It's 5.3/AW4 swap time for the road racer

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Here's the idea:

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Here's the adapter plate, pre-trimming, on the AW4:

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Spacers and pilot holes on the TC for mock up, to be transferred to the flex plate:

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Welding spacers to flex plate:

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Spacer for the TC:

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Bolted together:

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Voila, LM7 5.3 and AW4 TC inside a 4l60 bellhousing. All we have to do is bolt up the trans and pray:

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Like a glove:

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Next project is the harness and clearancing the hood.
 
Pretty damn cool to be breaking new ground with the motor and trans combo. Can't wait to drive it on the track with the new power and rpm's. Anxious to see you guys get it fired up and driving.

:cheers:


Richard G
 
If all goes well, you should totally market the adapter setup.
 
this. 5.3 swap without having to swap in a new trans would be sweet. plus i think a lot of us are partial to the AW4

It makes things much simpler really. Being able to use the already installed trans/t-case. I still would like to run a 6.0L/6L80 (extra OD would be nice for highway driving)
 
It makes things much simpler really. Being able to use the already installed trans/t-case. I still would like to run a 6.0L/6L80 (extra OD would be nice for highway driving)
True but for the mild guy its a great idea!
Plate the rails then drop in the 5.3 and go! (not that simple I know.)
 
Will the 6L80 fit without hacking up the tunnel? Heat?

I understand the appeal of retaining the AW4 and I really like the AW4 in my three Jeeps but if I could easily get that extra two gears of the 6L80 I'd do it.
 
I work in a LSX shop and the 6l80 is a big heavy bitch and we have found tcm tunning is finniky with them. I realy doubt it would fit with out extensive tunnel mods. Nice to see things moving along nicely on this build keep it up !:cheers:
 
I work in a LSX shop and the 6l80 is a big heavy bitch and we have found tcm tunning is finniky with them. I realy doubt it would fit with out extensive tunnel mods.

That's what I was afraid of. I'm not into hacking up the sheet metal with my projects if I can avoid it. Why go to the extra hassle to source a southern MJ if you are just going to hack the floor out of it anyway...

I'd consider buying one of these LS-AW4 adapters if they are made available for sale.

I like the idea of not having to scare up a Rodeo bell and being limited to a LS4. Trying to find a Rodeo bellhousing around here would be like trying to find a NOS master cylinder for a '56 Renault Dauphine.
 
I talked to a GM aftermarket parts rep at SEMA last year. Amongst other things, he told me that the 6L90E wasnt' offered as a crate transmission because it wasn't a good choice for a hot rod / custom car. The man cited size, weight, difficulty in programming appropriate shift points, expense and limited benefits as the main reasons why not. I think a 4LxxE is the way to go, starting with a 60E and building from there as needed by the project.
 
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