LS SWAP WITH OLDER GM TRANSMISSION

In this video I explain how to use an older gm transmission such as a th350, th400, or powerglide in your LS swap.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase using the affiliate links below at no additional cost to you.
4L80E FLEXPLATE ATP Z-270: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...
4L60E FLEXPLATE HUB ADAPTER: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...
If you need to know how to measure your torque converter or flex plate bolt pattern, check out this video: • HOW TO MEASURE TORQUE ...
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[@brandongibson85]

Dadgum folks he even drew ya pictures and broke it all the way down for ya. Listen to learn not to reply. Thanks for the info man I'm in the process of swapping a 72 nova four door with an LS, going with the original 350 tranny that came in it, rebuilt of course, and a 4000 converter. Should be a fun one

[@BadLuckGarage]

Finally someone who pays attention! Lol. Ironically that’s the same combo we started with in Chaos Theory, right down to the th350 that we pulled out of the DR Nova when we swapped it!

[@BadLuckGarage]

By the way I’m pinning this comment to the top. 🤣👍

[@brandongibson85]

It's gotta be frustrating for you to keep answering the sane things repeatedly. Don't let them chase ya away from making he videos man I appreciate everything I've learned from them on my lil journey. I'm putting a 4.8 in mine and my intention for it is to be a street driven, drive it to the track( i57 dragstrip in Benton Illinois) to bracket race it.

[@BadLuckGarage]

@@brandongibson85 Brother when I started this channel years ago it was to help people help themselves. What I’ve come to find out is a lot of people don’t want to help themselves. They want to be spoon fed and your time means nothing to them. People will click on a video that seems to be about what they need to know, never watch one second of the video or skip through missing all the important bits, then ask questions that were already answered in the video. Then when I tell them to watch the video they get pissed like I’ve got time to type out answers for 150,000 people when the answer was already in the video. This video is a perfect example of that if you read through the comments. Are used to reply and let them know the answer was in the video or if the answer is in another one of my videos I would just post a link to that video. But now days for the most part if it’s obvious they didn’t pay attention I just don’t even reply. It’s just a waste of time. My parents always told me “You can’t help those who won’t help themselves.” And if I tried to take the time to re-answer every question that was needlessly asked I wouldn’t have time to do my read job. I’d literally be sitting on my phone 22 hours a day.

[@BadLuckGarage]

@@brandongibson85 Just curious, have seen seen our DRNova project? That car is literally my uncles daily driver. Cruises nice, gets around 22mpg and runs CONSISTENT 7.84s in the 1/8. And when I say consistent I mean the it ran 3 7.84s back to back to back. Lol. I told him we should pull some timing out and get it doing solid 8s or 8.50s and let him bracket race it.

[@keganthurman4267]

You're a life saver. I've been trying to figure out which plate to put on my Th400 when I buy a 5.3 for my 88 C1500. I'm trying to be smart and buy my materials before I hop in and I've been stuck. Thank you

[@3rdGenC10s]

The ls I picked up had a 4l60e flexplate with a 4l80e behind it, I swapped it out to a 4l80e flexplate for the cheap insurance of it being the correct part. Great video and explanation.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Thank you sir. And thanks for watching. Glad I was able to help. 👍🏻

[@notsure7874]

This video btw - has been a TREMENDOUS help. Cutting through the bubba engineering, and half baked nonsense to get straight answers has been a task in and of itself.

[@sosakicks]

Getting ready to do my first LS swap in my 86 c10. Thank you for the information. Very easy to understand.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad you found it helpful!👍

[@carllisasxtramail6694]

Your knowledge of Chevrolet transmissions is incredible. Great video.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@alecgauthier7351]

Awesome video. Got a 6.0 I’m putting a TH400 behind. My questions have been answered and some questions I was going to have got answered. You are the man! Awesome video!thank you

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad to hear it helped. 👍

[@84shortbed]

Good video, swapping a 4.8 in my 84 Square body. I already have the adapter for the torque converter so gonna elongate the holes and make it work for now.

