4l80e Upgrade Advice
Can anyone point me to a sticky, thread, or anywhere really where I can get some information on a mild/longevity build on a 4l80e? I’m looking to do what I can to my 4l80e trans while it’s apart. (~600hp Ls in a 3500lb street car)
I find quite a bit on the 4l60 and some info on what appears to be exotic builds - i.e. parts from 5 different kits and a 3k+ case.
The local transmission shop is very good, but doesn’t really have a call for performance work in this area and will happily and properly include whatever I bring to them.
What I’d like to know is there a basic kit that can be supplemented a bit further to reach this goal, or is straight to a Jake’s Stage 2?
Any assist would be greatly appreciated!!
Can anyone point me to a sticky, thread, or anywhere really where I can get some information on a mild/longevity build on a 4l80e? I’m looking to do what I can to my 4l80e trans while it’s apart. (~600hp Ls in a 3500lb street car)
I find quite a bit on the 4l60 and some info on what appears to be exotic builds - i.e. parts from 5 different kits and a 3k+ case.
The local transmission shop is very good, but doesn’t really have a call for performance work in this area and will happily and properly include whatever I bring to them.
What I’d like to know is there a basic kit that can be supplemented a bit further to reach this goal, or is straight to a Jake’s Stage 2?
Any assist would be greatly appreciated!!
Dual feed the direct clutch (watch videos on how this is done. It's basically a $5 mod, and better than the HD2 Transgo shift kit). And a few upgraded valves like the boost valve. Sonnax has a nice kit.
My trans shop suggested a TransGo HD2 and maybe upgrading the 2 gear clutch (pack?). He felt that would be about at the border line of ok and the next step would be to move to a Jake’s kit.
I’ll get on the hunt for some good instructions for the dual feed modification.
I appreciate your input!
Anything above 700hp, cost starts to make sense to go to a 4L80E instead of a 4L60E.
Why not go with a well built 4L60E from Franks Custom Transmissions and save money in the process?
If you are going into a transmission, no need for the HD2 mod. Dual feeding the directs takes care of that. Jakes recal kit is another good option.
Street car? As in an F-body? Be aware of the costs of putting a 4L80E into an Fbody, vs a 4L60E drop in. https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...en-f-body.html
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Biggest thing with these is just covering all the Ps and Qs of the build and will serve you well.
Just my opinion.
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It’s going to be a 98% street car (G-Body), and I suspect it won’t be very cooperative in fitting in place. It’s a rough car, with hopefully a decent drivetrain, so some “beat to fit, paint to match” is likely the build motto.
I’ve started on a parts/upgrade list and I’ll post it for critique when I have it together - I’m sure there will be pieces I’ll have missed…and I’ll have to give Frank’s a call about some of his pieces.
Thanks again for the pointers, it’s really what I need to get it right in the end without just starting at the extreme top end.
This is what he ended up going with to complete the conversion:











