Anyone else using a 4L80E out there? I'm building one with a TCI manual shift trans brake, 5 pin planets, TCS and ALTO HD internal parts, and using a TCS 10" with lockup convertor in high gear. That way you don't even need the computer if you don't mind shifting and hardly drive it (trans brakes and manual shifts are hard on parts and can be dangerous if not used properly). Just curious how others find them. Larry J
I've got one ready to go in when the 700R4 goes away. I have a friend (he built mine) running one behind a 496 BBC with a stand alone computer and he loves it. He is running it in a street car and thinks it is the best thing since sliced bread. Lots of tunability and strong. He has been trying to break it for 6months now and no luck!! Peace, Mike D.
Larry my research shows NO trans brakes for 4L80 even when you deomputerize it . At that point will be manual shift only .
Rossler and TCI both make trans brakes that still use the convertor clutch. These trannies are really HD, and really HEAVY! The TCI brake can't use a intermediate band, the same situation you run into with the TH400, but the Rossler units can be manually or automatically shifted, just more $, more parts and more work required if you don't mind. I am just waiting for some motor parts and we're finishing the trans up this week. Larry
PS-anyone with in-dash speedo knowledge please see my other thread on that subject-we could use some ideas. Thanks and if anyone has questions we'll have the answers for you on the 4L80E swap after the next few days. Thanks, Larry
I have the TCI flexplate shield I used with my Buick case 400, and it fits, although you have to drill the chevy bolt pattern holes, and use the shield/midplate adapter as a Buick-Chev adapter. The RCI trans blanket from my 400 fits too, but I have not looked into a steel or aluminum shield as they require more clearance and that is a matter we are dealing with right now, just to fit the 4L80E because the rear part of the unit is much larger in diameter than the 400 and the trans is 3" longer too. Probably the blanket is the only way to go.
Larry , when using the blanket trans shield how much heat does that hold versus the open shield? Being able to cool down quickly is my concern. Thanks
That's the thing, if your running a trans brake the 400 (so will the 4L80E) runs hot:rant: , but running with no dust cover over the convertor helps, as well as a good size trans cooler. If you have time you can spray water on the convertor and the cooler from a garden sprayer with a pump, with the motor running. Without the trans brake the trans won't get nearly too hot, but a good guage will tell you if it is hurting on a really hot day. Our weather here is like Seattle's so it doesn't get too hot for too long too often. o No: I'll go try a 400 shield on the 4L80E and let you know how it fits, but I am sure it will be too small. I'll email you with the results tomorrow, Larry.
My stock 400 shield did not fit my 4L80. At the moment I am running with out one. My 4L80E is a stock rebuild. For the Speedo I am in the process of installing my instrument cluster with a VDO Electric Speedo. You can order them from JEGS, Ebay etc. For the TCM, I built my own. It is straight forward with regard to shifting; just ground each solenoid in sequence. 1st - A, not B; 2nd - not A, not B, 3rd Not A, B and 4th - A,B. The TCC is on a separate pin and requires a ground to engage. If you are familiar with programming micro controllers it is very easy to make your own TCM. A fall back is a set of switches to manually shift. I've tested both on the road with my car. http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=157013&highlight=4L80E -Chad
:Comp: Just a quick note, with the 4L80E trans it has an electric speed sensor, I used a classic instruments speedo, it sure is a nice unit and setup is a snap for speedo calibration. I also got the tach and quad guage set. http://classicinstruments.com/ I was told these guys were good quality and I agree, they are also well priced compared to say autometer. You can also get a mechanical to electric adapter so you can use a stock speedo, but I was going for a different look and a 140 mph speedo anyways. I love the overdrive, but when I am going less than about 60 mph, if I lockup the convertor the car shakes like a bat outa hell because of the big cam. Otherwise it's interesting to watch the tach drop another 1000 rpm or more when it locks up at speed. I had a 4500-4800 rpm stall convertor at the time, and have a 5500 stall convertor now-yet to try it at the track. First time out it went 11.02, but not enough stall speed, hence the 5500 stall. :3gears:
Larry how does the electric to mechanical speedometer adapter work? or how does it hook to your mechanical speedometer? Bob H.
Hi guys. I like the idea of a 4l80e behind BBB. My yukon has a 4l80e and I love it. I am thinking about using one behind my 455 in my panel truck build. I like to try going the micro controller route . I have experience programming micro chips and I have some of my tools left. But even if I can't do it. I have a programmer friend who would flash me a dozen chips for me real quick. I would like more info on that. like I understand the sequencing of the ground, but what does the micro controller need for an input? Does it read the electrical speedo ? In some of the circuits I have used your variable output or timing of the shift can be changed by using variable resistors . Imagine 4 knobs that you adjust to change the shift points. What about a "555" timer circuit? 555's can be very versatile and can even be used for making a analog/digital tac. or can be used as a flasher circuit also. Really really cheap cost wise.
I just stumbled on a $3000 4L80E trans and thinking about using it in my Turbo lark... I can get the trans for $800 and I have not had a driveshaft made for my car yet so if ever want overdrive this is the time to do it. The 2004R is not heavy duty enough and although I have well built Th400s here it would be nive to have that lockup and overdrive gear on the highway.... So Chad tell us more about the shifting setup you made, how is it working? I like the idea of paddle shifting from the steering wheel... No way I want to take my hand off the wheel to shift, I expect too much violence with tire spin and frantic correcting of the steering wheel down the track LOL.
