8L90 going to be available?
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
Why this obsession with adding all these gears and making the transmission controllers stupid complicated. The worst thing about engineers is when they over-do their job.
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 135
Likes: 1
From: The City of Motors
I don't think the engineers had much choice in adding the gears, really. Yes they can help with fuel economy some (which is govt demanded, and with certain driving conditions, the 4spd's get the same MPG), but the number of gears is now just a basically a pissing contest between manufacturers, everybody is trying to say they have an 8spd, 9spd, 10spd etc. It sucks for us, the enthusiasts, because this means great racing transmissions like the 4l80e are no longer produced.
And yes, at some point not too far from now, 8l90's will start to pop up for the aftermarket, but they are massive. From what I have seen when people swap the 6spd autos in, they usually need to chop the floor pans up. It would only be worse with an 8spd. They will be expensive, and from all I hear about the 6spds, they are not as strong as something like a 4l80, even if they are dubbed 6l90 (the "90" should indicate higher strength).
And yes, at some point not too far from now, 8l90's will start to pop up for the aftermarket, but they are massive. From what I have seen when people swap the 6spd autos in, they usually need to chop the floor pans up. It would only be worse with an 8spd. They will be expensive, and from all I hear about the 6spds, they are not as strong as something like a 4l80, even if they are dubbed 6l90 (the "90" should indicate higher strength).
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,322
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
These very new transmissions are controlled by TCUs with very sophisticated software that requires complex input from many other computers. Therefore the GM TCU is not going to work in any older vehicle. I suspect a standalone 8L80/90 controller is far in the future.
Aren't the 4L60E and 4L80E still being made? GM sells "new" ones with the Connect&Cruise packages.
Aren't the 4L60E and 4L80E still being made? GM sells "new" ones with the Connect&Cruise packages.
6 speed standalone controllers are just now coming out, and that trans has almost been out for 10 years. And from everything I have seen, the 8 speed is even more complicated. So.... It's going to be a while before a conversion is going to be available for the end user.
Chris
Chris
Its been a few months now, just wondering where something like this stand for aftermarket? Seems much more refined than the 6, supposedly stronger as well. Seems like they are set up to be "manual" with the paddles so I would think a full manual could be done
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Moderator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,322
Likes: 528
From: Ann Arbor, MI
As Chris suggested, it is unlikely aftermarket support will be available for many years.
Sorry, but you are overlooking how complex cars have gotten in recent years. Heck, in modern cars several computers are required to turn the headlights on. It probably takes 4 computers for the paddles to connect to a trans and hundreds of not thousands of functions need to be implemented for a "manual" shift to occur. I would guess that the 8L80 has 10x the computer complexity of a 6L80.
Sorry, but you are overlooking how complex cars have gotten in recent years. Heck, in modern cars several computers are required to turn the headlights on. It probably takes 4 computers for the paddles to connect to a trans and hundreds of not thousands of functions need to be implemented for a "manual" shift to occur. I would guess that the 8L80 has 10x the computer complexity of a 6L80.
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Banned
Joined: Jun 2013
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srorry to bring back a zombie but to the OP, I recently contacted usShift and the Quick6 tcm can handle 6 speed trans from GM and Ford and they are working on a Update so it also can work on a 10R80.... just to let you know... I got a quote the Quick4 for my 4L80 and a Quick 6 for a 10R80 and the price is not that bad..
6 speed standalone controllers are just now coming out, and that trans has almost been out for 10 years. And from everything I have seen, the 8 speed is even more complicated. So.... It's going to be a while before a conversion is going to be available for the end user.
Chris
Chris
TECH Junkie
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 48
I drive for a living, Im fully aware that ano Allison (heavy equipment) transmission is impossible to fit in...let's say an f body. BUT I would curious to see how much hp it would sap. I wouldn't be surprised to see an 800 hp motor....delivery 475rwhp through one of those trannys.
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
What would be a start is to transplant the required transmission with engine, wiring and control units from a wreck. In my experience more practical than using an aftermarket controller plus you have OE advantages.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
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From: Central Cal.
