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Old Apr 11, 2012 | 12:00 PM
  #1  
mdstitt's Avatar
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Default What Transmission?

I am looking for some help deciding what transmission to use. I have a 1956 Chevy truck that will have a LY6 with some modifications (cam, intake, hedders). I'm not sure whether to go with a 4L80E or a 4L65E. Vehicle weight is estimated between 3000-3400. The LY6 will be starter engine with possible upgrade to a LS3-416ci at a later date, or possibly adding a turbo to the LY6.

GMPP recommends the 4L65 for engines up to 370ft-lbs torque, then they sell it as a connect and cruise package behind the LS3-480hp which makes 475ft-lbs. even the stock LS3 makes 424ft-lbs.

It seems the 4L80 could be installed without modification and take some abuse. The 4L65 may need some help. What do you guys suggest?

Thanks in advance for your help.
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Old Apr 11, 2012 | 02:05 PM
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I am running a Built Stage 2 4L60E in my Camaro LS2 404 ci with no problems.

Im sure there would be some modification if you were going to install a 4L80E.

4L80E would be a stronger trans but you would probably also need a , Harness adapter, flexplate & maybe even a custom length Heavy duty driveshaft & a strong rear end for all that xtra power that you want.

You should do your home work first & do plenty of research before you start your trans project. A built 4L65E would probably be the most cost effective trans....but the 4L80E will take more abuse.


Johnny at "Extreme Performance Transmissions" can build you a killer stage 3 or stage 4 4L65E transmission. He can ship anywhere. This guy does great work !

Heres a link to Extreme perf. transmissions...
http://www.xtremetransmissions.com/

Heres another link with some good 4L80E swap info....
The 4L80E looks like alot more work...

https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...l80e-swap.html

Last edited by NOS LS1; Apr 11, 2012 at 02:34 PM.
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Old Apr 11, 2012 | 06:05 PM
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Actually, I think that would be the other way around. The LY6 would have a 4L80E behind it in trucks and vans, so going with a 4L65E would require harness changes, flexplate and other modifications.

This truck is a ground up custom, so I am setting up the chassis based on one transmission or the other. Rear end is a Currie 9+ with 31 spline axles and a Detroit Locker. Rear suspension is an Alston's Chassisworks 4-link so those are not an issue.

My thought was that the 80E could probably be used in it's stock form with a warmed LY6 but can the 65E be used stock behind that power level?

The only reason I am considering a 4L65E is the size of the transmission. I would rather not alter the floor if I can avoid it.

Thanks for your advice.
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