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Is there a concise break down of TurboLamik vs Max ECU capability? As I understand Maxx ecu flashes firmware while TurboLamik solders a board to bypass this entirely. Just curious the limitations of the firmware flash compared to the turbolamik solution.
Not quite, and there is CANTCU too, that us arguably more specific as an OEM+ controller.
But, it’s perhaps better to start with what your goal or trying to build, then it would be easier to advise.
ALL have pros and cons , but implementation goals is the key
Not quite, and there is CANTCU too, that us arguably more specific as an OEM+ controller.
But, it’s perhaps better to start with what your goal or trying to build, then it would be easier to advise.
ALL have pros and cons , but implementation goals is the key
I totally agree with the above. Also, CanTcu will be getting tested shortly for CAN integration with Holley EFI.
Well, I saw this thread back in Feb and thought "huh, that might be an interesting project for next winter." A couple of months later, and my L92/LSA 8HP70 Buick Roadmaster Wagon is on the road.
I picked up a 4,000 mile 2023 8HP70 out of a police charger that had side impact damage for $800. Not the best deal, but pretty good for what's around me. Fluid was crystal clear. At the time, I wasn't aware of the different mechatronic pin count on the newer units, I soldered in and installed the Turbolamik PCB before checking. Ended up picking up a used board on ebay for $180 and swapped the mechatronics units without much drama...just some waiting.
I'm using Turbolamik paired with a E38. Decided to use CAN buttons + paddle shifters as opposed to a factory BMW or other OEM's shifter for gear control since I don't have a great place to mount one. CAN buttons required a TCM OS update that isn't yet public and that information wasn't made clear, so just something to be aware of if you go that route.
Well, I saw this thread back in Feb and thought "huh, that might be an interesting project for next winter." A couple of months later, and my L92/LSA 8HP70 Buick Roadmaster Wagon is on the road.
I picked up a 4,000 mile 2023 8HP70 out of a police charger that had side impact damage for $800. Not the best deal, but pretty good for what's around me. Fluid was crystal clear. At the time, I wasn't aware of the different mechatronic pin count on the newer units, I soldered in and installed the Turbolamik PCB before checking. Ended up picking up a used board on ebay for $180 and swapped the mechatronics units without much drama...just some waiting.
I'm using Turbolamik paired with a E38. Decided to use CAN buttons + paddle shifters as opposed to a factory BMW or other OEM's shifter for gear control since I don't have a great place to mount one. CAN buttons required a TCM OS update that isn't yet public and that information wasn't made clear, so just something to be aware of if you go that route.
Guys, didn't read the whole thread, I admit. What is most affordable TCU to run 8HP with my 99' LS1 F-body? Can, maybe, HPTuners control the transmission behind LS1 engine?
Guys, didn't read the whole thread, I admit. What is most affordable TCU to run 8HP with my 99' LS1 F-body? Can, maybe, HPTuners control the transmission behind LS1 engine?
Reading the whole thread would be very useful. The short answer is no, you cannot use HP tuners to control the 8HP in a 99 F-body.
That roadmaster is sweet! I just put same engine combo in a 93 caprice but with 4l80 for someone.... not to go off topic but what is your intake/pulley combo? The blower isn't nearly as loud in this one
That roadmaster is sweet! I just put same engine combo in a 93 caprice but with 4l80 for someone.... not to go off topic but what is your intake/pulley combo? The blower isn't nearly as loud in this one
Pretty sure it's an 8.6" and 2.8". Though I'd wager the reason mine sounds louder is because my exhaust is so quiet. I'm running dual cats and some of the biggest mufflers I could fit.
So I just got an 8HP70 out of a 2017 ram for $250. So it looks like I'm joining the band wagon!
Looking into MaxxECU it can control the 8HP as a stand alone control, you just need a few inputs for it to work, its not as feature rich as the Turbolamik but $2K is just too much for this build just for trans control alone, I could get a Maxx Race to control both engine and trans for that much, or get a Maxx mini and Holly TermX which has a lot more LS support. . . .
My plan is to pick up the Maxx Mini for $700 and use that.
My plan is to pick up the Maxx Mini for $700 and use that.
I got the maxxECU race with the flying lead harness. Includes a wideband and can run the LS engine and 8HP or DCT and others. You need to terminate your own connectors. They have pre built LS harnesses, but I feel I need to modify any pre-built harness anyway, to make them fit better, so I go with the flying lead.
I have an 8hp90 with a 10 pin connector. What is the solution to making the tcu work? I have seen where the 90's have a couple differences to the 70's and others. Are those sensors or pieces swapable? or do I need to find a tcu from a 90 with the correct number of pins of on the connector? Is this an issue anyone else has ran into with the 90's? Thanks Forgot to add Im using a Turbolamik
Last edited by 06TurboSierra; May 20, 2025 at 06:06 PM.
Reason: forgot information
I have an 8hp90 with a 10 pin connector. What is the solution to making the tcu work? I have seen where the 90's have a couple differences to the 70's and others. Are those sensors or pieces swapable? or do I need to find a tcu from a 90 with the correct number of pins of on the connector? Is this an issue anyone else has ran into with the 90's? Thanks Forgot to add Im using a Turbolamik
From what I have read it depends on what controller you are looking to use. I have the 16 pin thankfully.
Turbolamic, go on Ebay and get any 16 pin mechatronics, you rip out the guts and hard wire it anyways.
MaxxECU Their site has a list on compatible mechatronics, go look at the list and order one that's compatible.
I have an 8hp90 with a 10 pin connector. What is the solution to making the tcu work? I have seen where the 90's have a couple differences to the 70's and others. Are those sensors or pieces swapable? or do I need to find a tcu from a 90 with the correct number of pins of on the connector? Is this an issue anyone else has ran into with the 90's? Thanks Forgot to add Im using a Turbolamik
The 8HP90 uses a different mechatronics than the 70. I suggest getting in touch with Greg at TurboLamik US and discussing your opinions.
Damn I thought I found cheap good solution for replacing 4L60E, turned out not to be cheap at all ) 2K for a TCU alone...
I wouldnt consider an 8hp swap cheap by any means. I cannot see how you re not going to be in it for 5k minimum turnkey. Its very worth it tho. Keep in mind, you can likely recoupe a goid amount selling whstever you re currently running. Hoping to get my Cantcu 8hp70 swapped chevy obs up n running soon with a nice NA set up.
