Transmission swap
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Transmission swap
Been a lurker for a long time here. I have a 96 LT4 vette and am looking to swap out the ZF6 and go to a 4L60E auto. Has anybody done this? Searched this and most if not all answers were for the other way around... auto to manual. Can anybody point me in the right direction on what is needed for this. I figured the E model with a stand alone controller would be the way to go but need advice on the cooler setup since my radiator does'nt have the cooling capability due to the manual. Will it bolt up to theLT4 block? I would probably need a new driveshaft also plus the crossmember as well? Any help is greatly appreciated
Mike
Mike
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 725
From: Stay dangerous my friends
Been a lurker for a long time here. I have a 96 LT4 vette and am looking to swap out the ZF6 and go to a 4L60E auto. Has anybody done this? Searched this and most if not all answers were for the other way around... auto to manual. Can anybody point me in the right direction on what is needed for this. I figured the E model with a stand alone controller would be the way to go but need advice on the cooler setup since my radiator does'nt have the cooling capability due to the manual. Will it bolt up to theLT4 block? I would probably need a new driveshaft also plus the crossmember as well? Any help is greatly appreciated
Mike
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,657
Likes: 804
From: Saskatoon Sask.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,657
Likes: 804
From: Saskatoon Sask.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 7,338
Likes: 137
From: WilkesBarre PA
You can do using factory parts. I swapped my GS to a 700R4 and use a separate controller for lockup. Using a 4L60E you would be able to repin the computer and add the auto harness and reprogram the computer for the auto. You need a auto yoke to swap on your driveshaft, can reuse the c-channel. I swapped the pedals out, used a factor shifter and trim plate. Funny how people look inside and at the vin and are confused about the auto in the GS.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,698
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
I swapped my 4+3 to a 700r4 and finally to a 4l60e. I used all factory parts except for the TCI transmission controller. I compared the 84 parts manual to the 85 and assembled the necessary parts. As far as the pedal, just remove the clutch pedal. I footbrake at the drags and the brake pedal still works.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks for the reply's. It was a driver when I bought it about 7 years ago with 80,000 mi. on it. I've slowly changed and rebuilt it with the last project being the engine. I had Karl Ellwein build a 383 stroker for me and its finally up and running. It's build # 87 on his site in case anybody is interested. Thats the reason for wanting to keep this car. It's still very much a work in progress but at least its drivable and is one awesome ride!
I have theTorqueHead conversion on it so I still have to find out from them if the swap is compatible with the new ecm as it was programmed for the manual. I read about the stand alone controller for the 4L60-E and thought this would be the way to go as you can set shift points and lockup at the control module. Thanks for the tip on the yoke. Did you have to change the driveshaft? Does the ecm have any input to the ZF6 now?
Thanks again
Mike
I have theTorqueHead conversion on it so I still have to find out from them if the swap is compatible with the new ecm as it was programmed for the manual. I read about the stand alone controller for the 4L60-E and thought this would be the way to go as you can set shift points and lockup at the control module. Thanks for the tip on the yoke. Did you have to change the driveshaft? Does the ecm have any input to the ZF6 now?
Thanks again
Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 7,338
Likes: 137
From: WilkesBarre PA
Thanks for the reply's. It was a driver when I bought it about 7 years ago with 80,000 mi. on it. I've slowly changed and rebuilt it with the last project being the engine. I had Karl Ellwein build a 383 stroker for me and its finally up and running. It's build # 87 on his site in case anybody is interested. Thats the reason for wanting to keep this car. It's still very much a work in progress but at least its drivable and is one awesome ride!
I have theTorqueHead conversion on it so I still have to find out from them if the swap is compatible with the new ecm as it was programmed for the manual. I read about the stand alone controller for the 4L60-E and thought this would be the way to go as you can set shift points and lockup at the control module. Thanks for the tip on the yoke. Did you have to change the driveshaft? Does the ecm have any input to the ZF6 now?
Thanks again
Mike
I have theTorqueHead conversion on it so I still have to find out from them if the swap is compatible with the new ecm as it was programmed for the manual. I read about the stand alone controller for the 4L60-E and thought this would be the way to go as you can set shift points and lockup at the control module. Thanks for the tip on the yoke. Did you have to change the driveshaft? Does the ecm have any input to the ZF6 now?
Thanks again
Mike
The ZF really doesn't have any input other than the speedo. I swapped my ZF speedo ring and sensor into my 700R4 and it works fine.
With HP tuners you can change the trans setting from standard to Auto and set everything. Paul (From torqhead) may have the diagram on the website or will send it to you if needed, (I run this also) You would just have to add the harness for the auto. A stand alone controller would work also. You would have to move the clutch switch to the auto shifter and reverse lights.
Last edited by RichS; Apr 5, 2021 at 07:25 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
LT4 auto
I have a LT4 grand sport automatic. So never say never.
Been a lurker for a long time here. I have a 96 LT4 vette and am looking to swap out the ZF6 and go to a 4L60E auto. Has anybody done this? Searched this and most if not all answers were for the other way around... auto to manual. Can anybody point me in the right direction on what is needed for this. I figured the E model with a stand alone controller would be the way to go but need advice on the cooler setup since my radiator does'nt have the cooling capability due to the manual. Will it bolt up to theLT4 block? I would probably need a new driveshaft also plus the crossmember as well? Any help is greatly appreciated
Mike
Mike