anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual?

grumpyvette

grumpyvette

Administrator
Staff member
Does anyone have experience converter a 4l80E to full manual control,
Ive had a new 4l80e auto transmission sitting on a shelf in its factory packaging in my shop for a few years, that I want to convert to full manual control as it will make installing it in a car far less difficult than wiring in an expensive computer control module. now you may or may not agree but I think a full manual control shift kit is the most effective route to take in installing a 4l80E transmission in a performance application.
there are few CHEAP options once you decide to boost performance a great deal over the original cars power level, every change can and frequently will require other changes.
youll want a separate transmission fluid cooler,
youll need to change transmission mounts and the drive shaft in most transmission swaps
the lure of the top gear over drive ratio is un-deniable.
the TH350 is just not that strong, the more structurally sound or stronger TH400 ,
does not have the over drive ratio,
the 200r4 and 700r4 and 4l60e do, have the over drive top gear ratio,
but all three are not designed to handle significant impact and torque loads
in any G.M. transmission that your likely to find at a semi reasonable price,
in a salvage yard, that leaves the 4l80E ,
but the 4l80e controller costs about $500-$900 ,
and the performance torque converters can get rather expensive.
the partial solution is converting the stock 4l80e to full manual control,
thus avoiding the expensive programmable controller,(theres always compromises made)
and installing a performance shift kit. yes the 4l80e is physically larger and heavier , thats to be expected in a much stronger transmission design, but it can be swapped into many applications if your willing to modify or fabricate custom parts as required.
there are kits available too allow full manual control on a 4l80e thus eliminating the high cost of an electronic controller being required, and from what Ive heard they work rather well if properly installed, there are also now several lower cost programmable controllers
NOW that I own a 4l80e for my corvette project car and would prefer to have it converted too full manual control,using a floor shifter, for several reasons ,I would like to get some feed back, as many of you know the transmission can be converted to use a set of manual switches or run with a programmable controller.
If you have a 4l80e thats converted to full manual control ID like to know who you might suggest does the best conversion work, and what shifter and mount brackets your using?
yes I can do the work myself , but I've only rebuilt a a couple muncies, and a couple TH400 transmissions and thus I'd rather not get into working on a transmission I'm not absolutely comfortable modifying because I intend to put this behind about 700ft lbs of torque and obviously that will cause issues if the transmissions not 100% correct.

according to G.M. in stock condition
The 4L80E has gear ratios of 2.48:1 (First), 1.48:1 (Second), 1.00:1 (Third), 0.75:1 (Fourth), and 2.07:1 (Reverse). When the 4L80E was introduced, torque capacity was vehicles up to 8,000 pounds and engines producing up to 440 lb-ft of torque

https://gearstar.com/overview-4l80e-transmission/

https://precisionperformance.com/product/kwik-shift-i-manual-shifter/#transmission

The 4l80e transmission weighs 40 lbs more than a 700r4. 134 lbs vs 1741lbs , that's real world numbers. and the difference is in far stronger parts, properly build 1200hp is easily handled

http://shop.jakesperformance.com/Manual-Control-Box-for-4L80E-JP-MCB.htm

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/trg-4l80e-hd2

https://www.coanracing.com/converters.html/turbo-hydramatic-4l80e-1.html

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...d-all-the-4l80e-trans-info-you-know-guys.291/

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...-performance&gclid=CPaI3vynitACFVI9gQodZ-MDvg

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...msd-ignition&gclid=CMLR1qKlitACFYpahgodt64Oew

http://www.msgpio.com/manuals/mshift/4L60e.html

http://www.usshift.com/newname.shtml

https://www.diyautotune.com/product/gpio-application-kit-megashift/

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp-1203-transmission-controllers-tested/

https://sites.google.com/site/sloppywiki/everything-ls/cheap-stand-alone-trans-controller

http://www.usshift.com/?gclid=CNmI9damitACFUgmhgodaQcPpw

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/what-trans.9901/#post-37891

http://www.jakesperformance.com/4L80E_Components.html

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4L60E ... E_Swap.htm

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4l80e.htm

http://www.fuelairspark.com/fas/ez-tcut ... to-09html/

http://www.pswired.com/95silverado/perf ... ebuild.htm

http://www.msgpio.com/manuals/mshift/index.html

http://www.jakesperformance.com/4L80E_Components.html

http://www.jakesperformance.com/4L80E.html

http://www.fbperformance.com/ViewTransm ... ssionID=89

http://www.performancetransparts.com/tr ... 80e-3.aspx

http://www.ptcrace.com/torque-converters-c-26.html

http://www.converter.com/vigilante.htm

Just RTV on trans?