[@shawnmike22]

This was the best break down of this topic. Thank you . Doing a 6.0 ls swap in a 68 fastback impala with th400

[@BadLuckGarage]

Thanks for the comment brother! If this video helped you out, please share it and help the channel out!

[@shawnmike22]

@@BadLuckGarage will do

[@LJimenez0185]

Thanks great video! I had the same question and every place I looked online said get a 6.0 flex plate, two weeks ago I went to the junk yard and found the exact same express van that I got my 4L80E and it still had the flex plate with a 4.8 engine, I got it for 20 bucks but I wasn’t sure if it will work or not but thanks to your video now I know it will.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad the video helped you out brother! Be sure to share it on any forums your in and help spread the word so others can get the info they need!

[@reececustoms]

Very informative video.. went straight to the link for the flex plate and ordered mine $69.06 will be here in a few days .. thanks

[@carolynbrideau3194]

This was the exact info I was looking for to do my motor swap. Great explanation, thanks

[@BadLuckGarage]

Any time!

[@beeasy4360]

I got the dished flex plate it came out of a 2004 Tahoe 5.3 It’s going in a 72 chevelle with a th400 been trying to research this topic make sure I’m not gonna destroy anything lol 😂 shoe string budget single dad 5 hungry boys trying to live the dream lmao 🤣 thanks for video very informative

[@TriStarGearhead]

Thanks for the info. Im always a fan of using oem parts when available. We get marketed to so much by conpanies trying to sell us products we dont need.

[@fittytucker999]

Just came across your channel in the process of putting th350 in my camaro thanks so much I instantly subscribed

[@BadLuckGarage]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@cliffordlewis174]

By the way you ja e saved me time and money on several occasions with your vodeos. Keep up the good work brother

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad to hear brother! Be sure to share the videos you think are most helpful on your favorite social media and help others! Also will help grow the channel and help me keep making content!

[@akp41]

I’m working on bolting my 6.2 to my th350. I picked up the flex plate you recommended. Thank you

[@UnsmartCanadian]

Glad I came across this video. The amount of bad information out there is un real. The 4L80E trans flexplate with the hub ring on it is pretty much bolt and go. That's what I wanted to hear 😁

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad you found the video helpful!👍

[@BadLuckGarage]

HOPE THIS VIDEO HELPS SOME PEOPLE OUT! If you'd like to see an LS swap video on something that I havent already covered in the LS Swap tips and tricks playlist, let me know in the comments!

[@dwayneford9028]

Have u done a ls swap into a 71 Cutlass supreme yet

[@BadLuckGarage]

@@dwayneford9028 No. Brad actually has a 70 Cutlass and a complete 6.0 that he wants to swap in but I don’t know if he’ll ever pull the trigger on it. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@sarge436]

I know this is an old vid but was wondering if you could expand on bolting a BOP TH350 to an LS. Will it still have the 5 bolts?

[@BadLuckGarage]

@@sarge436 Won’t work.

[@blacktank898]

I have a question so I'm using my 700r4 transmission with LQ9 engine that the bellhousing on 700r4 doesn't fit with the 6.0 what do i do

[@charlielittle4756]

I like and subscribed to your account because your honest and upfront. I appreciate the info I’m trying to ls swap an 1987 r10 and just getting all the info I can. Thanks big dawg 👍🏾

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad you’re finding the videos helpful brother!

[@miguelperaza4824]

I dont have words to thank you!!! What a 1000% usefull video!! Thanks again bro!! Greetings from venezuela!!! 🤘😎🤘

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad you liked it!

[@thebombperformancechannel9087]

Thanks man your help is much appreciated I will now be moving forward with my build

[@toddadams8420]

man you are a wellspring of USABLE knowledge!!!

[@miguelbotello6.0]

Thank you so much man.. im going 6.0 in my 93 c1500! Helped me soo much!

[@BadLuckGarage]

Great to hear!

[@prancstaman]

I forgot the 350 and 400 turbo's had different torque converter patterns, LOL. Been so long since I played with them. Your right about the 5 bolts though. My friends never put back in all the bell housing bolts, LOL.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Lol that’s not good.

