LS4 V8 Engine Swap

[bartmanS4]

Will it be possible to maintain the TOD or would this require a manual transfer case? I know the TOD has it's own computer but I have no idea how this interacts with the ECU. I think this would be a really cool swap and if not too complicated provide a good alternative to our standard power plants as they get older and older.

I my opinion the emissions standard should simply be: does the vehicle pass the individual output tests period. My guess based on, well nothing, would be that this would achieve a more efficient power plant solution resulting in lower emissions.

[SilverBullet75]

GREAT point! TOD would be disabled if I understand correctly. The VX or Trooper 5Speed computer is required to run it. In that case, wouldn't you be forced to go 5 speed anyway? Does the 4L30e receive input from the engine's computer?

[SilverBullet75]

Wait... I don't know WHAT I was thinking...
Scratch that last post.
The engine's computer doesn't control the TOD...

But, it does control the transmission, does it not? That's why there's two versions... Manual and Auto.

[BigSwede]

GREAT point! TOD would be disabled if I understand correctly. The VX or Trooper 5Speed computer is required to run it.

FWIW, 5-speed Troopers do not have the TOD transfer case.

In any case if I were you guys I would look at a different tranny than the 4L30E...

[Leon R]

FWIW, 5-speed Troopers do not have the TOD transfer case.

I know that it is a bit off topic, but what type of transfer case do they use?

[BigSwede]

I know that it is a bit off topic, but what type of transfer case do they use?

I think the 98+ 5-speed Troopers use an Aisin, don't recall the number.

[Leon R]

I think the 98+ 5-speed Troopers use an Aisin, don't recall the number.

What does it mean? Did it have a diff for "AWD mode"?

[clipper 03 rodeo]

In any case if I were you guys I would look at a different tranny than the 4L30E...

My Rodeo doesn't have the 4L30E in it, mine has the better Aisin auto used in the 04 250hp Direct Injection Rodeo/Axioms. So I don't think i'll have any issues with it since it will only be about 50hp more than what the DI Rodeos came with.

[clipper 03 rodeo]

Well after chatting with some LS4 guys, they recommended I go ahead and use the GM 5.3L truck engine along with the matching tranny. Mainly because it would simplify the wiring greatly by being able to control the engine and trans from the single GM ECU instead of using a standalone system, it would cost quite a bit more and would require custom programming going that route. I was thinking maybe I could just use my Isuzu ECU to control the tranny alone and using the GM one to control the engine functions, but it seems like it's more complicated than to make everything work correctly.

So i'm thinking i'll just go the truck 5.3 route since it would be pretty easy for me since my Rodeo is only 2wd, the main thing i'd need is a custom length driveshaft and mounts to make this tranny work in my rig with the stock GM ECU.

P.S. The LH6 GM 5.3 V8 has an aluminum block, not iron compared to the LY5.