different. And the electronics connector is facing the rear on the passenger side. Pretty cool! I wonder what's different internally?
 

stutaeng

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Another miscellaneous jig...made from scrap metal: a tube with angles spaced about 2 1/2" apart and simply clamped to a wortktable works perfect for assembling the rear geartrain. I got the idea from Mountains Garage on YouTube. I can't find the exact video though.

Trying to assemble this thing sideways will drive you nuts.

Working on getting the thing back together!
 

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