sebpv Posted October 25, 2013 Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 Hey guys, Ive had a 97 GMC Sonoma as a project for a while until I finally found my dream truck: a 1973 Datsun 620.I really like the fact it is a 4speed. The downside being that its as "torquy" as a lawn mower... So I wish to upgrade the engine. Since its a small truck, I know that a 4.3 will make a difference. My problem is that Im not sure yet how I can go around swapping a floor shifter to a steering shifter. The Sonoma has the lever on the column as opposed to the center console. So should I just swap the steering column and find an ECU to control shifts? I dunno much in that domain. Is the configuration important when swapping engine and trans? Also I searched on a few threads on how to swap AUTO to MANUAL so doing the opposite should work? Keep in mind that I already own a complete GMC(minus the ECU and a fan) so it should be easier. Any type of advice will be appreciated. It is not about wheather or not I should swap engine but more HOW TO considering the change of transmission thanks for the help everyone! Quote Link to comment
Tristin Posted October 25, 2013 Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 You would have to make a custom column shift... completely one off. Are you even sure that 4.3 is going to fit in the 620 bay? Have you taken the measurements? Quote Link to comment
sebpv Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 No I havent, Im just going off other threads. Its been done. They say the V6 is a nice fit and a good choice considering the 620 has a small engine bay. You can also find some black and white references on davidcmurphy website. Can you specify why a new column has to be fabbed? I already own the sonoma steering column which i could use, can I? Quote Link to comment
Aibast Posted October 25, 2013 Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 the auto box is electronic controlled or mechanical? If it has a mechanical shifting on the box itself don't use the steering shifting, just fab a shifter to the box on the floor. Its should be easyer. Quote Link to comment
sebpv Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 Well all i can add is that theres nothing protruding on the AUTO transmission so my guess is that it is electronically controlled. So when using the Sonoma harness, would the steering shifter do the controls along with the ECU? Quote Link to comment
Aibast Posted October 25, 2013 Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 I have no idea - have never messed around with auto boxes - I have neved had a car with auto box Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted October 25, 2013 Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 620s did come with automatics.... get the floor shift and console. You already have the hole there. Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.