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PCM 6L80E TCM compatability

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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 08:48 PM
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Default PCM 6L80E TCM compatability

I have a PCM from a 2012 Caprice and a 6L80E from a 2009 Silverado. Can these be reflashed so that they are compatible? I was planning on getting a base Corvette tune in them so that I can use a tapshift.

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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 09:25 PM
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Is the motor also out of the 2012 Caprice?
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 09:26 PM
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Yes, it is. I had the harness reworked by BP Automotive.
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 11:51 PM
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Steve at Speartech would know for sure. I don't know about the TCMs. I do know that with the ECMs you have to be careful or you can lock them up.
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Old Feb 3, 2015 | 06:53 PM
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to be more certain, I'd try to find the '12 TCM and install that in to the 6L80.
I was having trans troubles with my early 6L80 ('07) and was steered away from swapping it with a newer (but still used) model for the very reason you are asking the question. I believe I queried Speartech, too.
It might also be worth putting the new front pump in the '09 due to the upgraded shaft seals, which eliminate flares. The upgraded OEM pump is only $125 or something like that on Amazon.

Doug
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Old Feb 3, 2015 | 09:03 PM
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Thanks. Do you know how to decipher the build date for the transmissions?

Originally Posted by DW SD
to be more certain, I'd try to find the '12 TCM and install that in to the 6L80.
I was having trans troubles with my early 6L80 ('07) and was steered away from swapping it with a newer (but still used) model for the very reason you are asking the question. I believe I queried Speartech, too.
It might also be worth putting the new front pump in the '09 due to the upgraded shaft seals, which eliminate flares. The upgraded OEM pump is only $125 or something like that on Amazon.

Doug
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Old Feb 4, 2015 | 11:21 AM
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I'm no expert, but solicited many expert opinions and it seemed no one could be definitive but many warned of compatibility issues when engine and trans were early GenIV vs. late GenIV. I believe the year span you are talking constitutes early and late.

As for your question: I did some google searching before and remember coming across info about version #s for the 6L80 and 6L90s. Poke around the internet and you'll find it. There is a white barcoded part # tag stuck to the trans that you can decode.

In my case, I bought a paired 4wd 6L80 and L92 ('08). I had the trans converted to 2WD, which meant unstacking it and changing the output shafts as 2WD was longer than 4WD. The trans shop who did that job screwed it up (twice). At that point, I was at wits end and had no confidence in them.

After some exploring buying another 2WD 6L80 trans, I decided to have another shop go through and figure out what was wrong. They resolved the issue immediately and had it back to me in 24 hours. So, I ended up not going further with a mixed set (of trans and engine).

When I did the 4WD -> 2WD swap, the trans shop who did the initial work had a huge network of trans parts suppliers they could tap and located a used output shaft (for example). I would believe a large trans shop could locate a TCM of the proper year for you quickly. Or perhaps you could find a truck wrecking yard and trade for a few $ your '09 for a '12 6L80? That would also gain you the pump seal updates I mentioned.

Just a thought.

Doug
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Old Feb 4, 2015 | 06:55 PM
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Default 6L80E sticker decoder

Doug--Thanks. Finally found a decoder for the sticker on the side.

I've done some searching around for cheaper TCMs and they are kind of pricey--Seems like finding a older TCM would be cheaper and easier to find. Thoughts?
Attached Thumbnails PCM 6L80E TCM compatability-transmission-sticker-decoder.jpg  
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Old Feb 4, 2015 | 07:05 PM
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Glad to help. Along those same lines, I think I've seen e38 PCMs for $100 or so. Maybe you can find a 2009 ECM?
Here's a vendor who can probably sell you everything you need and offer better advice, too.
http://secure.ultracart.com/catalog/...M-Programming/
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Old Feb 4, 2015 | 07:14 PM
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One more thought .... it is worth checking with BP Automotive, but I believe the pinouts from the 2012 would be the same as those from the 2009 e38.
If not, then locating a 2012 TCM would seem like a good path.
Don't forget about that pump upgrade. Read a bit and you'll see what it is recommended. I believe it is DIY install-able.

Doug
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Old Feb 11, 2015 | 08:36 AM
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Curious, what was the wind up here?
Did you get it worked out?

Doug
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Old Feb 12, 2015 | 07:52 PM
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I'm going to have BP automotive reprogram them and give it a shot. For some reason if it doesn't work I'll buy a 2009 PCM due to the fact that they are more plentiful and cheaper than a TCM.
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