The factory used some kind of sealant on the 4L80E, whats the difference on a Turbo 400? About the only thing I haven’t tried yet, tighten the 13 bolts to feel. The shop wants $286 to swap gaskets and refill, I think that is crazy. Anybody ever just use RTV and no gasket?
garage.grumpysperformance.com

programmable controllers
http://www.atiracing.com/products/trans ... mputer.htm
http://www.becontrols.com/products/4L60Etcs.htm
http://www.jegs.com/i/TCI/890/377500/10 ... tId=951233

c4manualtrans.jpg


lt1g5.jpg

the C-beam differs between the dana 36 and dana 44 rear differentials
cross_member.jpg

84_96_corvettedriveshaft.jpg

0900c1528006c024.gif

http://www.msgpio.com/manuals/mshift/4L80E/4L80.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Re: anyone have experience converter a 4l80E to full manual?

https://m.roadkillcustoms.com/differences-between-early-and-late-model-4l80e-transmissions/

https://m.roadkillcustoms.com/big-vehicle-overdrive-4l80e-transmission-basics/

4l80e-Transmission-Diagram.png


index.php

the electronic controllers are absurdly expensive for a 4l80E , I purchased a full factory rebuilt trans for $1500, the controllers Ive priced were nearly that much, but you can have a full manual control version, I purchased a 4l80e from G.M. performance that Ill have converted to full manual control as soon as I can afford too and find some one who knows what they are doing, for my BBC corvette engine swap
mostly because the controller and wiring harness alone will cost in the area of $1100, and because I prefer not to get into extensive programing and wiring and sensors, once, my engine swap and 4l80e trans are installed ID prefer full manual control on my 4l80e transmission swap
http://www.optishift.com/
heres computer controlled
transtrength.png

length.png


http://www.tciauto.com/tc/trans-dim/

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/performance-guide-to-the-gm-4l80e-transmission/

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjAKegQIAhAB&usg=AOvVaw1cAAGGXHLjLsKC2ZZ6xR6s
4l80e400o.png

4l80egh.png


700r4ty1.jpg


700r4ty2.jpg

HERES A COMPUTER CONTROL UNIT THATS PRICED LOWER BUT I DON,T KNOW ABOUT ITS QUALITY YET
http://www.usshift.com/

http://www.ckperformance.com/resources/ ... NENTS.html

http://www.performancetransparts.com/tr ... 80e-3.aspx

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TRG-4L80E-3/

converting a 4l80e to full manual control
4l80e-3.jpg


http://transgoonline.com/products.php?p ... ntview=Yes
TRANSGO PART: 4L80E-3 CLASSIFICATION: REPROGRAMMING KITS
FITS: 4L80E, 4L85E, 91-09
FEATURES: Stick shift; Full race, Competition, Off road and Pro-street.
Full manual control. New triple layer Plate design with Dual feed Direct Clutch.
If you have some POWER: It'll rattle your teeth. Easier Installation!!
Assistance Video
Includes: 48-MOD Vacuum Modulator Kit for Proper Pressure Rise
Special Instructions: Does not Require transmission removal for proper installation.

http://www.mez.co.uk/4l80e.html

http://www.mez.co.uk/4l80e-1.html

viewtopic.php?f=39&t=512&p=637&hilit=4l80e#p637
HERES WHAT MIGHT BE GOOD INFO
"Lookup Transgo, kit number 4L80E-3, that is the kit I used. It is just a manual conversion for the VB, and a few simple upgrades inside the case and pump. Standard forward pattern, and the nice thing is that it replaces the electronic modulation with vacuum modulation so you don't have to run full line pressure all the time. "

4l80e-vlv.jpg


48-act-vl6.jpg

TRANSGO PART: 48-ACT-TL CLASSIFICATION: VALVES and BUSHINGS
FITS: 4L80E, 4L85E, 91-09
FEATURES: 4L80E/4L85E Actuator Limit Valve Repair Kit. Fixes 6 valve bodies.
Boring tool kit with oversize valve and new springs. Corrects - low line pressure,
clutch burn up, wrong gear starts, neutrals on 4th.
Special Instructions: Does not Require transmission removal for proper installation.

http://www.transmissioncenter.org/4L80E ... iagram.htm

http://www.makcotransmissionparts.com/m ... /4L80E.pdf

48-ccv.jpg


TRANSGO PART: 48-CCV CLASSIFICATION: VALVES and BUSHINGS
FITS: 4L80E, 4L85E, 91-09
FEATURES: 4L80E/4L85E Converter Conversion Valve--Corrects Lube flow
when using non-lockup converter. Used often in transplants and with
4L80E-3 Stick Shift kit to eliminate lock up.
Use Non-Lock up "Convertor with no Lock Up Plate assembly" Converter only.
Special Instructions: Requires transmission removal for proper installation.


