I appreciate the offer Curt, but I kinda want to work this out myself. I have no doubt your truck is easily the best option as a ready swap option. I just want to work this one out until I can't move forward anymore. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> So the Aisin 4dr trans wouldn't hold up? If I recall, the 4cyl trans I had in my 4door originally burnt up really fast. I ended up going with a non lock up V6 trans I sourced locally which hasn't had an issue yet. But I do understand the stock trans under a fully weighted trailer and 33-35 inch tires would more than likely fail... I'd also have to contend with the V8's lower torque and RPM range. Id end up frying the trans in the end, or just not getting the best out of the bigger motor... I am not the most familiar with the Chevy brand so I have lots of reading to do.

Well, if you're going through the time and trouble to swap an LS1, you would probably be better off mating it to it's natural transmission counterpart.

That said...if it's possible to swap in the 1994+(?) gearbox, which I think was the AW30-40LE, I know it can hang to 450+hp in performance/drag racing/fast road applications.

But yeah...I would just go with the GM trans. Why skimp there? Good luck!

I decided I will start to shop for deals on parts and see if I can't gather parts to begin before the end of summer. I will go gm trans. I ended up passing on the ls1 due to a bad knock when test running it. I did some searching and I could source a motor and loom for $1500 pretty easy. So I am still looking at doing this swap. Just going to find deals to take the sting out of the parts buys.

Nothing worth doing is easy...

except shopping at staples


Looking forward to reading the progress... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

very basic measuring is showing the motor will fit height and width. Length I am just a 3 inches shy of whats required. I will see what can be modified when I get an actual motor to start eyeballing.

As mentioned by Toasty, a body lift will be a very likely step in the swap just to make everything fit and feel better. I might also have to just completely cut out the front rad cradle to insert the trans and engine into place as a whole to properly setup the new mounts and crossmembers. Good chance to make up new rad mounts anyways. Lots of cutting and welding, and this truck won't be going to the scrap yard like the others who succumb to my sawzall blades. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

UPDATE
I was going to swap a 3.5 into my Raider, but since the transmission was going to have to get moved forward, I decided to move forward with a V8 swap. I picked up a worn out core to use as a mock up motor for $25. I already sourced a Th300 transmission. next step is wait until my heater is installed in my garage and then get to work. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Old boat anchor...

A body lift will be needed, to, unless you're going redo the firewall and trans cover like 777 did. Also, the radiator will be moved forward?

Ford 302 would be easier...

Already on the white board of "things to do" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> 2 inch body lift to make it easier to fit.

My tranny of choice would be a 4l60e and an nvg242 transfer case with a driver's side drop. I'd use an Art Carr cable shifter or mod the stock one. This eliminates the bellhousing match problem and the ratios in the 4L60E are quite like the KM 148, so you won't be running 4krpms at 70 like the 3spd a/t you propose. Of course, you could change the diff ratios, but you have to change both, of course. Much higher cost and fab work. The 4L60E has a .7 o/d ratio, and the nvg242 will allow operation just like selectrac, i.e., 4hi2wd, 4hi4wd unlocked center diff, 4wdhi locked, 4wdlo locked, and is quite stout, and can use many of the mods available for the nvg231 like doublers and very low ratios in 4lo.

I am appreciating all the input, I was wondering if most of the transmissions share common mounts. the TH300 I was eyeballing was free, maybe I could use it to weld the mounts up to, and then buy the right unit.