donor vehicle w/ a NP203?

Kavik · Sep 4, 2006

I'm looking for a donor for a V8 swap into my 85 FJ60 Land Cruiser.

The drivetrain need s to end up w/ a NP203 transfer case. This is going to be modified as a doubler in front of my stock LC split case.

So, the question is...

What 85 or newer GM small block and auto trans would be the most common and easiest to source?

What trannies were factory w/ the 203? What truck has the simplest set up?

I like the idea of TBI injection, so that would put the donor vehicle 87 or newer, yes?

I believe the donor motor has to be 85 or newer to pass emmisions in AZ.

Sorry for the broad questions, I'm trying to narrow down the field when I hit the bone yard/auto trader.

Thanks in advance!

M. Ready · Sep 4, 2006

I dont think GM used 203s in anything that new. I know the 87 Suburban parts truck I had a couple years ago had a NP241 (aluminum case) or something in it.

Black Dog · Sep 4, 2006

GM last used the NP203 in 1979. The only automatic trannies they were used behind were the TH350 and TH400. You can use the older trannies behind a newer motor no problem. You can also put a 203 behind a newer tranny (overdrive - 700R4/4L60e or 4L80e) with some screwing around with output shafts and adapters.

Kavik · Sep 4, 2006

I looked at Advanced Adapters website. They sell a short 4WD output shaft that will hook up to the 203, using the stock TH350 adapter. Is this a special shaft, or will a 700r4 out of a 4WD truck bolt right up. Anybody, put a (4WD)700r4 in front of their 203? DOes anybody know what years GM used a 700r4 in 4WD applications?

I heard the TH350 and 700r4 the same tranny, but the 700r4 has an overdrive? Does the 700r4 need any special electronic hook-ups?

I apologize to the GM guys, these are probably 3rd grader questions...

Thanks

Black Dog · Sep 4, 2006

Kavik said:
I looked at Advanced Adapters website. They sell a short 4WD output shaft that will hook up to the 203, using the stock TH350 adapter. Is this a special shaft, or will a 700r4 out of a 4WD truck bolt right up. Anybody, put a (4WD)700r4 in front of their 203? DOes anybody know what years GM used a 700r4 in 4WD applications?

I heard the TH350 and 700r4 the same tranny, but the 700r4 has an overdrive? Does the 700r4 need any special electronic hook-ups?

I apologize to the GM guys, these are probably 3rd grader questions...

Thanks

A stock 4WD 700R4 has a longer output shaft than a 4WD TH350. You need the advance adapters shaft or in some cases it is possible to cut off the 700R4 shaft (or so I have heard). 700R4s were used in 1982 through 1992, and they were used in 4X4 applications in all years that they were used. The only electrical connection to the 700R4 is for the torque converter lockup solenoid.

Kavik · Sep 5, 2006

Thanks Black Dog.

Does the lock up solenoid talk to the motor or do I need the brain from the donor vehicle. On the same note, what tbi motor has the fewest electronic and emmisions controls.

Thanks again for the help...

Black Dog · Sep 5, 2006

TBI motors were used from '87 - 95, and they are all basically the same. The computer controls torque converter lockup, but you do need a VSS (vehicle speed sensor) for the lockup to work.

donor vehicle w/ a NP203?

Kavik

M. Ready

Black Dog

Kavik

Black Dog

Kavik

Black Dog

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