48mod.jpg

TRANSGO PART: 48-MOD CLASSIFICATION: SPECIALTY PARTS
FITS: 4L80E, 4L85E, 91-09
FEATURES: Vacuum Modulator Kit: Replaces EPC solenoid for Heavy Duty, High Performance
and No Computer, Great for transplants. Kit allows for adequate and desired
Pressure Rise when vehicles PCM/Computer does NOT.
This kit is included with the 4L80E-3 Stick Shift Kit.


Here is a list that I found posted for the trucks that use the 4L80E forChevy.

AVALANCHE 02-03 4 SP RWD/4X4 V8 8.1L 4L80E

C/K PICK-UP 1500-2500 95-99 4 SP RWD/4X4 V8 5.0L/5.7L/6.0L/7.4L/6.5L DIESEL4L80E 17 BOLT PAN

C/K PICK-UP 1500 00-03 4 SP RWD/4X4 V8 6.0L 4L80E

C/K PICK-UP 2500 00-03 4 SP RWD/4X4 V8 5.7L/6.0L/7.4L/8.1L/6.5 DIESEL4L80E

C/K PICK-UP 3500 95-03 4 SP RWD/4X4 V8 5.0L/5.7L/6.0L/7.4L/8.1L/6.5L DIESEL4L80E 17 BOLTPAN

SUBURBAN 1500-2500 95 4 SP RWD/4X4 V8 7.4L/6.5L DIESEL4L80E

SUBURBAN 1500 96-99 4 SP RWD/4X4 V8 6.5L DIESEL4L80E

SUBURBAN 2500 96-03 4 SP RWD/4X4 V8 5.7L/6.0L/7.4L/8.1L/6.5L DIESEL4L80E

TAHOE/YUKON 95-03 4 SP RWD/4X4 V8 6.0L/8.1L/6.5L DIESEL4L80E

VAN FULL SIZE 2500 96-03 4 SP RWD V6 4.3L V8 4.8L/5.7L/6.0L/8.1L 6.5L DIESEL4L80E 17 BOLT PAN

VAN FULL SIZE 3500 95-03 4 SP RWD V6 4.3L V8 4.8L/5.7L/6.0L/7.4L/8.1L/6.5L DIESEL4L80E17 BOLT PAN
http://jetchip.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/4L80-E-Transconversion-Kit.pdf
0900c1528006c024.gif


Read more: http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/en...lsx-engine-pump-gas-powerhouse/#ixzz3lufr2K3U
Follow us: @SuperChevy on Twitter | SuperChevyMag on Facebook


RELATED INFO
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...lt-center-section-installed.11491/#post-53588

https://atracom.blob.core.windows.net/gears/2015/2015-03/2015_3_32.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Re: anyone have experience converter a 4l80E to full manual?

So, are you going to do the conversion?
How soon?
Let us know how it all goes.
 
Re: anyone have experience converter a 4l80E to full manual?

yes IM going to do this as soon as funds and time allow during my big block c4 engine/drive train conversion, its unfortunate, but Im on a pension, so funds are darn tight, and due to serious prior injury's, to my back, leg and a fractured ankle, I can,t be on my feet all that long before it becomes rather painful
 
Re: anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual

Grumpy, a friend of mine, Jeff, has been rebuilding automatic transmissions since 1987 & drag race build use told me in the past TRASGO sells a kit to eliminate the Factory shift solenoids & required ECM/PCM in a 4L80E transmission.
Full hydraulic control, no electronics. Save $$$.
That large rectangular bump on the passenger side with the GM Hydromatic Logo 4L80E is part is where the kit is installed I recall him telling me, inside of course.
The kit uses a Ford C4- C6 transmission vacuum modulator to make gearchange upshifts & regulate line pressure under heavy WOT & part throttle driving loads.
Also said he has made 2 4L80E conversions this way.
Just need a full vacuum intake manifold intake vacuum source at all time, non pored vacuum.
Not sure about a full manual valvebody. That is done typically with a Trans Go 2-3 Reprogram kit such as a Turbo 400 or 700R4 GM RWD trans.

I will look for the correct part number tomarow for you Grumpy.
Spent last 4 hours reading on your Forum everywhere.

