4l80e swap thoughts
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On The Tree
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From: Moorhead Minnesota
4l80e swap thoughts Just looking for some general thoughts on the 4l80e I'm sticking into my '80 Buick Century 5.3l swap.
Something went wrong with the th350 that was in it, so I picked up a 96 4l80e out of a short bus. The 5.3 is stock from '03, but it will be getting a sloppy stage 2 cam when I pull the engine/trans out. Like everyone, eventually I plan on a turbo.
I don't know a ton about automatics, or transmissions in general really.
Is a shift kit and converter worth it? I love doing things on the cheap, so really the less money I can spend on this thing the better. My thought is to leave it stock, see what it runs then upgrade from there.
The car is just a "street sleeper" (still slow, not sure it counts as a sleeper yet, ha!)
Any thoughts or suggestions from guys who have been down this road before is appreciated. Thanks
Something went wrong with the th350 that was in it, so I picked up a 96 4l80e out of a short bus. The 5.3 is stock from '03, but it will be getting a sloppy stage 2 cam when I pull the engine/trans out. Like everyone, eventually I plan on a turbo.
I don't know a ton about automatics, or transmissions in general really.
Is a shift kit and converter worth it? I love doing things on the cheap, so really the less money I can spend on this thing the better. My thought is to leave it stock, see what it runs then upgrade from there.
The car is just a "street sleeper" (still slow, not sure it counts as a sleeper yet, ha!)
Any thoughts or suggestions from guys who have been down this road before is appreciated. Thanks
Last edited by bmxmon; May 9, 2019 at 04:08 PM.
You may want to try to post in the auto trans section. Probably get more help.
It seems that most people do the hd2 kit on the used 4l80s and most like them. Same goes with a converter. Yes they're alot of money but almost everyone that gets one is more than happy with the results.
It seems that most people do the hd2 kit on the used 4l80s and most like them. Same goes with a converter. Yes they're alot of money but almost everyone that gets one is more than happy with the results.
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The 4L80E is computer controlled, you know that? A major difference from the TH350! So, you will need an aftermarket controller, or, with a bit of luck, your engine computer used to be in a vehicle that had an auto trans and you can programmed it as needed to manage the 4L80E. The 4L80E is very strong from the factory, and a cool thing is that some functions can be programmed from the OEM computer: I have one in my '70 Impala with a 6.0L, and a tuner was able to fine-tune the shift points (RPM and harshness): it shifts great (to my liking), very quick and firm shifts, just right for me! With a stock trans and converter! Like you can do a tune to your engine, you can do a tune to the trans.
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Leave it stock for now until you get your turbo. When you're ready for your turbo, you'll want a higher stall converter and either a shift kit or since you like to keep cost down and do it yourself, search the automatic transmission forum for tips on how to make them stronger without the shift kit.
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On The Tree
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From: Moorhead Minnesota
Thank you all for the replies!
Yup, I know it's electronically controlled, I'll be using the stock ecu to control it. I'll figure out the segment swap and all that.
I think I will keep it stock; good to know I can tune some of the stock transmission things to make it preform better until I'm ready to upgrade the torque converter.
I need to get back home so I have time to work on the thing!
Yup, I know it's electronically controlled, I'll be using the stock ecu to control it. I'll figure out the segment swap and all that.
I think I will keep it stock; good to know I can tune some of the stock transmission things to make it preform better until I'm ready to upgrade the torque converter.
I need to get back home so I have time to work on the thing!
