6l80e guide?
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 56
Likes: 3
6l80e guide? Hey guys. A dear friend brought a new project into my life that he wants me to help him with. Part of this project is installing a new (to him) 6l80e. This Trans is coded as a 2010, and came advertised as 'good, running, and low miles'. I have not opened up "schrodinger's box" yet, so as of right now, it's both a good and bad transmission. No obvious defects externally, but it does have a torque converter with a 'remanufactured' sticker on it. I have the mechanical capability to handle most things, but I am a little leary of this one, having never messed with a 6l80e personally. So let's say he lucked out and the Trans is good. What parts can I install in this thing without tearing it completely down and spending a small fortune, and having to check endplay and clearances and such? Sonnax parts, transgo kits, etc? It will be getting a 2400 stall billet converter, since I know the factory converter is a major weakness. This will be going in an 86 C10 behind a gen IV 4.8 with a rowdy cam. Maybe 420hp, 6500rpm limit, good drive ability, and reliability. He is retiring this year and has spent several years wanting this to be his retirement gift to himself. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
TECH Junkie
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 714
From: Poplarville, MS
Here is a list of parts that I install on every rebuild that I do. Along with tuning the TCM to help the torque converter live longer.
GM GENUINE 24272467 Valve Body Separator Plate
TRANSGO 6L80CLRBYPASS TRANS COOLER BYPASS
TRANSGO SK6L80 (Daily Driver) Shift Kit or SONNAX 6L456L90ZIP Zip Kit
TRANSGO 6L8CSTCC Clutch Select Valve and TCC Regulator Valve Kit
SONNAX 1000008 Valve Body Check Ball
SONNAX 10474023K O-Ringed End Plug Kit
GM GENUINE 24272467 Valve Body Separator Plate
TRANSGO 6L80CLRBYPASS TRANS COOLER BYPASS
TRANSGO SK6L80 (Daily Driver) Shift Kit or SONNAX 6L456L90ZIP Zip Kit
TRANSGO 6L8CSTCC Clutch Select Valve and TCC Regulator Valve Kit
SONNAX 1000008 Valve Body Check Ball
SONNAX 10474023K O-Ringed End Plug Kit
TECH Junkie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,614
Likes: 1,326
From: Iowa
you need all checkballs that are correct for your year valve body
The 6l80e is computer controlled moreso than any unit before it from GM
You can take a perfectly healthy transmission and wreck it fairly quickly with a bad tune.
You can also take a lackluster trans and make it last longer than it should with really good tuning.
Sonnax Zip Kit (just follow the instructions, it will cover checkballs and assembly)
I recommend you rebuild the pressure switches...the diaphragms are known to split/crack/tear/overall wear out
Sonnax kit will come with Torlon check *****...use them. Do not reuse the factory nylon ***** that shrink and cause issue.
You should also add a high volume pump slide spring 104534-HD
And add a line pressure booster to your list as well. 6l80-LB1
If you'll be going into the trans and actually rebuilding it fully...we can get deeper into a list of parts and practices...but if you just want to service the pump and valve body...that should be a good list for you
The 6l80e is computer controlled moreso than any unit before it from GM
You can take a perfectly healthy transmission and wreck it fairly quickly with a bad tune.
You can also take a lackluster trans and make it last longer than it should with really good tuning.
Sonnax Zip Kit (just follow the instructions, it will cover checkballs and assembly)
I recommend you rebuild the pressure switches...the diaphragms are known to split/crack/tear/overall wear out
Sonnax kit will come with Torlon check *****...use them. Do not reuse the factory nylon ***** that shrink and cause issue.
You should also add a high volume pump slide spring 104534-HD
And add a line pressure booster to your list as well. 6l80-LB1
If you'll be going into the trans and actually rebuilding it fully...we can get deeper into a list of parts and practices...but if you just want to service the pump and valve body...that should be a good list for you