Brian R.
 
Re: anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual

You have the part # listed above Grumpy. ;)
 
Re: anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual

Bumping this thread, as I put a 4L80e with transfer case out of a diesel 4x4 GMC truck in my '55 Chevy 4x4 conversion ten or more years ago, and put a TCI elec. contoller on it. TCI only had software that ran on a pretty obsolete version of Windows, and I had to hunt up an old laptop from one of my kids to run that software and program the controller. It was pretty neat, as I put a second "hi-lo" switch on the floor next to the headlight high beam switch, and connected it to the controller. Put a red led in the dash to tell me when I was in "high performance" mode, and was able to program in two operation modes into the controller.

When I bought the controller from TCI they promised me an updated disk of software "as soon as it is available"....
When it became available they wanted to charge me $100 for it, so I gave them the middle finger....
But it is still running on that original programming, I'd like to redo it, and the old (really old) laptop with the software is now among the "missing"....
So I am really interested in pulling my 4L80e and converting it to full manual, is there any updates available on this procedure?
Aloha,
Willy
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Re: anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual

Look on Racing Junk.com time to time Grumpy.
Yellow Bullet Racing Forum.
I won't but used Race car electronics from Fleabay.
Too many risks & unknows from seller.
Just VERTEX MAGS.
I can fully rebuild Mags at home.
 
Re: anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual


Another possible solution for the 4L60E and 4L80E transmission called
the Ross-Lock by Rossler Transmissions.




 

Attachments

  • CarCraftFeb2014_Pg01.jpg
    CarCraftFeb2014_Pg01.jpg
    103.5 KB · Views: 43
  • CarCraftFeb2014_Pg02.jpg
    CarCraftFeb2014_Pg02.jpg
    120.9 KB · Views: 44
Re: anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual

BTW if any of you gentlemen have info relating too what shifter assemble, or torque converter or fllex-plate could be used with a 4l80e transmission especially once convertered to full manual control, and if used with with a short 6" or 8" shifter stick, in a corvette, with a big block engine swap application and which torque converter and flex-plate , for a internally balanced AND externally balanced engine assembly as I'm sure both style builds will be used at some point, by people reading thru these threads. What do you think might be the most durable design in a torque converter, what brands have you heard have problems or have warranty issues?
for use with a GEN VI BBC engine with a 3500 rpm stall speed on a 168 tooth flex plate Id welcome the info posted here.
Obviously Id also like all the related info for the GEN IV BBC engines and CRANK assembly's as those are probably a bit more common

http://transgo.com/4L80E_HD2Video.html

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4l80e.htm

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/performance-guide-to-the-gm-4l80e-transmission/

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4L60E ... E_Swap.htm

4L80E-1.png

index.php


4L80E-2.png

4L80E-3.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Re: anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual

For as Powerfull as You build your BBC Engines Grumpy with A wide band 650 + Ft/lb Average torque....
I would only consider a Triple Disc Clutch Custom built TC.
Carbon Fiber Friction lockup rated for 1500-2000 HP.
You know then it won't fail ever.
I think Precision Vigalante Converters are over rated.
HUGHES Torque convertes.
I will read & see what there using on Yellow BulletvDrag Racing.
Its more like a Race Engine your BBC That idles decent.

Any SFI Certified Flexplate should be OK.
SCAT Would be my Choice. What I have for my SBC 410ci.
 
Re: anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual

If you Recall Steve R. I built the custom fuel pump for in his 1986 C4 Race Car,
He had someone build him a custom C4 Shifter.
Near idential to the Horseshoe 1970 SS Chevelle LS6 454 TH 400 Factory shifter.
He is using a 4L80 E Reverse valvebody.
He sent me several pics. I have to search for them.
I talked to him Friday. Putting his 800HP 434CI Race car back together now.
Should be done In June 2014.
 
Re: anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual

Coan Torque Converters have been an Old School Favorite here in IL with BBC & Sbc guys too Grumpy.
More of an all out Drag Race use & extented RPM to 8k though.
It might be worthwhile to Investigate what Pontiac V8 Racers use.
You like mega torque everywhere. What Pontiacs do best most of them.
 