[@Godsy_Garage]

Love you vids man PLEAS DONT STOP! Great quality brother

[@MrHevyshevy]

Informative for an old school guy with a 6.0 kicking around like myself.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it brother. I’ve typed this information out in so many emails and on so many Facebook pages that I finally just decided to make a video so I wouldn’t have to type it anymore. Lol.

[@kevinclevenger8741]

So this will work fro the 5.3ls to a 700r4

[@pnwhotclassics6085]

Best video I’ve seen yet on this topic! I’m late, but I’m a new sub for sure

[@BadLuckGarage]

Thanks brother. Glad the video helped you out!👍

[@quadzeroo]

Thanks for this excellent video. You really cleared up a lot of mystery for me.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dirtymoney05]

Your videos is so helpful I’m doing a ls swap on my 89 Camaro and I was wondering if I changed my flywheel will it bolt up to it

[@lnskustoms6795]

Loved it when you showed the gap in the center. Wanted to scream. " Dinner time.....

[@BadLuckGarage]

🤣

[@citiboi_jay_scales]

Man I needed this video thanks dude🏁

[@charlesburks6004]

Very informative video being that im I'm prepping for an ls swap

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad you’re finding the videos helpful brother. 👍

[@johnhudson1545]

The AR poster was cool!!

[@alonzomonroe8998]

Thanks fam. ..going to hook my ls3 to my turbo 400

[@BBBILLY86]

Hell yea brother!!! Perfect timing.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Hopefully it helped brother.

[@BrianJones-mn7zg]

My man 💪🏿💪🏿 I really appreciate you and you have a new subscriber

[@BadLuckGarage]

Thanks for the sub!

[@RFRracing]

Good content brother, I got my 4l80e flex plate, spacer and bolts from Amazon about a year ago for $60. It's just easier and more simple

[@KeepOnRollingTide]

I thought you didn’t need the spacer with the 4l80 flexplate because it has one built in?

[@BadLuckGarage]

@@KeepOnRollingTide The flex plate comes with the built in spacer and bolts when you buy the one I have linked in the video description. That’s what he’s saying he ordered.

[@jasongibbs7588]

have a 6.0 with a longer snout on crankshaft and wondering witch flywheel to use when using a th350 so i do not have to extend holes on flywheel, dont know what year motor it is, i followed your advise on your flywheel video and bought proper one for the 5.3 i was going to use. thank you love your vids

[@SloppyMechanics]

Great tips!

[@BadLuckGarage]

Well shit, it’s the great Denmah!!! 👍🏻 Yea I finally decided it’s easier to share a video link than to type out answers to this question 20 times a week. Lol

[@TheMrVad]

Thanks brother, appreciate the guide!

[@philbetthauser9547]

Great information you put together sir! 😎👍

[@BadLuckGarage]

Thanks brother. I should have made this one years ago really.

[@loriannplikerd2560]

How bout replacing flex plate on 96 blazer. 4.3 How difficult is it. How long may it take I have some mechanical knowledge

[@jerryhall540]

Great info...I just destroyed a flexplate by modifying 4l60 thanks

[@BadLuckGarage]

Well I hate to hear that but I’m glad you found the video helpful. 👍

[@irvingbar4569]

im using a dished flex plate sfi from jegs how do you feel about the small spacers they use to bolt up the 400 turbo

[@lpllol9460]

So I’m trying to do a Motor swap on my DeLorean and no one can seem to tell me if the 4.3 lv3 Motor has the same fly wheel and bell housing as the LS motor or is it old school Chevy do you have any idea

[@dannyvigo5743]

Thank you I hope you’re doing well I have a problem I have a 2004 LS engine 5.3 that I bought in a junkyard I’m trying to swap into a Dodge dart everything’s in but when I try to install the starter Motor I’m having problems it’s making noise grinding noise no I have a two speed powerglide transmission and I took your advice and buying that flywheel what am I doing wrong I tried Spacing it out with shims nothing is working help please

[@kravmaga7070]

so what does a guy do with the vacum tube and kickdown cable going to the th350? do i need one or both of them? if the cable kicks down a gear when throttle is floored , what does vacum tube do?

