I'm considering rebuilding the transmission (1984 700R4) and engine (rebuilt 1984 LG4) in my car. I'm not sure if I should do that or if I should go find some wrecked pos somewhere and buy it then do an engine and transmission swap. I'd try to find something with a 350 and a better transmission, maybe a manual (would depend on what I found and whether or not I'd want to convert my car to manual). I had a friend of mine check on some prices and he came up with about $2,000 for the transmission and engine rebuild. Would it be better to rebuild the things I have now, or buy a cheaper wrecked car and swap the engine and transmission? Another other suggestions would also be appreciated.

 

I'd look for 88 or newer to rebuild if your looking to keep the 700r4.

 

Any other suggestions?

 

I found a 1994 Trans Am engine and transmission for $910 on eBay. Not sure if I should go for it or not. It came out of a wrecked trans am, not sure about its quality (I'm skeptical of eBay). The engine is a 1994 LT1, includes engine, accessoris(A/C, Alternator, etc..., PCM/ECM, Harness), mounts, and hoses. Engine had 108,000 miles on it when removed. How hard would it be to put this engine and transmission in a 3rd gen? Here's the link if you need to see pictures (please no stealing the thing from me if it's a good deal) http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cg...tem=1807636917 .

 

I don't know too much about the lt-1, but for $910 it looks like a steal. Hooking it up would be the hard part.

 

Anyone else? (trying to keep this on top as much as possible because the auction runs out soon)

 

If you want to switch to a manual, for all means do, but if not you have a beast of a transmission in the 700. Nothing wrong with it. GM used it forever, ever heard of the 4L80-E? If you do find one the 87+ are strong enough to back 502s. I have seen it! Plus, you wont find another overdrive tranny.

 

4L80E is not even remotely connectod to the 700, except that it's made by the same company. 4L60E is the electronically controlled version of the 700: same mechanicals, different control system.

I agree, a used engine would be a more cost-effective choice, but might require more labor on your part. BUT: I don't think buying a different engine from what came in your car off e-Bay is a smart idea at all. You will have a far easier time of it if you have the whole donor car to strip. You'll need wiring, fuel pump, fuel lines, computer, and who knows what all else off of the car, besides just the motor and trans themselves. Chances are, buying the stuff at the parts store or dealer that you won't be getting with the e-Bay motor, will spend more of your money than finding a whole wrecked car locally.

 

My mistake. Thx!

Why would he need new fuel lines, computer and pump, when any 67-87 SBC short block will bolt right in place of his LG4? Maybe the ECM from a 350, but that's it. He wouldnt even have to change his heads and intake (unless he wanted to)

 

He asked about a LT1... in-tank fuel pump for fuel injection vs. mechanical carb pump, Opti-Spark, no distributor, no mech fuel pump location, requires complete computer system, etc. ...

You're exactly right though, if he sticks with a Gen1 SBC, it's a whole lot simpler. But sticking a 94 Lt1 off e-bay into a LG4 car is not a good idea for somebody that is just beginning to learn about such things: that will be a painful experience, guaranteed. But, that's not to say that he can't or shouldn't do the swap; only that buying a motor off e-bay is only the beginning of what he'll need to get his car running again.

 

I agree with RB83L69, everything I've read about swapping LT1s in a Thirdgen says it's a giant ***-ache.

Rebuilding is the easiest route to take and you can have a shop do it, but from a performance stand point , swapping a 1st gen 350 in is better. I just got a Vette L98 for my Camaro for $950 but I know I will spend at least another 600 to get it built how i want it, this includes: belts, oil pump with tube and screen, bolt kit, gaskets, seals, timing set, machining the flywheel, other miscellaneous expenses and for the cam swap: cam, valve springs, machining valve guides for higher lift of cam.

Keep in mind if you want to run a manual you're pretty much stuck with either the T5 (~$500-600 to convert from auto) which came in the 82-92 thirdgens but is weak and won't hold up to even a stock 350 unless you're really gentle or you can get a T56 from the LT1 thirdgens (93-97) and do the full conversion for 1200-1500. If you go with a manual and a 350 definately save up for the T56 because it is very strong.