Re: anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual

trust me my personal goal has been for several years,
to collect the parts required and knowledge to produce and install a larger displacement, EFI BBC engine,
connected to a 4l80E transmission i a personally owned c4 corvette,
modified with full manual control 4l80e trans in a C4 corvette with a dana 60 rear differential, I personally own,
I've helped 8 other people do similar engine swaps over the last 21 years, installing, chevy big block engines in their personal C4 corvettes ,
so I know what's involved, but I personally just never yet, have had the spare cash, to build my corvette the way I want to build it,
and since I refuse to compromise and slap something inferior, or sub-standard together,
its still a project I'm working on completing.
with the rapidly approaching future move its once more being delayed
if your going to do something I've learned you either do it correctly or wait until you can do so, or you'll always regret the results

related threads:like:

this 10 speed auto trans looks like it has potential?

https://www.autoinfluence.com/11-things-you-need-to-know-about-ford-gms-10-speed-transmission/ https://www.chevrolet.com/performance-parts/transmissions/10l90-e https://www.chevrolet.com/performance-parts/crate-engines...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

the c4-bbc engine swap​

no its not a TRUE drop in,and drive engine swap, it will require some fabrication skills to do correctly, but its not that difficult either! and its a reasonable way to get 500-600 hp, and 500-600 ft lbs of torque PLUS in a c4 corvette. Ive built engines for . and helped work on, some of the...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

converting a dana 60 to disc brakes​

If you read a bit on this forum it would be hard to escape the idea that Ive been rather positive on the DANA 60 rear differential, its extremely durable, but in many cases it comes with drum brakes which are heavy and not as effective as a disc brake upgrade, so here,s some linked info on...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual?​

garage.grumpysperformance.com

installing a BIG BLOCK CHEVY IN A C4​

theres no way a c-4 will exactly match the weight distribution and handling of a C6, BUT the strait line acceleration CAN be equaled or exceeded with a decent well thought thru and executed BBC swap,and you might be amazed at how well a properly set-up C4 with a big block engine handles in the...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

4L80E no computer... light switches!​

as the title states... im not sure if this should be in the lounge for how outlandish it is... and check out the guys speedo... the video is very telling of the process and it seems to be a pretty nifty setup http://www.autoblog.com/2014/06/05/car- ... ps=gravity heres a link directly to the...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

cooling off that c4 corvette​

your stock corvette has a rather marginal cooling system if your engines been modified for significantly higher hp levels, that cooling system can be significantly improved upon.I run into this frequently, and theres several sources or causes for an engine to run hotter than you might want it...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

Big Block Intake, Hood Clearance For Engine Sbc> Bbc Engine Swap​

Ever since I sold my 1971 Big Block roadster I have had an empty place in my heart and garage. Last week I was on Facebook and a picture of a corvette popped up on the marketplace. It was a nice red 1980 L48. The motor had stuck rings and smoked like a freight train. The interior needed...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

4l60e and 4l80e info​

http://www.ckperformance.com/resources/ ... NENTS.html sometimes you need to fabricate adapters, when you install a non-O.E.M. transmission careful measurement, a drill press and a welder in even limited skilled hands can fabricate a decent adapter some more welding grinding and some paint...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

ling540.JPG


viewtopic.php?f=104&t=5911&p=18163#p18163

http://www.converter.com/vigilante.htm
(these guys have a decent reputation for building a durable quality high stall speed converter)

http://www.jakesperformance.com/4L80E.html

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/driv ... on_review/

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/tr ... /4l80e.htm

http://www.pswired.com/95silverado/perf ... ebuild.htm

http://extremeautomatics.com/gm4l80e.php

viewtopic.php?f=71&t=10588&p=45330#p45330

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/13 ... nsmission/

https://stagerighttransmissions.com/ass ... erence.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Re: anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual

I am trying daily too Grumpy.
I haven't had any decent sidejobs in months.
Few daily drivers here & there.
Steve has a spare protype C4 shifter 4L80E.
Told me so.
We chat here & there on the phone. Texting each other.
Racing Proves All.
Non believers are Now Sold.
Its up to Phil & Me.
He is Loyal to You & this Site as me.
 
Re: anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual

Junkman is a Key Figure finding Younger up & coming Racers in the Corvette World.
Its his Personality.....he don't give up. Just as Us Grumpy.

5.0 Mustang guys around yet.
Need more Ford Power Tech.
They like old race legends too...
 
Re: anyone have experience converting a 4l80E to full manual

Those God Damn Luberals Fickered up nearly All Grumpy.
Its difficult to find guys local that have funds $ to build a Street performace-Race Engine, Automatic Trans, Rear Differential Right.
On the Internet too.
Best to take on Emergency Repairs. Your Very Good At that Too.
Not quitting my Day Job as a Mechanic. Can't.
Summer is almost here. Land some A/C Work. Simple grab the cash with Recharges.
Lead to other repair jobs perhaps.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top