Hello All!

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!!

 

Give Jakes Performance a call and tell them what you are looking to do and they'll give you their recommendation. You can either buy a built transmission or get their rebuild and recalibration kit

 

Are there any additions to the Jake’s Stage 2 that should be considered?

 

Get stage 3

 

600 HP in a lightweight chassis? Pretty much just a stock-ish rebuild.

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.

 

Yep, nothing exotic for an engine build. Just slightly above average. My goal is to make it fun at a stop light and long term reliable.

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!

 

Dual feed mod for a 4L80E can be found here: https://sites.google.com/site/sloppy...-ls/4l80e-info
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

 

Really IMO for your application. A good stock build with "dual fed direct". Good boost valve. Fix the leaks make sure FWD, DIRECT DRUMS and CENTER SUPPORT good. New bushings. Line/lube mod in pump, Good pump, Sadly due to age and use of these all of this is commonly worn out. I like to use the billet rev servo. Then outside of that replace accums (Im actually working on making some billet ones as I have time) Address surely worn AFL and use either transgo or sonnax drop in TCC fix . Feed holes .092 for 2 .100 for 3rd when dual fed and .092 4th , NEW GM SPRAG. GM for sure if the blue one and I have seen issues with the aftermarket ones not holding at first or at all or if you really wanna go that little extra get the sonnax overun block they make and you should be golden.
Biggest thing with these is just covering all the Ps and Qs of the build and will serve you well.
Just my opinion.

 

I’ve got a 06’ 4l80e donor transmission that should be a good rebuild candidate already. Otherwise I’d explore the Dodge 8 speed route, but that looks like it gets even deeper quickly.

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.

 

The last time I built a 4L80E for someone that was a G body it was for a 70 Chevelle SS. He needed help picking out what additional parts to use for the conversion.
This is what he ended up going with to complete the conversion: