bad vibration

[Greybeard]

Just a gentle reminder....Don't go all bonkers after I say it, .....don't forget to budget at least a days worth of  V's time too. Regrettably, I would assume he doesn't work for free (plus shop supplies, fluids, etc.) The simple swap should be doable in a few hours with air tools but if things start snapping, all bets are off. Taking everything off to get the engine out (and back in) is the time consuming part (hood, fluids, fan, alternator, -maybe-, radiator -if he deems it necessary-, starter motor, wires, distributor -maybe, maybe not-, hoses, and fuel line). I believe you said no A/C so that makes it much easier.

I have seldom swapped motors but I have removed and replaced my share. On my present truck I installed the motor by myself, then the trans and t-case by myself when the truck was sitting on it's rolling stock all in one day. On a lift it might go easier. Picture this, the engine balanced in it's mounts with floor jack under it to steady it, the cherry picker poked into the passenger side door with a 3x4 piece of wood as an extender for the arm, push the SM465 w/NP205 t-case under truck on its side so it fits, roll it upright, attach chains to predetermined balance points and pump cherry picker with foot while laying under truck yanking on front wheels of cherry picker to get it to move sideways to align bolt holes with alignment studs in bellhousing, then micromanage the height so the input shaft aligns correctly with the clutch (while still yanking the cherry picker around sideways). But since the opening in the floor does not allow the chain far enough forward another floor jack is employed to hold up the front of the units with me guiding everything from my back, working the cherry picker with my leg (unless it needed to go down, then I had to stop everything, let it all relax and slide out far enough to work the release on the jack) then start all over again. Call it frustrating because it was. But that's what happens when I decide to do something at midnight in my bosses shop, nobody to call for support. But I got it all in that night, everything hooked up and fired up the following day.   

[philo_beddoe]

I guess he's going to work on it here and there over a two week period.  I'll be supplying all supplies and what nots.

I am going to ask him if he can take a couple photos during the process, mostly before and after i guess, and also post progress here.

As strange as it may seem, i was just beginning an intense "get out of debt" program. Dave Ramsey. And then this happened. Awful timing. I had to borrow 2k for this engine project, talk about a set-back. I may have to sell my college ring and a couple of guns to get through this. I hate debt!!

Vile has been working with me so far on this and i cant begin to explain how grateful i am.

[Captain Swampy]

Just tallied up summit order, $1974.79.  I'm feeling light-headed. Someone tell me this aint that bad...

That isn't bad! You'd probably have that in parts and machine work on your old engine, not even mentioning the labor putting it all together. Stick with the Dave Ramsey thing. Being debt free is awesome!

[philo_beddoe]

Thanks capt! I have a solid plan, need to get through this engine situation and when i (or vile) close that hood. I'm going all out crazy on paying off all debt. I just read his book "the total money makeover". Getting fired up!! Amen!

[SomeTexan]

Just tallied up summit order, $1974.79.  I'm feeling light-headed. Someone tell me this aint that bad...

That isn't bad at all. If I remember correctly, the crankshaft in the last sbc I built cost more. Of course, I'm hooked on LS engines now, around here you can pick up a low mileage 4.8 with harness and computer for around $500.

[philo_beddoe]

Love an LS, dont like computers though. (In engines)

[SomeTexan]

Love an LS, dont like computers though. (In engines)

I used to be that way. Until I was running 8 second quarter miles with a junkyard pull out that got 26mpg and required almost no maintenance. I was all about carbs, now I think they only belong on 100% restored to stock show cars. Drivers benefit greatly from computer controlled fuel, timing and transmission controls.

[LTZ C20]

Yea I used to be a somewhat anti new tech guy on older stuff, but since I switched to EFI and used a newer engine and trans, my truck has never been more reliable.

[philo_beddoe]

I know, i know, someday i'll go that route. Next project truck will get a new crate LS. I hear they are a little pricy. Not like my $1400 crate 350. I was told more like 6 or 7k. Yikes...

[SomeTexan]

I wouldn't go with a crate ls. Cost per performance is way better with a take out. And that way you get a trans to go with it. The 4L80 is a tough trans stock, and when it does let go, you just grab another at a junk yard for a few hundred bucks. I got about 200 passes and 35,000 miles out of a 260,000 mile pull out, and none of it was babied. At 800ish hp.

[philo_beddoe]

Now that's some Texan!!

[LTZ C20]

A 4L80 is almost exactly the same as a TH400, just a 4 speed. That's why they are so strong.

[Irish_Alley]

just a fyi 4l80e is good in stock form for 440 Ft lbs th400 is in stock form 450

[LTZ C20]

just a fyi 4l80e is good in stock form for 440 Ft lbs th400 is in stock form 450

I don't know what the stock form capacity is of a 89 4L60 (late model 700R4) but mine will easily handle 500 hp. Which I'm no where near, I am right between 400-450 ft lbs torque tho.

[SomeTexan]

just a fyi 4l80e is good in stock form for 440 Ft lbs th400 is in stock form 450

I've heard that before, but I've run, and know a few people that run, considerably more through them with good results. They are a tough, underrated trans. I guess I should say that they are tough with the right tune. A bad tune will kill them quickly.