[@frankrey7676]

Any idea what flex plate adapter combo will make a sbc internal balance two piece rear main work with a 4l80e?

[@oldschoolmechanic7771]

Great information. I do have a question. I have a 94 Camaro Z 28 with the LT one engine I am pulling the original transmission and put in a TH 350 in it. There is two sets of wires going to it one for speedometer and then one coming in for the top of the transmission I assume coming from the computer. What can I do about the Speedometer plug-in and if I leave the other wires unplugged how will it affect the way the motor runs

[@GoGoGarage]

Great information, I have to adapt a Gen V LT1 6.2 to a 4L80, still have to figure that out. lol

[@BadLuckGarage]

I don’t have any LT experience yet unfortunately.

[@jeremyrobertson81]

I have a 69 caddilac with a turbo 400 but it was bolted to the big block, will a 6.0 with the thicker flexplate 4l80e bolt up to everything then ? or will i need a new torque converter with the other set of holes like yours has ?

[@american16]

Great informational video thanks

[@tmfilpansick]

This video is great! Thank you

[@jorgeortegasanchez7263]

I have a 92 suburban k2500 5.7 with 4l80e . I want to ls swap the engine and keep my transmission. Do i need a new torque converter or what do i need?

[@dermharse9614]

Do you know if the LS flex plates are neutral balanced?

[@mikebrace252]

Great vid! I am now a subscriber.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Welcome aboard brother! And thanks for the kind words!

[@rudycarrasco1505]

I'm swapping a 2004 Cadillac Escalade 6.0 into a 97 chevy silverado and the flywheel from caddy wont bolt up to the 4l80 in the truck so that flywheel from 4l80e will bolt up to it thanks

[@zackarymorrow6484]

So I have a 4l60e I got from a S10, would I just need to get the 4l80e flexplate to get it to work with my 6.0?

[@MrZaner1]

Great information! Thanks for sharing

[@BadLuckGarage]

Thanks for popping in Zane!

[@laned8418]

I'm running a TH400 with 4l60 plate. The pads of the torque converter do not touch the flex plate when I push the torque converter all the way towards the engine. I can't put washers because then I don't have my 1/8-3/16 spacing. I noticed the 4l60 plate spacer hits the converter and crank and won't allow the converter to contact the plate. What do I do here? Is that normal. Do I have to take it apart and machine down the spacer?

[@mellow7me]

I’m gathering parts for my Swap... Thanks !!

[@jamest.5001]

As long as your not doing something crazy, the4bolts around the dowels it's fine!

[@BadLuckGarage]

*5 bolts

[@clydewatkins6734]

Thank you for this video I've got a th400 that I want to put behind a 5.3 or 4.8 and didn't know what the hell to do

[@BadLuckGarage]

Happy to hear the video helped! Thanks for watching!

[@zachdavis1776]

Swapping a 350 abc out for a 8.1 LS into an 87 burban. I want to still use the tranny ( 700r4/4l60 ) and tcase. Wiring not the issue. I want to see what I will need to use with zero problems. Would the 4l80e flex plate work for this application.

[@ryderjanuary9352]

Hello have a 6.0L with a th350. tranny went lost 2 gears put in another th350, it started makin noise. apart again i see the flexplates been drilled for converter holes and its flat not dished. Also no spacer and it needed one thats why it blew up maybe. anyway, found the correct dished flexplate with proper 3 holes and got the spacer for the converter pilot. but now the flexplate ring gear is just slightly colidding with my starter housing. starter needs to be quarter inch longer. Any ideas?

[@lorenzomoore4880]

Definitely a big help

[@brianmiller909]

I’m putting a 06 5.3 on my 85 c10 with a stock th375 tranny n stall ,will I need a higher stall?

[@chrisj9725]

Great knowledge! 👍

[@BadLuckGarage]

Thank you sir.

[@boiitrippyduh7847]

Man thanks this helped me alot alot 🤟🏽

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad to hear it

[@madmikescustomDaily]

I’ve been on the Internet for 3 1/2 hours surgeon for this exact video. I swear to God I asked God to help me find someone help me understand the transmissions, and he led me to you. #Madmikescustomsdaily

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad I could help!

