chevykev

I got a 1988 roller shell. Got a lm7 5.3 I’m dropping in it and want to do a th400 for track and mild street use. I can get one for 200 but it’s an older model out of an older camaro. Is there specific years or better years that bolt to my 5.3? Will it work with the 5.3? Also thinking about the 80e but 200 for a running th400 to get it going sounds good to me. Lmk what I would need to make this work on my 5.3 like where what flex plate or spacers I need. Or point me in the right direction please Thanks guys

MaroonMonsterLS1

1. do a search. There are writeups with pictures on what flexplate/spacer to use. It depends on what converter you are going to use...most aftermarket converter builders will build the converter with a longer pilot and the proper bolt pattern to just use a 5.3 4l60e flexplate. If you just want to run a converter that would fit a sbc...then you need a spacer from a 6.0 truck...and a flexplate to match the bolt pattern of the converter.

Yes the th400 will work...if much over 400 hp...I would rebuild it and get rid of the intermediate roller clutch and upgrade to a 34 element sprag.
If rebuilding...might as well do some other mods in there as well.

All years will bolt up and work the same, as long as its a chevy bellhousing th400...not a BOP bellhousing (buick/olds/pontiac)

chevykev

Ok well the same guy has a th350 I’m picking up for 100$ I’ll rebuild this Instead of the 400. I know it’s better but the budget allows this with a rebuild and not the 400 with a rebuild. Would this mount easier being it’s almost the same as the 60 just no over drive?

MaroonMonsterLS1

A. it is NOT almost the same as the 60e but with no overdrive. There are a few select shared parts...but the way the trans functions is TOTALLY different.
B. the th350 is incredibly easy to rebuild and get it to hold some power if you know what you're doing

chevykev

Yea I’m going that route. 100$ delivered sounds good to me. Now I just need a reputable rebuild kit and I’ll either try it myself if not rocket science or have it sent to a local shop and have them slap it together maybe. Rather do this build all hands On what I could do. I know I’m limited and there are things shops can do that I can’t but if I can do everything myself as much it would be cool

MaroonMonsterLS1

Dual feed the directs
increase line pressure
drill the separator plate
drill line to lube in the vb
block low control valve inboard so it won't "safety shift" out of 1st when you're in M1 shifter position
keep the intermediate clutch clearance on the tight side.
leave the 1-2 accumulator stock
replace as many bushings as you can...th350 have alot of bushing wear
spend $50 and get a hardened outer sprag race.

That's all you should need for that 5.3 and probably a 150 shot or more

Just get a stock rebuild kit...you don't need anything fancy. You don't need an off the shelf shift kit

chevykev

cool thanks for the help. ive never been into a trans swapped out many but never tore into one. might be over my skill since i dont have the correct tools. do you rebuild trans? the 5.3 will be twin turbos

MaroonMonsterLS1

Yes I build them all the time. But I'm nowhere close to you

chevykev

We’ll being that I’m not really experienced in the internal trans depo is there a place you recommend or do I just google search those parts you listed and they’ll all show up? I rather buy at one place at one time kind of ordeal instead of going to many places searching? What would it cost a shop you think to do a th350 rebuild? People say it doesn’t take “much” to get it strong

MaroonMonsterLS1

https://shop.jakesperformance.com/sh...stage-1&page=1