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Old 08-16-2015, 12:08 AM   #253
DirtyLarry
Windy Corner of a Dirty Street
 
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pueblo West, Colorado
Posts: 2,926
Re: Polar Bear Suburban

Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottsdaleK5 View Post
Hey Larry, I just finished reading through this thread and your attention to detail is immaculate..! I wish I had the patience to do the same; I'm always too eager to get it in and get it going! However, someday when things slow down I'd like to do the same.. The 'Burb looks great and you got a great deal on it! I'm quite jealous!

On to my questions, I have an '89 K5 Blazer that I plan on doing an NV4500 swap on.. It came stock with a 700r4 but after three of those I replaced it with a th350 adapted to my NP241. Now from what I understand it needs a 32 spline input shaft to work with a NV4500. I was wondering if your case already had the 32 splice shaft or if you put one in.. Is it best to find a case that has the 32 spline shaft or just buy a new one?

Thanks for the help! My Blazer will probably end up with an LQ4 for now but would really love to have an 8.1L in it.. they're just so damned expensive!
Welcome to the forums and thanks for the compliments!

Correct, you will need a 32 spline 241 or 208. 32 spline cased came behind TH400 and SM465 manual transmissions. My Burb was originally a SM465 so it already had a 32 spline 241 in it. Swapping a 32 spline input into a 241 is easy enough but finding the input will be the hard part. Might was well keep your eyes peeled for a complete 32 spline tcase and just use it.

LQ4’s are great engines but once you really start digging into researching the Gen III “LS” small block engine swaps and 8.1L swaps you’ll find there isn’t that much difference in cost. The 8.1L does not require exotic engine mounts, aftermarket accessory brackets to run A/C and the scavenger hunt Gen III swappers go on to find an inexpensive exhaust manifold that doesn’t require hacking up the frame. Mating a Gen III to a manual trans can also be another bag of worms. With the 8.1L, they bolt right in just as any old BBC or SBC and any older BBC header/manifold will fit the engine. It does require a unique flywheel but the clutch used is the typical 12" clutch GM used for eons. I see 8.1L’s pop up often for $1000 whereas Gen III’s are pulling bigger money because of their popularity. When people say LS engines are cheaper to swap I have to chuckle.

Good luck with your project!
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