[@hattiebracing5858]

Great info! Very helpful

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad you found it helpful. 👍

[@jessymartinez2422]

What can I do I have 1993 Chevy C1500 short bed truck 350 truck. I removed the 350 engine. I want to still keep my recently rebuilt 4L60 Transmission an Torque convertor The 3 bolt torque converter bolts does not aline to the flex plate on this1995 C2500 454 newer engine I bought . I just installed turn on engine about to bolt the torque converter an does not aligned now Install.1/26/2021 I need help.? The 1995 454 engine I bought came with a beefer Flex Plate I did not see the Transmission that engine was bolt on to transmission . I was only able to buy it hear the engine turn on without a transmission they had already sold the original transmission. I need help what do you recommend I really want to drive the truck today . The engine fit good like original factory an sounds good. Thank you

[@davidgriffiths5897]

This video is going to help me get a 5.3 in my 69 impala :D could you recommend me a torque converter?

[@randalljames1]

yep , cleared things right up... thx

[@danielviorato1333]

Hey my friend I have a question? I have a 6.0 and a 02 4160e transmission what flywheel it will work for my application can you please let me know if you can thank you!

[@RustyTtop]

Does the 4l80 flywheel method work with a 5.3l ?

[@galtboy1195]

Excellent video!!

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad you liked it!

[@OnePieceTractor]

so the 700R4 torque converter bolts up to the 4l80 flex plate just fine? Thanks

[@BadLuckGarage]

No

[@jacob-he1bg]

I have a 4l80 trans and a 4l80e converter that is supposed to work with a 4l60e dished flexplate. Everyone swears my 2002 silverado 5.3L has a dished flexplate and it doesnt and I've taken this transmission in and out 3 times. Trying to find a dished 4l60 flexplate local. I actually put the 6.0 spacer behind the flat 4l60 plate and everything fit perfectly except none of the starters I have will reach the ring on the flexplate.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Sounds like you’ve got some weird fuckery going on. Possibly something done by the previous owner. If you’re using an aftermarket converter then call the converter company and use whatever setup they built it for.

[@PNW_BrownBear]

This was so helpfull thank you.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad you found it helpful brother.

[@montecarlo6.0turbo]

Do u run a sfi flex plate in your cars

[@XannysLife]

Hell yeah thanks man.

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

How do set up kick down cable t350 to 5.3

[@7slingshot]

Hello so I’m doing a LQ4 swap on a 700r4. The boneyard engine came with the flat flex plate and spacer as one. I drilled out the bolt holes for the torque converter. I engage the starter and it doesn’t reach the ring gear. Any suggestions? I shouldn’t have to take that spacer off on a flat style flywheel?

[@BadLuckGarage]

Sounds like an issue with your starter not kicking the gear out far enough. That could be a bad starter or the starter not receiving enough power or not grounding properly.

[@WhatsCookinToday]

What about the electronics for the 4L80E? Are there any sensors that the LS engine or computer requires from the 4L80E that would be missing from the TH350?

[@BadLuckGarage]

Those are turned off in the tune. When you’re running an old non-computer controlled transmission, you basically set the tune up the same way you would with a manual transmission.

[@caydenwilson9065]

will the 4L80 Flexplate bolt behind a Gen 4 5.3 liter?, i have a th400 and a stall converter but im not sure if the gen 4 LS(5.3) Flexplate will work with my th400, sorry for being specific.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Yes

[@drchevyphdeez7253]

What about a 6L80 flywheel?

[@obsant7214]

Everyone that needs flex plate and a adapter Jegs sells the set for the LS to older gm trans for $135 that’s all you will need to bolt it up

[@BadLuckGarage]

You can buy the 4L80 flexplate with spacer and bolts for less than $70 from most auto parts stores brother. Why would you want to pay twice as much from Jegs?

[@elinino5275]

I found one of those with the spacer at O'Reilly. Wtf I had already bought the aftermarket spacer lol. I didn't know they came with a spacer. I'll be darn!

