can it be done is it worth it ive got a chance to get trans and computer or is it just a waste

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Can it be done? Yes. Is is a drop in swap? Not a chance.

It's not a waste if you will actually get some value from it, but it's going to be a lot easier to rebuild/build up the 4t60 than the swap would be and the 4t60 is perfectly capable of managing the power from a N/A 3.8 as it is.
With that out of the way..

Do you have the money and time to convert your '96 (which uses the 4t60e I believe) to the '98+ power train that would support the electronics in the 4t65e (HD)? They are very different IIRC, but what's better than saying you have a custom ride?!
*note* I DO NOT know the specific differences between the engine controls when GM switched to the 4t65e in '97, they might be exactly the same, but I do know the transmissions.
You will need to understand wiring schematics and have some mechanical ability and a lot of tools.
You need the chassis service manuals from GM for both the donor and the destination vehicles.
-You probably need to convert the '96 engine to use the harness and PCM compatible with the 4t65e (HD) using the CSMs
-You then would need a wiring adapter to make the new pcm work with everything else in the car (firewall pass-through FTW) using the CSMs

The HD trans has a different final drive ratio
The HD trans requires a HD passenger side axle from a L67 H-body and any 4t65 H-body drivers side axle
The TCC might have a different bolt pattern that will require machining of the flywheel (unlikely, but def. check before trying to assemble).

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Boost addict


The Fleet:
'93 SSEi - Twincharged + manual Build thread
'97 Camaro - Top swap
'05 STS - V8, AWD, her DD
'92 Trofeo - Fair weather DD
'99 Montana - top swap 3800
'04 Sierra 2500HD - LLY Duramax

Current project:
Something cool, trust me.

Upcoming projects:
'92 Bonneville SSE
'87 LeSabre T-type
'67 LeSabre

Gone to greener pastures:
'84 Sierra Classic - Twin turbo 3800
'97 LeSabre - Top swap

RIP:
'86 LeSabre - pictures
'93 SE - L67

It most definitely has been done. Using all the steps outlined above.

Cheaper to rebuild the 4T60 in there right now. Even beating the snot out of it, a good rebuild will see that car into the wrecking yard.

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2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco - Current car

1999 Buick LeSabre Custom - Former car

Learn from the mistakes of others, that way when you mess up you can do so in new and interesting ways.

I rebuilt my 4T60E-HD and it was tough, but I got it running right. There are a lot of extra strong replacement parts for the -60E rebuild. Be sure to know your plan straight through before you start.

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2001 Bonneville SSEi. 1598xx mi.
great car. Wrecked


Burnt Bonny.

Note if you pull the injectors to obserbe fuel delivery...make sure you leave the plugs in and disconnect the ign. Believe me

There are variables to all of this...

for the 96 - 97 NA's the TCC strategy was a mixed bag.. Took a while to get a tune I could work with so that I could have the right TCC strategy for the converter... I had to run a 97 GP tune for the longest to keep the TCC happy... Later I was helped with a 97 Olds LS tune that would work with my tuner...

In 97 the SC cars used a different TCC strategy, this required a Graphite Woven Converter...

The 97-98 NA Bonnevilles among others used a Carbon Clutch.... If this converter was used in the above application 97 SC the TCC Strategy would cook the carbon clutch..

If you have the computer and the harness, I would say it could all be done but with work and troubleshooting... Its never as easy as it seems but it can be done..

In some respects, like it has been stated... You may be better off rebuilding the 4T60E... I have gotten my hands into a couple and am wanting to do another.. I have an HD core I am going to use, but am going to install the 3.05 with a 35 drive and 35 driven or 1:1 making it an overall 3.05..

So just remember its not as simple as a drop and swap...