Richard I've not spelled it out here, but I already own all the motors I'm discussing here. The TBI 454 with Turbo 400 I've proposed using are in a wrecked '89 K3500 sitting behind my shop. The q-jet 454 with TH 475 are in an old P30 motorhome setting in my back lot, and the Cadillac 500 with Turbo 400 are sitting in the back corner of my shop. And actually there is a second Cadillac 500 with Turbo 400 setting in my yard, and though today it belongs to my son, within two weeks I think it will be mine.
This post was just about the the overdrive transmission issues. If you search on my name you'll find I've been dialoging on numerous other aspects of this truck project.
I would point out though that extra weight isn't really an issue. Any of the engine transmission combinations I've considered will not weigh enough more than the stock GMC 248 and Hydra-Matic to make a huge difference. And the truck I'm starting with has a GVWR of 8800 pounds which is only 100 pounds less than the '89 K3500.
While pennies isn't realistic I do intend to do this on the cheap. My intent is to keep the total budget under what a 4l80e plus controller would take new.