[@BadLuckGarage]

Yep they come in a kit. Should have come with bolts as well.

[@dylanbray7477]

I know you covered the older transmission but will it still apply to the 94-98 model 4l60 trans? If so I can use the 4l80 flexplate you have linked correct?

[@BadLuckGarage]

The earlier 4L60e has a 10.75” converter bolt pattern. My advice would be if you’re adamant about using a 4L60, avoid the drama and sell it or swap it for a late model LS style 4L60e with the bolt in bellhousing.

[@daveh7645]

Good info, but now I’m wondering about tooth patterns, can I still use my 5.3 starter? Tia

[@BadLuckGarage]

yes

[@TaylorOzment]

So if I am swapping a 5.3 LS into a 1993 k1500 with a 4L60E, will I be able to use the stock TC with a 4L80E flex plate?

[@BadLuckGarage]

If you’re referring to the pre-LS 4L60e that came in your K1500 the answer is no. It still uses the same torque converter as a 700r4 which has a 10.75” bolt pattern. The good news is Speedway now sells a conversion flexplate with that pattern. So you have another option now that you didn’t have years ago when I first made this video.

[@jordantovar6855]

Great video. so I have a 1999 5.7 2500 silverado crew cab 4x4 obs with a 4l80e transs. Can I swap a to a 6.0 or 5.3 ls using my 4l80e I do have the top bolt 🔩 🤔 on my transs. Thanks in advance.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Yes

[@nunyabiz8887]

Out of the many channels I watch, this one is the most informative by far! Thanks for the info. I will try to search the vids. But has there been a video from/by you putting an LS in a older ford (1991 f250). I can almost hear you with the WTF would I want to do that?

[@BadLuckGarage]

Lmao! No brother I’ve never done a swap into a Ford but it might happen eventually. The good news is there are several companies that make direct swap mounts to put an LS where a sbf used to be so it should be a fairly easy swap. 👍

[@CarportGarageDragRacing]

94-97 4L60E has the same bolt pattern as TH350/Powerglide/700R4. 98+ 4L60E has the 11.066 bolt pattern.

[@BadLuckGarage]

correct

[@dawsonnowlin8034]

So I’m wanting to take a 99 5.3 ls and connect it to my 700r4. Do I use the 5.3 flex plate with a crank spacer or still the 4l80e flex plate?

[@BadLuckGarage]

LS SWAP WITH OLDER GM TRANSMISSION kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6CsaHWZosaKpKc

[@tommyhickman4554]

I tried it on a 200 4R and the bolt holes for the torque converter did not line up on the 4l80E flexplate. Any suggestions?

[@BadLuckGarage]

200r4 uses a 10.5” bolt pattern so you will have to slot the holes as stated in the video.

[@jamest.5001]

I got 2 questions, what if you were doing something crazy, like wanting to connect a LS trans to a SBC, ?? Also transfer cases, 4L60 swapped to 4L80, are the transfer cases interchangeable?

[@BadLuckGarage]

Explaining all this will require a whole separate video.

[@professorzooom4580]

Hey idk if you’re still responding but I need advice. So I threw a rod in my Scion FR-S and need a new engine. My uncle built a drag car and has a TH350 trans he says we can use. Could you give some engines that could bolt to that transmission? I’m trying to have everything done by the end of October so that I can start driving again.

[@BadLuckGarage]

It’ll bolt to any GM V8 or 90degrre V6 engine.

[@M91211]

The dished flex plate in my swap came with 5.3 from a yokun 2003 also I've an 03 silverado 4.8 also has the dished flex plate 🤔 maybe the difference you mentioned could be in 99-2002 models? But the bolt pattern for the flex plate to the tourque converter is there i drilled it with a cone drill bit.

[@BadLuckGarage]

As I explained multiple times, the engine didnt determine which flexplate you have, the transmission does. You seem to be misunderstanding alot of what I said in the video so I'll summerize again.....4L60=dished flexplate, 4L80=flat flexplate. Engine doesn't matter.

[@M91211]

@@BadLuckGarage 👍👍