stand alone controller for a 6L80E
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
You can run it in your car. the tcm 2600 takes your tps signal and engine rpm and creates the gm messages the 6l80/90 need to run. You will still need a calibration in the internal tcm and may have to modify it with either hp tuners or efi live.
Isn't that suppose to be the issue? There's no reliable way to do this and they still burn up?
A 6L80E has a seperate solenoid for the upshift and downshift of each gear AND they are not a simple on/off solenoid, they are PWM. Way more complicated to control and they also have to work in synch.
The transmission itself operates completely differently. Synchronous design (6L80E) instead of an asynchronous (400, 4L80E, 350, etc) that doesn't have "timing" to deal with.
A 4L80E is electronically controlled but the shifting is controlled by TWO ON/OFF solenoids.
A 6L80E has a seperate solenoid for the upshift and downshift of each gear AND they are not a simple on/off solenoid, they are PWM. Way more complicated to control and they also have to work in synch.
The transmission itself operates completely differently. Synchronous design (6L80E) instead of an asynchronous (400, 4L80E, 350, etc) that doesn't have "timing" to deal with.
A 6L80E has a seperate solenoid for the upshift and downshift of each gear AND they are not a simple on/off solenoid, they are PWM. Way more complicated to control and they also have to work in synch.
The transmission itself operates completely differently. Synchronous design (6L80E) instead of an asynchronous (400, 4L80E, 350, etc) that doesn't have "timing" to deal with.
Here's the thing... looks like my L60 is toast so I need to start saving up for a trans and it might as well be something I want, than to rebuild something I want to replace.
I just need to know if it is NOW possible to run the 6L80/90, in an Fbody and if so, how.
Okay... I'm just more confused now, lol...
Here's the thing... looks like my L60 is toast so I need to start saving up for a trans and it might as well be something I want, than to rebuild something I want to replace.
I just need to know if it is NOW possible to run the 6L80/90, in an Fbody and if so, how.
Here's the thing... looks like my L60 is toast so I need to start saving up for a trans and it might as well be something I want, than to rebuild something I want to replace.
I just need to know if it is NOW possible to run the 6L80/90, in an Fbody and if so, how.
You'll spend a fortune to put a transmission in that doesn't perform as well as what you have. Some guys just feel the need to have the latest technology and I understand that, but no way (as a trans builder) would I retro a 6L80/90 into anything. If the vehicle came with it, fine. The control would be a nightmare and expensive, and you still have a trans that's limited to 600-700 HP, and doesn't improve the performance of the car.
I get calls for a 6 speed 4L80E all the time and in my mind, it's a novelty not worth the effort so we don't deal with them.
You'll spend a fortune to put a transmission in that doesn't perform as well as what you have. Some guys just feel the need to have the latest technology and I understand that, but no way (as a trans builder) would I retro a 6L80/90 into anything. If the vehicle came with it, fine. The control would be a nightmare and expensive, and you still have a trans that's limited to 600-700 HP, and doesn't improve the performance of the car.
I get calls for a 6 speed 4L80E all the time and in my mind, it's a novelty not worth the effort so we don't deal with them.
I get calls for a 6 speed 4L80E all the time and in my mind, it's a novelty not worth the effort so we don't deal with them.
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
For some of us there is a reliable way to do it, but it is does cost to get it working properly. It is definitely stronger then the 4l60 and can handle 600-700 hp. If built and tuned correctly.
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Moderator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 529
From: Ann Arbor, MI
No, never driven a car with a 6L in it.
But yeah, I understand that you're trying to explain the issues of running the 6L. I just wish it was more plug and play by now. I also find it weird how many come in trucks and yet they don't hold very much power.
I was looking into this, plus the 4L80 6 speed mod, but I guess that I will just go with the T56, when I have the budget.
But yeah, I understand that you're trying to explain the issues of running the 6L. I just wish it was more plug and play by now. I also find it weird how many come in trucks and yet they don't hold very much power.
I was looking into this, plus the 4L80 6 speed mod, but I guess that I will just go with the T56, when I have the budget.
