Shade Tree, this is probably less applicable to you, but just to go with the discussion on the 4L80E and the TCM. I found the TCM's are around $700. Painless makes a wiring harness for the gen 3 vortec engine that includes the TCM, a fuse block, and an OBD2 port for around the same price.

I know you are going super-low-budget and I commend you on it, but looking at the cost of a TCM for the 4l60e or 4l80e, I am leaning toward the painless harness and save some time. Just thought I'd throw that out there for anyone else looking into this swap.

 

It does not apply in any swap IF you use the engine, transmission, transfer case, computer and harness as a group from the donor vehicle. Zero wiring or programming required for the transmission to work.
Problems are introduced when you deviate from this plan.


I don't think there is any such thing as a super-low-budget engine/transmission swap mixing different brands and throwing in 4WD, these things suck up money like a Supercharged Hoover Vacuum. I am no stranger to money pits, see list below:

 

Just let me know when and I'll take off work and ice down a few!

 

Any more updates on this?
I have an LS1-swapped 944 Turbo and I'm itching to do another LS swap on something....

 

I've been in hibernation mode for a couple of months. I am working on a big surprise for those of you that have followed this thread. What would you say to a cheap LS swap using the LT230 TC (stock LR Discovery) and inexpensive salvage GM motor and transmission? No machine shop work, no $1200 foreign made (down under) adapters. Just purchase two new driveshafts and some steel and you're all set.


More to come soon.......

 

I'd like to hear more about that.

 

ears perked....waiting

 

I'm game. Sign up. Shut up and take my money

 

Its not easy to divorce the case. I did it, and it took 2 tries.

 

Dude, you can't leave us hanging after dropping a bomb like that! Well... I guess you can, but please don't! I'm about to start my LS conversion and I need this info.