Automatic Transmission 2-Speed thru 10-Speed GM Autos | Converters | Shift Kits
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

4l80e Upgrade Advice

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 1, 2025 | 08:23 PM
  #1  
FCCUboard's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 28
Likes: 5
From: Northern Wisconsin
Default 4l80e Upgrade Advice

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!!
Reply
Old May 2, 2025 | 10:01 AM
  #2  
91 Z28's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 375
From: Armstrong BC
Default

Originally Posted by FCCUboard
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
Reply
Old May 2, 2025 | 08:22 PM
  #3  
FCCUboard's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 28
Likes: 5
From: Northern Wisconsin
Default

Are there any additions to the Jake’s Stage 2 that should be considered?
Reply
Old May 3, 2025 | 09:58 AM
  #4  
91 Z28's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 375
From: Armstrong BC
Default

Originally Posted by FCCUboard
Are there any additions to the Jake’s Stage 2 that should be considered?
Get stage 3
Reply
Old May 3, 2025 | 01:22 PM
  #5  
strutaeng's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 381
Likes: 109
Default

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.
Reply
Old May 3, 2025 | 01:33 PM
  #6  
FCCUboard's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 28
Likes: 5
From: Northern Wisconsin
Default

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!

Reply
Old May 7, 2025 | 07:51 AM
  #7  
5.7stroker's Avatar
TECH Addict
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (36)
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,363
Likes: 278
From: OH
Default

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
Reply

Trending Topics

Old May 7, 2025 | 10:57 AM
  #8  
FranksCustomTrans's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 1,162
From: BERWICK PA
Default

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.
__________________
Frank formerly of Performabuilt, Now just me, What can I build for you today? Call or message me. Click sig pic for my facebook



Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

 Brett Foote
story-1

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-9

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 7, 2025 | 04:15 PM
  #9  
FCCUboard's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 28
Likes: 5
From: Northern Wisconsin
Default

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.








Reply
Old May 8, 2025 | 09:24 AM
  #10  
5.7stroker's Avatar
TECH Addict
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (36)
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,363
Likes: 278
From: OH
Default

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:


Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:18 PM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 14:55:56


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE