Transmission advice (6L80E Replacement/Build) - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

bigsquirrel · 07-02-2012, 04:49 PM

Hey Guys, my tranny went out on the squirrel so I'm looking at options.

The dealer will drop a new one in for me for 3200, seems like a good deal but it's just going to break again so maybe not.

I'm capable of doing my own labor. So swapping transmissions isn't a big deal. I do a lot of road racing and a little bit of dragstrip.

I make 550 at the wheels and am happy at that power level, might pursue up to 600 but nothing more than that.

I have a rally the first week of August so I don't have a ton of time.

Most of the builds I see are for massive HP dragstip cars. I need something more mild. I also remember hearing people talk about dropping a truck transmission in. Could you make recommendations please?

Rockit_z28 · 07-02-2012, 05:10 PM

Jannetty, Century Transmission, Circle D, PATC all can rebuild the 6L80E. I am sure there are others that I am missing, but all of the ones that I have checked into.

DandD · 07-02-2012, 05:56 PM

Here's another one to check out.
http://www.jakesperformance.com/4L80E.html

jsharp · 07-02-2012, 06:07 PM

wow you popped the trans at 550 rwhp how many miles did it last. did it just go or was there signs? Were you running a tranny cooler?

bigsquirrel · 07-02-2012, 07:40 PM

They were very hard miles. Yes I have a cooler.

bigsquirrel · 07-02-2012, 07:45 PM

Is the 4l80e a direct swap?

jrpxxii · 07-02-2012, 07:46 PM

4l80e here from RPM Transmissions and its awesome

DandD · 07-02-2012, 08:21 PM

I do not know if it is a direct swap in your car, whoever you had do the trans for you would be able to advise you on that aspect. But you would be going from a 6 spd to a 4 spd trans so you very well may need a controller also. I'm going from the TR 6060 manual to a 4L80E this winter

bigsquirrel · 07-02-2012, 10:35 PM

Oh thank you I need a six speed.

SRT10KLLR · 07-02-2012, 11:11 PM

For about the same price the dealer will get you a new one you could get a built one from Circle D that will handle the 550rwhp without a sweat.

bigsquirrel · 07-03-2012, 01:06 AM

Thanks SRT I'll call them in the morning. Most of the builds I'm seeing online are 5-6K and way overkill for what I do.

bigsquirrel · 07-03-2012, 12:09 PM

Damn they're closed this week.

flyby · 07-04-2012, 06:17 AM

4l80 is NOT a direct swap

HufferSS · 07-04-2012, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigsquirrel

Is the 4l80e a direct swap?

Not even close. Sheet metal needs to be cut on both sides to accommodate.

I would do a Circle D Trans...they seem to have the 6L80 figured out the best.

flyby · 07-04-2012, 09:06 AM

Huffer, when we swapped my M6 for a 4l80 all that was necessary was a little gentle persuasion with a hammer, no cutting.

mikepage0007 · 07-04-2012, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyby

Huffer, when we swapped my M6 for a 4l80 all that was necessary was a little gentle persuasion with a hammer, no cutting.

i hope we are that lucky

mikepage0007 · 07-04-2012, 09:57 AM

stephen has his for sale in the trans section ...could probably get for 1000.00 plus another 300 shipping..1300 and your on the road...probably sell yours as a core or have rebuilt as a back up

bigsquirrel · 07-04-2012, 10:06 AM

Thanks Mike I found a new one for not much more than that. He doesn't have the most encouraging signature for trying to sell a used tranny ;0.

After calling around a few places I decided to replace it with an almost new stock tranny. Next time it goes oput hopefully it's not so close to a big race and I have more time for a build.

speedster · 07-04-2012, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigsquirrel

Thanks Mike I found a new one for not much more than that. He doesn't have the most encouraging signature for trying to sell a used tranny ;0.

After calling around a few places I decided to replace it with an almost new stock tranny. Next time it goes oput hopefully it's not so close to a big race and I have more time for a build.

Sent you a PM if it helps.

94guy · 07-04-2012, 10:49 AM

i wonder how many have a circle d on this board? i know some of the caddy guys have problems with them.

1stGM · 07-04-2012, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyby

Huffer, when we swapped my M6 for a 4l80 all that was necessary was a little gentle persuasion with a hammer, no cutting.

how did you get around the plug for the controller on the drivers side? I had to make a notch in the rail... Passenger side was fine with a little ground off the trans along the pan rail... The 4l80 is really a pretty easy swap...

DandD · 07-04-2012, 11:32 AM

Flyby and 1stGM, what did you do for a driveshaft when you went with the 4L80E?, I am doing the same conversion this winter. I currently have a 1 pc aluminum from DSS.

1stGM · 07-04-2012, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DandD

Flyby and 1stGM, what did you do for a driveshaft when you went with the 4L80E?, I am doing the same conversion this winter. I currently have a 1 pc aluminum from DSS.

DSS has the exact measurements for the swap.. just call them up and tell em what you have going and they will make it..Frank will even work you a sweet deal w/trade on your old shaft...

mikepage0007 · 07-04-2012, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stGM

how did you get around the plug for the controller on the drivers side? I had to make a notch in the rail... Passenger side was fine with a little ground off the trans along the pan rail... The 4l80 is really a pretty easy swap...

i believe diet coke did a nice diy on the 4l swap, he also mentioned cutting the frame rail...i will be installing mine next week if all goes well...anyone doing a 4l swap, search out diet coke diy.. here it is..http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...light=4l80+diy

jsharp · 07-04-2012, 12:04 PM

I am dead set on not having a 4 speed period. I plan to have 625rwhp maximum so I will be looking at century or circle d in the future. If no one can build a 6l for 625 rwhp and make it last then as last resort I may do the 4L but like I said I am dead set against it.

07-02-2012, 04:49 PM	#1
bigsquirrel My car runs on acorns.... Drives: 2010 SS RS Inferno Orange Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,334 View My Garage	Transmission advice (6L80E Replacement/Build) Hey Guys, my tranny went out on the squirrel so I'm looking at options. The dealer will drop a new one in for me for 3200, seems like a good deal but it's just going to break again so maybe not. I'm capable of doing my own labor. So swapping transmissions isn't a big deal. I do a lot of road racing and a little bit of dragstrip. I make 550 at the wheels and am happy at that power level, might pursue up to 600 but nothing more than that. I have a rally the first week of August so I don't have a ton of time. Most of the builds I see are for massive HP dragstip cars. I need something more mild. I also remember hearing people talk about dropping a truck transmission in. Could you make recommendations please? __________________ My car runs on acorns, the tears of ricers and these other slightly less important things... 2.9 Polished Whipple, Kooks LT 1 7/8 headers, HiFlow Cats, Kooks Sleeper catback, Cooling Mist Methanol Injection, PFADT Sport Sways, PFADT Springs, PFADT rear trailing arms, ADM intake, JDP stainless brake lines, Jegs Catch can, Stock SS wheels widened to 10 3/4, Hawks HPS Pads, Pedders Rear Subframe Bushing Inserts, BMR Center Brace, MSD BAP, AAC side markers, Emblem Pro's Custom Lighted Door Sills, Dash-Floor-Cupholder ABL lighting and other stuff....

07-02-2012, 05:10 PM	#2
Rockit_z28 Team 1BAD DOG Drives: 2010 IOM 2SS/RS Auto Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Indian Land, SC Posts: 687 View My Garage	Jannetty, Century Transmission, Circle D, PATC all can rebuild the 6L80E. I am sure there are others that I am missing, but all of the ones that I have checked into. __________________ *As of March 2013, the car is currently under a rebuild courtesy of:* *Heintz Racing (Performance, Parts and Tuning)* *S.L. Customs (Paint and Body)* *Bagshaw Fabrication (Roll Cage)* *FSP (Parts)* 2010 2SS/RS L99 IOM http://www.youtube.com/user/1baddogracing BMR Suspension, DSS 9" 3.70 Gear, 1 7/8 Kooks Headers NMCA/LSX Car# 805

07-02-2012, 05:56 PM	#3
DandD Drives: 2010 2SS and 2011 LS Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Western burbs of the Motor City Posts: 631 View My Garage	Here's another one to check out. http://www.jakesperformance.com/4L80E.html __________________ Around here we like baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet

07-02-2012, 06:07 PM	#4
jsharp NOW CAMMED & SUPERCHARGED Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Black w/ IOM Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ar Posts: 2,335	wow you popped the trans at 550 rwhp how many miles did it last. did it just go or was there signs? Were you running a tranny cooler? __________________ Livernois Motorsports: Maggie 2300 7psi, Livernois 2C cam/L99 to LS3 Conversion, Ported TB, Rotofab w/adm race scoop, adm trans cooler,Kooks headers no cats, Kooks 3" exhaust. METCO breather. Precision 2400 Vigilante TC. Eibach Lowering Springs & Swaybars. BMR Trailing arms, BMR Rear Cradle Bushings, BMR Toe Rods, BMR Differential bushings. Vossen CV3 20's w/ 305 Nitto 555R@25psi. Zl1 front bumper. OE Zl1 Hood and matte black insert. 556RWHP/500RWTQ L99

07-02-2012, 07:40 PM	#5
bigsquirrel My car runs on acorns.... Drives: 2010 SS RS Inferno Orange Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,334 View My Garage	They were very hard miles. Yes I have a cooler. __________________ My car runs on acorns, the tears of ricers and these other slightly less important things... 2.9 Polished Whipple, Kooks LT 1 7/8 headers, HiFlow Cats, Kooks Sleeper catback, Cooling Mist Methanol Injection, PFADT Sport Sways, PFADT Springs, PFADT rear trailing arms, ADM intake, JDP stainless brake lines, Jegs Catch can, Stock SS wheels widened to 10 3/4, Hawks HPS Pads, Pedders Rear Subframe Bushing Inserts, BMR Center Brace, MSD BAP, AAC side markers, Emblem Pro's Custom Lighted Door Sills, Dash-Floor-Cupholder ABL lighting and other stuff....

07-02-2012, 07:45 PM	#6
bigsquirrel My car runs on acorns.... Drives: 2010 SS RS Inferno Orange Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,334 View My Garage	Is the 4l80e a direct swap? __________________ My car runs on acorns, the tears of ricers and these other slightly less important things... 2.9 Polished Whipple, Kooks LT 1 7/8 headers, HiFlow Cats, Kooks Sleeper catback, Cooling Mist Methanol Injection, PFADT Sport Sways, PFADT Springs, PFADT rear trailing arms, ADM intake, JDP stainless brake lines, Jegs Catch can, Stock SS wheels widened to 10 3/4, Hawks HPS Pads, Pedders Rear Subframe Bushing Inserts, BMR Center Brace, MSD BAP, AAC side markers, Emblem Pro's Custom Lighted Door Sills, Dash-Floor-Cupholder ABL lighting and other stuff....

07-02-2012, 07:46 PM	#7
jrpxxii Drives: 2010 Camaro SS/RS 427ci Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bowling Green, Ky Posts: 3,004	4l80e here from RPM Transmissions and its awesome __________________ https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...2994113&type=1

07-02-2012, 08:21 PM	#8
DandD Drives: 2010 2SS and 2011 LS Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Western burbs of the Motor City Posts: 631 View My Garage	I do not know if it is a direct swap in your car, whoever you had do the trans for you would be able to advise you on that aspect. But you would be going from a 6 spd to a 4 spd trans so you very well may need a controller also. I'm going from the TR 6060 manual to a 4L80E this winter __________________ Around here we like baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet

07-02-2012, 10:35 PM	#9
bigsquirrel My car runs on acorns.... Drives: 2010 SS RS Inferno Orange Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,334 View My Garage	Oh thank you I need a six speed. __________________ My car runs on acorns, the tears of ricers and these other slightly less important things... 2.9 Polished Whipple, Kooks LT 1 7/8 headers, HiFlow Cats, Kooks Sleeper catback, Cooling Mist Methanol Injection, PFADT Sport Sways, PFADT Springs, PFADT rear trailing arms, ADM intake, JDP stainless brake lines, Jegs Catch can, Stock SS wheels widened to 10 3/4, Hawks HPS Pads, Pedders Rear Subframe Bushing Inserts, BMR Center Brace, MSD BAP, AAC side markers, Emblem Pro's Custom Lighted Door Sills, Dash-Floor-Cupholder ABL lighting and other stuff....

07-02-2012, 11:11 PM	#10
SRT10KLLR Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Down South Posts: 1,426	For about the same price the dealer will get you a new one you could get a built one from Circle D that will handle the 550rwhp without a sweat. __________________ 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 RCSB Thunder Road Hemi Sport w/STS Turbo 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 - Silver - Stock 2003 Chevy 1500 RCSB Stepside 400SS - 408 in now awaiting Turbo

07-03-2012, 01:06 AM	#11
bigsquirrel My car runs on acorns.... Drives: 2010 SS RS Inferno Orange Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,334 View My Garage	Thanks SRT I'll call them in the morning. Most of the builds I'm seeing online are 5-6K and way overkill for what I do. __________________ My car runs on acorns, the tears of ricers and these other slightly less important things... 2.9 Polished Whipple, Kooks LT 1 7/8 headers, HiFlow Cats, Kooks Sleeper catback, Cooling Mist Methanol Injection, PFADT Sport Sways, PFADT Springs, PFADT rear trailing arms, ADM intake, JDP stainless brake lines, Jegs Catch can, Stock SS wheels widened to 10 3/4, Hawks HPS Pads, Pedders Rear Subframe Bushing Inserts, BMR Center Brace, MSD BAP, AAC side markers, Emblem Pro's Custom Lighted Door Sills, Dash-Floor-Cupholder ABL lighting and other stuff....

07-03-2012, 12:09 PM	#12
bigsquirrel My car runs on acorns.... Drives: 2010 SS RS Inferno Orange Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,334 View My Garage	Damn they're closed this week. __________________ My car runs on acorns, the tears of ricers and these other slightly less important things... 2.9 Polished Whipple, Kooks LT 1 7/8 headers, HiFlow Cats, Kooks Sleeper catback, Cooling Mist Methanol Injection, PFADT Sport Sways, PFADT Springs, PFADT rear trailing arms, ADM intake, JDP stainless brake lines, Jegs Catch can, Stock SS wheels widened to 10 3/4, Hawks HPS Pads, Pedders Rear Subframe Bushing Inserts, BMR Center Brace, MSD BAP, AAC side markers, Emblem Pro's Custom Lighted Door Sills, Dash-Floor-Cupholder ABL lighting and other stuff....

07-04-2012, 06:17 AM	#13
flyby Drives: 2010 Silver SS Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Glen Gardner, NJ Posts: 1,300 View My Garage	4l80 is NOT a direct swap

07-04-2012, 09:06 AM	#15
flyby Drives: 2010 Silver SS Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Glen Gardner, NJ Posts: 1,300 View My Garage	Huffer, when we swapped my M6 for a 4l80 all that was necessary was a little gentle persuasion with a hammer, no cutting.

07-04-2012, 09:57 AM	#17
mikepage0007 Drives: 2010camaro Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: port st lucie ,florida Posts: 4,121	stephen has his for sale in the trans section ...could probably get for 1000.00 plus another 300 shipping..1300 and your on the road...probably sell yours as a core or have rebuilt as a back up __________________ iom 2010 camaro ss - kb supercharger-comp cam- razzi ground effects-pedders suspension 1 1/2 drop-gforce 9in-meth- -black out emblems -painted stripes-mike norris catch can- autometer pillar pod w/aem gauges.cor wheels -magnaflow 3in cat back- mikes orange crush-aac halo-aac sidemarkers-mgw shifter-act twin disc clutch-sjm line lock-kooks headers-misc mods-

07-04-2012, 10:06 AM	#18
bigsquirrel My car runs on acorns.... Drives: 2010 SS RS Inferno Orange Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,334 View My Garage	Thanks Mike I found a new one for not much more than that. He doesn't have the most encouraging signature for trying to sell a used tranny ;0. After calling around a few places I decided to replace it with an almost new stock tranny. Next time it goes oput hopefully it's not so close to a big race and I have more time for a build. __________________ My car runs on acorns, the tears of ricers and these other slightly less important things... 2.9 Polished Whipple, Kooks LT 1 7/8 headers, HiFlow Cats, Kooks Sleeper catback, Cooling Mist Methanol Injection, PFADT Sport Sways, PFADT Springs, PFADT rear trailing arms, ADM intake, JDP stainless brake lines, Jegs Catch can, Stock SS wheels widened to 10 3/4, Hawks HPS Pads, Pedders Rear Subframe Bushing Inserts, BMR Center Brace, MSD BAP, AAC side markers, Emblem Pro's Custom Lighted Door Sills, Dash-Floor-Cupholder ABL lighting and other stuff....

07-04-2012, 10:49 AM	#20
94guy Drives: 99 Camaro; 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: louisiana Posts: 1,151	i wonder how many have a circle d on this board? i know some of the caddy guys have problems with them.

07-04-2012, 11:32 AM	#22
DandD Drives: 2010 2SS and 2011 LS Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Western burbs of the Motor City Posts: 631 View My Garage	Flyby and 1stGM, what did you do for a driveshaft when you went with the 4L80E?, I am doing the same conversion this winter. I currently have a 1 pc aluminum from DSS. __________________ Around here we like baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet

07-04-2012, 12:04 PM	#25
jsharp NOW CAMMED & SUPERCHARGED Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Black w/ IOM Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ar Posts: 2,335	I am dead set on not having a 4 speed period. I plan to have 625rwhp maximum so I will be looking at century or circle d in the future. If no one can build a 6l for 625 rwhp and make it last then as last resort I may do the 4L but like I said I am dead set against it. __________________ Livernois Motorsports: Maggie 2300 7psi, Livernois 2C cam/L99 to LS3 Conversion, Ported TB, Rotofab w/adm race scoop, adm trans cooler,Kooks headers no cats, Kooks 3" exhaust. METCO breather. Precision 2400 Vigilante TC. Eibach Lowering Springs & Swaybars. BMR Trailing arms, BMR Rear Cradle Bushings, BMR Toe Rods, BMR Differential bushings. Vossen CV3 20's w/ 305 Nitto 555R@25psi. Zl1 front bumper. OE Zl1 Hood and matte black insert. 556RWHP/500RWTQ L99