jarheadl34

iTrader: (2)

I always see on here how to hookup a preLS tranny to an LS with spacers etc.
How about an LS 4L80E behind a gen I SBC or BBC or 348/409 etc?
I know about the bolt hole being off on the 2 oclock location but what converter, spacer or whatever will it take to match them up.
Thanks
Jarhead

Gilbert@Ace Racing

It's not a big deal... but if you'll keep your original thread going it might be useful to other guys in the future! Meaning, creating multiple threads about the same car is not smart, you might get differing opinions and make a costly mistake along the way because of bad advice! Seen it happen many times over the years....

Any torque converter manufacturer has the exact solution for you. Also Chris at Circle D has any and all the info you'd need to make that conversion. The parts are readily available in the aftermarket world. TCI makes a nice SFI flexplate, Circle D markets nice pieces too....

g

slow67

iTrader: (2)

Actually all 4L80Es will bolt up with all the correct bolts on an SBC/BBC. Use a th400 style flexpate, no spacers needed. If you have a converter built, tell them to use the stock 4L80E style converter pattern/pilot.

jarheadl34

iTrader: (2)

So can I use the stock LS converter that would come with an LS 4L80E and hook it somehow to a T400 flexplate?
As far as keeping my questions all on one thread, which is a good idea, actually I'm trying to increase my posts count so that I can buy on the classifieds here, right now I'm too new to contact sellers for parts.
And also I'm asking about something different that the other posts.
What I'm trying to do is use a 4L80e with Jakes manual controller($150) without having to program some high dollar computer gizmo.
I'm an older guy and understand carbs, not fuel injection and computers.
Anyway thanks for the help.
Jarhead

cabel1

iTrader: (3)

You would need a non-ls converter

slow67

iTrader: (2)

Wrong, not with a 4L80E.

1961ba427

iTrader: (26)

This is good info. Do any stock 4L80e convertors stall more than others? I just picked up one from behind a vortec 350 sbc and it'll end up behind either a 427 bbc or a carb'd LS2 with L92 heads. (Already have both....velcro motor mounts...)

Thanks for this thread and the great questions. I've done alot of searches that brought up too many unrelated results so it's really helpful for me. I hope to keep up with your 57 buildup. From what I understand I need can use my regular old flexplate with my BBC and for the LSx I need a flexplate and spacer from the 6.0L/4L80e trucks to run either the 4L80e or my old TH400. (Or buy a special/expensive convertor or conversion flexplate.)

forcd ind

iTrader: (7)

i have run 400's behind LS engines, and 4l80e's behind BB's, easy to do
my 65 has a 496 BB with a 4l80e, just had a converter built to 4l80e specs
in rare cases you might have to place a washer bet. the converter feet and flywheel depending on the gap, and you also have to watch the bolt length so you dont bottom out into the converter, normal stuff you ck anyway
i'm an old guy to, i ran carbs on my blown LS engines, lol
i had an old switch/pitch 400 behind one of my LS engine, worked great
if you dont know what that is, your not to old, lol

Gilbert@Ace Racing

Hey watch who you're calling old!



I've done some cool swaps and conversions with new vs. old hardware in all sorts of rigs. But that one I haven't done, how did you like the performance?

g

forcd ind

iTrader: (7)

it was prettty cool, cruise the nightlife in high stall (3000), then flip the switch to low stall (1300) on the road
it was a 13" converter, better behind a BB, prob should have gotten the 12"
still have it, been in 3 diff cars, Jakeshoe sold me the parts, pump, input, etc
i had an old clutch turbo in a BB 58 vette way back whan, now that was cool
im 65 still going strong

1961ba427

iTrader: (26)

I'm not old enough to have owned a switch pitch th400 or a clutch-turbo, but I do know about them both. I used to think I really wanted a clutch-turbo, but now that I drive a t56 every day in my camaro I don't want to deal with a clutch in my 61. I do still like the idea of switching from a high to a low stall though. Why did the switch pitch transmissions never really catch on? Didn't they just come in Buicks from the factory?

Oh well....I talked to Mike @ Jake's transmissions the other day and he was very helpful.

It sounds like all I need to run the 96-98 4L80E (from behind a GEN1 Vortec 350) in my old BelAir without alot of expense is:
1. the "little black box"
2. custom crossmember
3. correct driveshaft length (already have a th400 slip yoke)
4. deal with it having a stock convertor while I save up for the high cost of a 4L80 one.

According to calculations based on a .75:1 overdriven 4th gear that would put my 4.88 gears at a 3.66:1 final drive ratio. I already bought a 33 spline posi to replace the spool. Trying to end up some street manners while still keeping the strength and e.t.


Is it really that cheap and easy??

LS69TA

iTrader: (30)

I'm possibly gonna be in the same boat. Thinking of putting the motor in my boat (in my sig) in a '00 Camaro roller I found that comes with a 4L80E. Stall speed is gonna be tricky, my cam is 278/284@.050 and 718/724 lift. I want to be able to drive it on the street occasionally so things might get tricky.....