Question on LS3 with Automatic conversion
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 1
From: Peoria AZ
Question on LS3 with Automatic conversion
I have friend with 63 SWC original powerglide who wants to convert to LS3 with automatic. What frame mods are necessary? Also what body mods are necessary for newer style automatic? Does anyone have a recommendation on which type of automatic to use? Pros and Cons of choices on automatic trannys?
Please feel free to email me direct mreese15@***.net with any suggestions.
Thank You
Mike
Please feel free to email me direct mreese15@***.net with any suggestions.
Thank You
Mike
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 116
From: AUSTIN Tx
Well, that is a pretty open-ended question. The 4l transmissions will all pretty much fit in the stock tunnel, although they are VERY tight!
There is no way in hell the 6L trans will fit without MAJOR surgery. Even with the 4L trans, you will need to grind a couple of mounting bosses down on the RH side of the trans, where it hits the tunnel. You can even control the 4L trans with the original Powerglide shifter after retrofitting it with a kit from ShiftWorks.
There are really no frame mods necessary, but a smart guy would turn the trans crossmember into a removable one, and shift the exhaust holes in the crossmember outboard to where they almost hit the seat wells. This will make it a whole lot easier to run big exhaust around the wide trans.
Regards, John McGraw
There is no way in hell the 6L trans will fit without MAJOR surgery. Even with the 4L trans, you will need to grind a couple of mounting bosses down on the RH side of the trans, where it hits the tunnel. You can even control the 4L trans with the original Powerglide shifter after retrofitting it with a kit from ShiftWorks.There are really no frame mods necessary, but a smart guy would turn the trans crossmember into a removable one, and shift the exhaust holes in the crossmember outboard to where they almost hit the seat wells. This will make it a whole lot easier to run big exhaust around the wide trans.
Regards, John McGraw
Last edited by John McGraw; Sep 15, 2011 at 12:34 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 9
From: Hernando Beach Fl
OK, call me not smart, but I did not want to cut the transmission crossmember, I have a 64 with a 4L60, it fits, it's tight, if I have a problem, I will be pulling the motor to get the transmission out.
John is right, a smart person would probably cut the crossmember to make it removeable, I wanted to keep the frame as intact as possible, a 4L60 will fit without cutting the crossmember if needed.
My car is not the same workmanship that John's is, but it is/was a daily driver until gas jumped in the last year.
R.J.
John is right, a smart person would probably cut the crossmember to make it removeable, I wanted to keep the frame as intact as possible, a 4L60 will fit without cutting the crossmember if needed.
My car is not the same workmanship that John's is, but it is/was a daily driver until gas jumped in the last year.
R.J.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,162
Likes: 649
From: Chattanooga TN
I have friend with 63 SWC original powerglide who wants to convert to LS3 with automatic. What frame mods are necessary? Also what body mods are necessary for newer style automatic? Does anyone have a recommendation on which type of automatic to use? Pros and Cons of choices on automatic trannys?
Please feel free to email me direct mreese15@***.net with any suggestions.
Thank You
Mike
Please feel free to email me direct mreese15@***.net with any suggestions.
Thank You
Mike
My advice is for your friend or you to join LS1 Tech forum, go to automatic trans section and do a search on LS3, vss, 58 reluctor. Also search in conversion & hybrid section too. Need to do your home work before jumping into this.
