new GM 6L80e trans..metal in pan at 500miles

[jwithers2005]

OK guys...I'll try to keep the run-down as short as I can but with enough info to fill you in on the problem. Just to clear the air before I raise any pulses, this is in no way taking a shot at any of the manufacturers mentioned. I'm looking for help here because I'm stumped. I can't come up with a logical explanation for the problem I'm having.

On my 2010 SS A6: 370whp

I installed a 3800 stall FTI billet converter at 32k miles; had a major transmission failure at 32,500 miles. I bought a reman 6L80E from GM to replace the burnt trans. I took the converter to well-known local race converter manufacturer (not FTI) to have it flushed and inspected before I reinstalled it with the new trans. Upon inspection, it was determined that the converter had been welded together incorrectly and was badly out of balance. I was fairly certain at this point that the defective converter was probably responsible for the factory transmission failure. FTI agreed without question to repair or replace the converter. I sent the bad one to them and in less than a week I received what I believe to be an all new unit instead of repairing the original converter..fine by me...

After having the cooler and lines flushed thoroughly, I installed the new converter/trans and had the TCM programmed the next day. At this point, everthing seemed as it should. The car just rolled over 33k miles yesterday (right around 500 on the new trans). I put the car back up on the rack this evening and pulled the pan to replace the fluid/filter incase the new filter caught any metal left from the first transmission that wasn't flushed out of the cooler/lines. The fluid is full of metal...not just a little bit either. It looks similar to the way the first trans did after it gave out completely. I don't see where this can be normal...

This car has no "major" mods..It has full headers and exhaust from TSP and a CAI. It only put down 370hp at the wheels so I don't think there's any issue with overpowering the transmission. The tune on the trans is very mild and was put together by an experienced tuner. trans temps are normal...I dont know why, but it looks like this brand new trans is on its way out just like the last one..ANY SUGGESTIONS?? My only thoughts are that the aftermarket converter must be responsible in some way..

Thanks,
Joey

[2SSCAMARO]

The 6L80's do not tolerate bad tunes very well especially with hi torque multplying torque converters. When you have the tranny opened up and inspected, the condition of the clutch packs should tell a tale. I am inclined to believe, based on what you've said, that an improper tune may be the culprit.

[jwithers2005]

if only there was a way to tell..i wish i could get some experienced tuners to respond who have seen this happen before..

[etmx183]

Metal would be from the clutch packs if they were down metal to metal or from an incomplete convertor rebuild. Do the gears still hold or slip? Was the clutch volume index reset ( GM calls it Taps Cells ) with the install? How were the lines and cooler flushed? Heated and pulsed flusher or just cold flush, were they done in both directions? Most GM remans are done by a company called RMP and they do a decent job on stock rebuilds. I know I asked more questions than giving answers but more information would help trying to do a remote diagnostics.

Originally Posted by jwithers2005

if only there was a way to tell..i wish i could get some experienced tuners to respond who have seen this happen before..

Originally Posted by jwithers2005

if only there was a way to tell..i wish i could get some experienced tuners to respond who have seen this happen before..

As with numerous modifications done at once, sometimes it can be hard to tell what caused the damage, tune or mechanical. You should also do a TAPS relearn after installing a new transmission, this has to be performed with a GM MDI (As EFILive & HPT have the option but it is inoperable). I have worked with a great 6L80E builder for years now, and we have put together some nice A6 combinations for track and street cars. Do you have a copy of the tune that we can look over? I'd be happy to look at it for no charge to see if there are any suggestions to be made OR if there is a looming mechanical problem here.

If the trans lines, cooler, etc. were flushed properly there should really be no left over metal or very little bit of debris. A new trans also will have a bit of break-in clutch material, but if its filled the trans may already be too far gone and may need replacement.

If you have the file shoot it over to my temporary email address efituningconcepts@gmail.com , before I get my RX mail setup next week

Any other questions let us know,

Matt

[etmx183]

Matt,
Has your 6L80E builder done any 6L50Es? My question is can a 6L80e output shaft be installed in a 6L50E or can the output shaft three flange adapter that bolts to the transmission output shaft from a 6L80E bolt to the 6L50E?
I am trying to install a SS differential swap into my 2012 3.6L A6. I need to be able to get the SS driveshaft front portion to bolt to my 6L50E.

You should also do a TAPS relearn after installing a new transmission, this has to be performed with a GM MDI (As EFILive & HPT have the option but it is inoperable). I have worked with a great 6L80E builder for years now, and we have put together some nice A6 combinations for track and street cars.

Matt[/QUOTE]

Originally Posted by etmx183

Matt,
Has your 6L80E builder done any 6L50Es? My question is can a 6L80e output shaft be installed in a 6L50E or can the output shaft three flange adapter that bolts to the transmission output shaft from a 6L80E bolt to the 6L50E?
I am trying to install a SS differential swap into my 2012 3.6L A6. I need to be able to get the SS driveshaft front portion to bolt to my 6L50E.

You should also do a TAPS relearn after installing a new transmission, this has to be performed with a GM MDI (As EFILive & HPT have the option but it is inoperable). I have worked with a great 6L80E builder for years now, and we have put together some nice A6 combinations for track and street cars.

Matt

[/QUOTE]

I actually do not have an answer for you on this. Tommy over at East Coast Supercharging has taken care of all the automatic and manual transmissions over there, excellent builder. I'd give ECS a call at 609-752-0321.

Thanks

Matt

[etmx183]

Thanks Matt