FLiP726

Hello all, I am having a lot of issues with my stock converter/4L60. The infamous 2-3 Flare, it wont shift to 2nd during WOT. Overall, I think it's on borrowed time.

I have a basic bolt on setup (LT, Cutout Lid)

My choices seem to be a Circle D converter with a rebuilt 60 = 3-4K
I have a 96 4L80E, add a valve body and Circle D converter = 2-2.5K

What ya'll think? I plan on going with a procharger after my deployment.

Mike 02T/A

iTrader: (28)

If you're planning on Procharger later, dump the 4L60E now. Too expensive to rebuild and make them last!

high impact

iTrader: (5)

4L80, no question about it

FLiP726

Is there a trans mount for the 80 that has a TA relocator? I want to use the factory TA and rear end while I save up for other things.

high impact

iTrader: (5)

The major manufacturers make a crossmember for it with a TA mount. At least BMR and UMI do I am pretty sure

Jake's Performance

iTrader: (2)

Yes BMR makes a crossmember with torque arm mount. Nice piece.

The 4L80E will serve your needs in the future. That's the beauty of the 4L80E is that it is a rugged design to begin with. Our basic Stage 2 builds have been deep into the 9 second 1/4 mile ET's.

ZMX

The 4L80e will be cheaper and stronger, but will use more power to turn and require work for fitment.

If you're going to run boost, I'd lean towards the 4L80E

mrvedit

According to dyno runs, you only lose 5HP with the 4L80E compared to a 4L60E. The tighter gear ratios typically more than make up for that. (Even with a stock setup assuming you have a 3.42 or higher rear end.)

It does take some work to make it fit, but there are lots of detailed threads here on the details.

high impact

iTrader: (5)

If this is for the 98 firebird formula - My manual valve body 4L80 slid right in like a glove. If you plan to retain electronics then yes, there is a slight modification for clearance that needs handled in the drivers floor where the electrical connector plugs in.

paper doll

iTrader: (7)

4L80 for sure! The original transmission in my Formula went out at around 100k miles, not a bad run for the size stall I was running and the fact that it was raced a lot. However, we have a 01 Silverado that's been used for towing A LOT, it has the original 4L80 with well over 400k miles on it. I just said "**** autos!" and did a manual conversion when mine went, so there's always that!

FLiP726

Thanksguys, I'm looking into purchasing the converter and 80 brace.

On the earlier stickies, it stated 98 can't control the 80. Would I need the optishift, or can efi live help control the trans with the 98 ecu.

I am probably do at least a transgo 2 valve body on my stock 96 80e

high impact

iTrader: (5)

The 98 ecu needs to be converted to 99+ or you will need a controller.

Jake's Performance

iTrader: (2)

You can use the 98 PCM but you have to use a harness or add a relay into your existing harness.

high impact

iTrader: (5)

Did not know this^^^^^^ Good to know since my son wants to convert his 98 this winter

mrvedit

You can repin your '98 harness to support a '99-'02 PCM, typically a model 411. There are detailed instructions on this forum, although I don't have the link. (I did this myself.)

Cool28

iTrader: (2)

I did the swap awhile back to 4l80 and would do it again. There's a couple ways to control it easiest is switching a couple wires on the harness to control it with the stock program. Next way would be getting 411 pcm repnning the pcm and trans harness + reprogram. 2nd option would be better if you want to run boost but everytime off throttle the convertor will unlock. I have the 2nd method.

FLiP726

I'm getting that the simplest way would be a wire harness, before it's installed which valve body would be good for a stock 80 with a circle d 3400 flash? I'm guessing transgo?