Chevy Impala SS Forum banner

2004r mounted to a 5.3 ls ?

1021 Views 24 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  BIGBODY9SIX
Going to be doing a 5.3 swap on my 80s cadillac that has the stock 2004r trans that's still good. Will the 5.3 ls bolt up? Can I just change the flex plate? If so which one?
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
Kind of...2004R's were for Buick/Olds/Pontiac motors. The lower 2 bolt holes and the 2 dowel pins will line up.

They were used in other "Chevy" applications throughout the 80's. There were some that came with a dual bolt pattern for the upper bolts, most did not. If you're lucky and it has the dual bolt pattern - congratulations and bolt it up!

If not, they make adapter plates that convert between the two bolt patterns. I used one to put a 700R4 behind a 5.7 Oldsmobile engine. You also need a spacer for the nose of the torque converter due to the thickness of the spacer plate and longer dowel pins are a really good idea. It's not ideal in many ways, but does work.

I don't know if the flexplate needs to be changed for LS motors. It does not need to be changed for pre LS motors.

You will need to fabricate a bracket/linkage for the TV cable on the 2004R, else you won't make it around the block without smoking the transmission.

All that said, my opinion is that you'll be farther ahead to convert to a 4L60E and sell the 2004R.
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Rite... I was just trying to use what I have plus I know it works good still and already in the car so thats a plus
how are you going to hook up the TV cable? TV geometry is critical for this transmission.

i would run a 4L60E, you will hate the shift points of a stock 2004R, aside from the headache of getting the TV cable setup properly
I'm not sure yrt but pretty sure there's a way to do it
I'm not sure yrt but pretty sure there's a way to do it
of course there's a way to do it but you will have to fab something up to make it work. there's more to it than just hooking up a cable and setting the tension.
That looks like a nice solution for the TV cable issue. May still need to do a little fab or change intakes as it says it's for the car intake. Presumably there's some difference between the truck intake (which is where a lot of LS swaps originate).
  • Like
Reactions: 1
That looks like a nice solution for the TV cable issue. May still need to do a little fab or change intakes as it says it's for the car intake. Presumably there's some difference between the truck intake (which is where a lot of LS swaps originate).
Yea which sucks because I really wanted to use a trailblazer ss intake. Wonder what's a good car intake then? Something from a camaro,pontiac,cadillac??
Would changing to intake and a carb fix the tv cable issue?
As long as the carb/intake has the correct bracket for the 2004R TV cable it will. Presumably the engine that the 2004r was behind still has the correct setup?

Just for a better perspective, what 80's cadillac are you swapping an LS into. Any other info on this project?

Typically, one does this kind of thing to have fuel injection and all the benefits that go with it. Changing an LS to carbureted may be a step backwards, depending on what you're trying to do.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
It's a 1984 cadillac fleetwood brougham coupe with the stock 4.1 with the 2004r. I heard the fuel lines are already set up good for a ls because how the 4.1 is set up with fi and just need to add the in tank fuel pump and add a fuel pump regulator from a corvette?
Heres a thought,
While the 200-4R is a decent trans and can be built to torerate serious power , what kind of components are in one that was built at the factory to live behind a 4100 caddy ??
How much power did that thing make , like
200 ft-lb torque and 135 hp ?

Do yourself a favor and put an electronic trans in that uses all the bolt holes , including the oil pan ones.
  • Like
Reactions: 2
BIGBODY9SIX Id be interested in following your project.
I have a rare 85 with that same POS 4100 engine in it. Certainly one of GMs better ideas. When a Shnieder tractor trailer passes you, you know you have a POS!:cautious:
  • Haha
Reactions: 1
2004R can be a good trans, but very expensive to build. i would also do e-trans. you will hate at what speeds/rpm it shifts hate especially behind a LS engine.
That's tru and don't think to go up a hill 😂 you got pics of your 85?
  • Like
Reactions: 1
  • Like
Reactions: 1
  • Like
Reactions: 1
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
Top