yeah, now that I think about it, my 8spd Silverado obviously doesn't have 8 detents for the column shifter lol
Anxious to see how it goes for you. Please keep us updated and THANKS!

 

More and hopefully the last of the install pics:



Wire #10 (white) of the red connector. This should be the speed output signal. It goes to the orange/black wire on the TCM.

Wire #10 (white) spliced to orange/black.

Switched (12Vdc) wire of the TCM "connected" to the PCM fuse on the"downstream" side.

Throttle sensor wire and power wires routed and secured.

PCM secured with TCM wire.


The only thing left to do is the software upload/tuning, and then service the transmission fluid. I already put fluid in the transmission, but I need it warm to get the fluid to the proper level. That will come later. I'm almost there!

 

This is it. This is what everyone has been waiting for....the Grand Finale!

What does all this cost? Well, here is what it cost me:


build sheet


Gross Total: $ 6,549.30
minus 4L80 swap (sold for) $1,800.00
Net total: : $4,749.30

And here's proof that it works:

 

UPDATE: After all this work, the speedometer in the dash was not working. I finally figured out (with help from a member) that I need to cut the wire going to pin #50 on the red PCM connector (see pic above for reference), and connect it to the TCM-2600 wire #41. I'll upload a pic at a later time. Now, the speedo is moving, but it is way off. Once I figure out how to calibrate it, I'll post an update.

 

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After talking to Jim at Zero Gravity, I figured out how to adjust the speedo in the dash. I had to connect to the TCM-2600 with the Comm. cable that comes with the package, and make changes in the TCM-2600 setup software with my laptop. Specifically, I had to adjust the "Pulses per Mile" in the Hardware Setup, Speedo Output Settings folder. The default was set 133. I'm currently at 980, but it's still a little off. I used an online calculator to figure what my mph "should" be based on my gears, RPM, etc. I finally took it out on the highway yesterday. When my speedo reads 80 mph, I'm actually going about 75mph. It seems pretty close at 15mph, but higher speeds are off more. I'm going to change the Pulses per mile to 985 and try again. I was able to set the Cruise Control. It's nice to know that still works. So far, it looks like ABS and Traction Control are working too.

Pro Tip: Lowering the Pulses per Mile makes the speedo read higher/faster. Raising the Pulses per Mile makes the speedo read lower/slower. This also affects the trip/odometer.

Based on my gears, tires, and RPMs, these are my targets:

2,000 RPMs = 75mph
1,800 RPMs = 67.6mph
2,128 RPMs = 80 mph

 

im curious if you would do this again (4 speed to 6 speed) and why or why not

 

Absolutely! I finally have the transmission I always wanted in my car. My only regret is that I couldn't do this back when I did the 4L80 swap. When I first got the car, there were no "off the shelf" parts to make the 6L80 work. If you were an electronic engineer, you might have been able to figure out a way to make it work. For the rest of us, we had to wait for the smart people to figure it out. You still have to do some custom fabricating to physically bolt the 6L80 in your car, but the electronic portion has been figured out. Hopefully, some company out there will start making bolt-in parts for this swap soon.

The 6L80 definitely cost more than the 4L80 swap, but it gives you the strength and performance that you are looking for. The 4L60 has good gear ratios, but they don't hold up for long behind a high hp engine. The 4L80 can handle more power than a stock bottom end engine, but the gearing sucks. The 6L80 is basically the best of both. There is no reason to do a 4L80 swap anymore. The 6L80 fits just fine, and gives you what you want.

I know there are guys out there still running the 4L60. They might even be faster than me, but they probably spent as much on their 4L60 as I did on the 6L80. The 4L60 is usually the weakest link behind any LS engine. Why not start your upgrades there?

 

I ended up going with 985 pulses per mile in the software setup. The speedo is really close at that setting. This evening, I solder spliced the ECM red connector pin 50 wire to the TCM-2600 speed output wire. Pics below. That’s the last of the installation. The rest is just tweaking the tune to suite my style.


Pin 50 wire and TCM wire.

Solder spliced

Shrink wrapped

 

Awesome writeup man, been waiting for this awhile. All the old heads keep saying the tunnel has to be cut you need a BFH and that doesn't seem to be the case at all. Sounds like none of them actually tried.

When the t56 goes in my 1000whp TA this is the next thing going in it. I enjoy driving on the highway way too much to put a 4l80 in.

 

Just a word of caution before you attempt this swap. There is no way to control “torque management” with the stock 2000 ECM. It might be possible with other ECMs, but not mine. Call Zero Gravity if you have any concerns about this. Also, let your transmission builder know this before they start building it for you.

I was told that they (Zero Gravity) have not had any transmission issues with this setup yet. They supposedly have this system in some 600hp cars. I don’t have anywhere near that power yet. I hope to get there next year. So far, everything is working as advertised. I also dropped about 400 rpms on the highway vs the 4L80.

 

Good info, I dont think thatll be an issue for us using Holley Term/Dom

 

I have almost finished my 6L80 swap. Only issue is a driveshaft vibration. I believe I need more spline engagement. I will update soon with my list of modifications needed. Overall, it's been easy.

 

What vehicle are you doing this swap on? Are you using the same wire harness from Zero Gravity?

I hope this swap becomes more popular. We could use some bolt-on parts to make this a little easier. My biggest challenge was the trans cross-member. I didn't have the tools/equipment to cut and weld it. I also had to outsource the cutting/welding of the shift cable bracket. I was able to do everything else. It would be easy for a company to design and manufacture a shifter bracket. I know BMR and UMI could easily design a cross-member. They would only have to modify their current 4L60 or 4L80 cross-members.

 

Hey how is this working for you? Still satisfied with it? I was gathering parts for a 4l80e swap and saw this. My swap is for a 1999 Silverado 1500 with a 4.8. Thanks.

 

Very satisfied. I am using Holley Terminator X Max for the controller and 6LHARNESS.COM for the harness. It works flawlessly. 6LHARNESS.COM is cheaper and easier than using Holleys harness and junk handheld.

 

I used a T56 cross member and the hooker headers mount adapter bracket. A small modification to the shift cable bracket. Added 2" to the driveshaft and my vibration is gone. So glad I did this.

 

I’m still happy with the swap. It definitely made my car quicker. You would probably hate the 4L80 in a heavy truck with a 4.8L. The gearing in the 6L80 would really help you with the smaller engine. Even my cammed Camaro was getting blown away off the line by cars with less power. The 4L80 is strong and reliable. The gearing just sucks.

 

Does your shifter not sit VERY close to your exhaust? I have a 6l90 in my 3rd gen and its less than a half inch away. It's going to melt my shift bushing.

 

Nope. It’s plenty far enough from the exhaust. I have a 4th gen Camaro, so that might be why.