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
For high horsepower and integration into most conversions the 4l80e is better.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 529
From: Ann Arbor, MI
The real question is why do you want a 6 speed auto?
If you think it will make the car faster, that is unlikely; IMHO the 6L80E is more suited to heavy SUV/Trucks that need that 4.02 first gear ratio. Not aware of this trans improving anyone's ET.
If you are road course racing, I can understand a 6 speed, but then a manual is often preferable.
As posted earlier, I drove a G8 with a 6L80E and hated it - 1st gear is too low like a stump puller and the big ratio drop to 2nd gear then bogged the engine.
If you think it will make the car faster, that is unlikely; IMHO the 6L80E is more suited to heavy SUV/Trucks that need that 4.02 first gear ratio. Not aware of this trans improving anyone's ET.
If you are road course racing, I can understand a 6 speed, but then a manual is often preferable.
As posted earlier, I drove a G8 with a 6L80E and hated it - 1st gear is too low like a stump puller and the big ratio drop to 2nd gear then bogged the engine.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 630
Likes: 1
From: New York City
You'll spend a fortune to put a transmission in that doesn't perform as well as what you have. Some guys just feel the need to have the latest technology and I understand that, but no way (as a trans builder) would I retro a 6L80/90 into anything. If the vehicle came with it, fine. The control would be a nightmare and expensive, and you still have a trans that's limited to 600-700 HP, and doesn't improve the performance of the car.
I get calls for a 6 speed 4L80E all the time and in my mind, it's a novelty not worth the effort so we don't deal with them.
I get calls for a 6 speed 4L80E all the time and in my mind, it's a novelty not worth the effort so we don't deal with them.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,023
Likes: 6
From: LT1 land...the "409" of the 90s!
I am getting ready to build a 6L90 for the shop truck. I need to find an other core so I can have one on the shelf. We are going to be doing testing behind a LSx 427 on boost with twin 76s 
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Here you go. PCS makes the controller, zero gravity performance out of Arizona can sell them to ya.
The TCM-2500 and TCM-2600 are spec'd to interface a 6l80/90
The TCM-2500 and TCM-2600 are spec'd to interface a 6l80/90
Last edited by mrvedit; May 2, 2016 at 06:31 AM. Reason: Remove non-sponsor link
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Dropout LS3 mated to a 6l80 I realize this is an older post. I just bought a dropout LS3 from a 2011 Camaro SS w/ 38k miles from a guy that salvages these cars regularly (obviously a 6spd manual in a W code car). I wanted the 6 spd auto (6l80e) so the seller swapped the 6l80e and harness over to my W code LS3 dropout from another Camaro. I called Jeremey at PSI and he assured me that if I drop the tcm out of the 6l80e and ship it to him they can re tune it and sell me their ECM and I will have no issues. I am putting this combo in my 54 Chevy truck.About $1,100 for the PSI stuff.
Thoughts?
Rick
Thoughts?
Rick
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 529
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Sounds like a very reasonable plan - you will have a newer-style (CAN) ECM that is compatible with the TCM in the 6L80E and are buying a "package" from an experienced vendor. You also don't have an old-style BCM, gauges/dash that would interfere.
My comments in previous posts are to discourage Gen-4 owners from thinking they can just bolt a "free" 6L80E into their Camaro. The entire Gen-4 PCM, BCM, dash and electronics are simply too old for that. With little likely benefit.
In contrast you are basically taking the entire engine/trans and electronics from a modern donor car and swapping it into your old hotrod.
When you get further along, please start a new thread to document your progress, as this thread is getting rather old and long.
My comments in previous posts are to discourage Gen-4 owners from thinking they can just bolt a "free" 6L80E into their Camaro. The entire Gen-4 PCM, BCM, dash and electronics are simply too old for that. With little likely benefit.
In contrast you are basically taking the entire engine/trans and electronics from a modern donor car and swapping it into your old hotrod.
When you get further along, please start a new thread to document your progress, as this thread is getting rather old and long.
2010, 2011, 6l80, 6l80e, 6l90, computer, controler, controller, controllers, flat, overhaul, rate, stand, standalone, transmission
