Bench build on C20 LQ9 swap thoughts

I have a 14 year old that struggles with conventional schooling and kind ADHD. He generally aces his tests, but struggles with some reading dyslexia and turning in home work. He's taken a fairly strong interest in mechanics and engines. Enough so that he's got really good grades in his Ag Tech/shop class and is wanting to pursue mechanics at the local technical college next year. I'm thinking if he stays interested a budget project/first car build might be a good way to keep him focused. Along the way he'll learn some valuable skills/life lessons and see that hard work gets rewards.

Recently the wife's 2005 escalade blew the transmission and we are looking for her a new rig. The engine runs gear and I have access to every donor part for a swap. I allay have a line on a '72 LB C20 from another forum member/great friend and I'm really tempted to snag it. The body as is would be a decent sleeper/farm truck/high school 2wd cruiser. It needs a trans right now, but the current engine with a little work will probably run decent.

All of that said, I'm debating picking it up and swapping the Lq9 in with new gaskets, maybe a quick hone, new stock pistons and bearings. Then rebuilding or sourcing a 2wd trans. I already have a set of stock bore pistons and lifters in the garage so it shouldn't be too much get the engine in top, stock running shape.

Would you go RWD 4l80 and a crank spacer (LQ9 is currently mated to a blown 4l60e), or a 4l60/65e? I don't want to get into a full 4wd swap or 6l80e due to costs. I *could* rebuild the 4wd 4l60 and swap it to rwd, but I think staying with a basic rwd transmission from the get go will be a better option cost wise.

The truck currently has front discs and an 8 lug dana 60 in the rear. It's definitely not the typical hot rod 5/6 lug disc all around, but it will drive and function for a high school kid and a tight to modest budget.

What are the RME folks thoughts? Appropriate crank spacer, flex plate and 4l80e or stock with a 4l60/65e and call it good?

A budget build on modest funds would be the goal. Nothing drag strip or show winning intended, just a fun, HS kid learning project to get him focused, make memories and have fun.

4l80 is best but they’re spendy. 4l60 isn’t too hard to build though.
I put an lq4 with a 2wd 4l80 in my 78 f150 and couldn’t be happier. It’s a fun truck to drive and your son will love it

I'm amazed at how well a young teenager, with true ambition, does at building a project. My 13yo grandson is building a rig from the original LS-mail jeep body, that Tim Jackson gave to him. He has turned into quite the welder and is starting to understand the finer points of fabrication. Good luck and best wishes on your project.

As to your question, I have the 4l60 behind my LS1 in my buggy, and it seems to do very well. I know the 4l80 is much stronger, but is also much larger.

How about looking into a 4L70E? Same case size as a 4L60E, but it's built to hold much higher power factory. That's what's behind my 500 HP LS3.

I would definitely consider one. If I can find the right deal on a 4l80 that's my preference, but a 4l70 or 4l60/65 rwd would fit the need.

Truck has a Dana 60 in it currently, the offer comes with some newer 2006 chevy aftermarket 18x9 rims. Is live to keep it discrete and lower it similar to your current c10 @Greg. I don't think the truck air system is in the cars right now but could be added later.