zgp

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.

RONIN LSX

iTrader: (44)

Isn't that suppose to be the issue? There's no reliable way to do this and they still burn up?

Jake's Performance

iTrader: (2)

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.

RONIN LSX

iTrader: (44)

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.

Jake's Performance

iTrader: (2)

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.

1961ba427

iTrader: (26)

Excellent advice there guys. I completely agree.

RONIN LSX

iTrader: (44)

I guess I'll just do a T56 swap then.

zgp

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.

mrvedit

Sorry, I don't understand why you are opposed to a 4L80E. Lots of members here have made the swap, its well documented, it handles huge power, and many (most?) people improve their ET by a little with just a 4L60E to 4L80E swap.

RONIN LSX

iTrader: (44)

Sorry, I thought it would of been obvious, I want a 6 speed.

Jake's Performance

iTrader: (2)

I'm not trying to sway you either way, just make you aware of the challenges,
BUT have you driven a car with a 6L80E? G8 or similar?

RONIN LSX

iTrader: (44)

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.

zgp

Jake is correct, factory tunes are terrible. But ratio steps and overall strength are much better then a 4l60e. Its all a matter of how you tune it. 6L transmission are to complex for most people.
For high horsepower and integration into most conversions the 4l80e is better.

mrvedit

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.

john 67

I also agree. My initial setup was an ls2 with a 4l80 and was totally happy with the setup. After the car was submerged in hurricane sandy I decided to go with a 6l80 ( and a new ls 3 ) .Yes for technology and cool factor and what I thought to have more top end ( final ratios are close ). transmission works fine but it rushes through the gears and i am in 6th around 45 mph . I am told the tune wants to stay in a lower rpm range for fuel economy and we are currently playing with it . I enjoy using the thumb shifter in manual mode .you can also have a different program in sport mode . I have no regrets on putting in the 6l80 but it has a bit of a pain with the tuning but next time it will be a 4l80 . JOHN

TwoFast4Lv

iTrader: (8)

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

Ranger6202

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

hotrodelrod

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

mrvedit

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.

hotrodelrod

That's music to my ears! Thanks Mrvedit. I will definitely start a new thread soon to document the build.

Rick