Oneluckypops thanks soft the info I am sticking to this now.
Current set up stock 250 inline 6 with turbo 350 3speed automatic. 78 short bed fleet side c10
As far as I know the engine was out of a 97 suburban 4wd.
So first the wiring harness. I have been looking all over the web on how to modify the harness or what wires you need just to start it up but I have not been able to find anything. I would like to do it myself but if there is not a how to out there then will definitely send it out to be done. Do you need to flash the ecu first to remove (vat) anti theft?
Second the trans. I need to find the same one but in 2wd so I can switch what I need right? And the computer of the engine will control it I don't need to get another computer just for the tranny?
It currently has a turbo 350 3speed if for the time being I can't get the tranny in can I use this trans?
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Ok first things first, You will not regret this repower. No there not as peppy as the LS motors but they are in deed a HUGE improvement over the earlier carbed and TBI 350's. Considering you are swapping from an inline 6 you may nut all over yourself the first time you punch it.
There are "how too" out there for modifying the harnesses on these engines, but honestly I was never real impressed with any of them that I ever came across. Some people get really discouraged when they have to look at wiring diagrams, and most of the how tos I have seen all revert back to diagrams at some point. For some this is no big deal, I myself love electricity no matter if its 12v-480v. Depending on your skill level I can either help you by giving you the diagrams, or I can convert them in to an easy to follow spread sheet, (remove this wire, hook this wire to this pin, ect.)
The engine is made to fit in your truck, How ever I do believe you will have to change the location of the motor mounts on the frame. IIRC the mounts are in different locations for v8's then they are for I6's. Still an easy fix.
The Transmission can easily be converted to a 2wd application. You would need a seal kit, well actually just a pump gasket, pump O-ring, pan gasket, and valve body gaskets. But may as well go ahead and get a paper and rubber seal kit. It will be cheaper. The other parts you will need would be a 2wd tail shaft, and 2wd tail housing. You can buy these parts from a transmission supplier or you can look for a core transmission to get the shaft and housing from. LOTS OF YEARS WILL INTERCHANGE so long as it has the same number of bolts for the housing 97 should be a 4 bolt design. Oh and a reluctor ring for the VSS (vehicle speed sensor). If you bought a core it would already have the reluctor ring on it.
A little lesson on computers. You have probably already seen or heard the terms VCM, PCM, ECM, TCM, BCM. They are essentially all the same thing. Different years used different terminology and the newer you get the more jobs they have to do. Now what they actually stand for and what they actually do.
VCM=Vehicle Control Module. Controls Engine, Transmission, and sends and receives signals to the BCM, EBCM, and TCCM.
PCM= Powertrain control module, basically controls all of the same functions as a VCM PLUS it also controls traction control.
ECM=Engine control module. controls the engine
TCM=Transmission control module. controls the transmission
BCM=Body control module
EBCM=Electronic brake control module. Controls antilock brake systems
TCCM=Transfer case control module. Controls the transmission.
The computer you will use is actually called a VCM so YES the computer for the engine will control the transmission so no need for an additional computer.
96-97 vortec trucks were NOT equipped with "VATS" (vehicle anti theft system) so technically you can use the computer with out doing any reprograming to it. Now I would how ever recommend having it re-flashed for a couple of reasons. #1 you will want to delete all the emissions crap on the engine. If you don't re-flash it after you do that you will automatically have a SES light on which will lower your MPG as well as not allow you to know if anything else is wrong down the road. #2 you will want to correct the programming for gear ratio, and tire size.
As for using the TH350 Transmission if you cant get the tranny converted. Technically you can use it. HOWEVER if the VCM does not see a signal from the VSS it will experience Idle learn problems because the VCM takes readings from the VSS to help with engine load% which will cause POOR fuel economy and drivability issues. So no matter what transmission you use you will have to get a VSS signal to the computer.
OK, so I misunderstood. You are going to keep the SFI (Sequential Fuel Injection)? So yes, the Th350 will still bolt up, but... and luckypops can tell you if you'll need to reburn your chip to delete the transmission, and then the other issue to deal with if you using the Th350 is the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor). The ECM will need it. There is a couple ways to handle that too. If were me, if you're doing the ECM and wiring, I'd just get the 4L60-E converted to 2wd and go for it all at once so you have your wiring done, chip burnt all at one time and be done.
The main issue of the 3 speed is of course the VSS. As far as the Transmission controls being deleted from the VCM. It would be a good idea to disable the automatic and reconfigure the parameters as a standard transmission. The reason is LIMP MODE, Limp mode in these trucks is nothing more then a 3rd gear start.
When the VSS determines 1-2 shift is needed the th350 doesn't have the ability to receive that signal so the VCM will then trigger a code for 1-2 shift time to long causing the VCM to go in to Limp mode. the only problem it will cause will be a SES light. Can you drive it? YES is it a good idea? NO!!!! the ses light needs to be able to inform you of problems that are going on and if the light is already on you will not be aware of any other problems that may arise.