4l80e question

I have a 97 RCSB and did the 5.3 swap awhile back with the newer 4l60e and it blew up on me a few weeks ago and I have been doing without a truck because money has been tight, I am finally getting where I can do something about it and have a few questions. I have a local guy that has a 98 sub that he is parting out that he says has a 4l80e in it does this sound right and can it be used on a 02 5.3? If so I have hit the jackpot because he wants little to nothing for it. If this falls through I am just going for the level 3 from FLT but I would really like to go 80e because I like driving like an idiot...:naughty:

yes, the 80e will work but its not just remove and replace. Read the conversion topic for an idea of what all is envolved.

Trans
xmember modification
80e/TH400 yoke and possible driveshaft modification (get the driveshaft if you can from the donor)
modify cooling hoses
80e overlay in the PCM tune
modify wiring harness and add a 2nd speed sensor to the PCM and trans
custom converter or spacer, longer bolts and flat flexplate

I'm sure I forgot something. Don't think swapping to an 80e is a cheap task, it takes a bit of work and funding.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RedHeartbeat

yes, the 80e will work but its not just remove and replace. Read the conversion topic for an idea of what all is envolved.

Trans
xmember modification
80e/TH400 yoke and possible driveshaft modification (get the driveshaft if you can from the donor)
modify cooling hoses
80e overlay in the PCM tune
modify wiring harness and add a 2nd speed sensor to the PCM and trans
custom converter or spacer, longer bolts and flat flexplate

I'm sure I forgot something. Don't think swapping to an 80e is a cheap task, it takes a bit of work and funding.

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I get that my main concern is if the older tranny will work work with the newer motor. If I get the tranny for pretty much free do you think I could do the rest of the swap for under 1600 bucks or would I be better off going with the level 3 from flt? The most daunting on your list is the 2nd speed sensor and custom converter spacer and flat flexplate, I don't know where to find these things but I am sure someone on here could help me out with that. The biggest thing on my side is time there is no rush on this project becaue I have purchased another vehicle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RedHeartbeat

yes, the 80e will work but its not just remove and replace. Read the conversion topic for an idea of what all is envolved.

Trans
xmember modification
80e/TH400 yoke and possible driveshaft modification (get the driveshaft if you can from the donor)
modify cooling hoses
80e overlay in the PCM tune
modify wiring harness and add a 2nd speed sensor to the PCM and trans
custom converter or spacer, longer bolts and flat flexplate

I'm sure I forgot something. Don't think swapping to an 80e is a cheap task, it takes a bit of work and funding.

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This is not needed...buy a flexpate from a 98 f-body...it's dished so it does not require a spacer and in turn does not need the longer bolts

oh and FYI 97-up 80e's are the ones that will work in the LS based trucks/motors

lso, the Yank i bought already had the f-body flexplate bolt pattern so it bolted right up to it also

You can easily do the conversion for 1600. CrateEngineDepot.com has all the parts for the flywheel conversion. It would be nice if you could get a custom 10" converter built to bolt directly to the LS1 style dished flywheel. I bought mine for right around $900 from Precision Industries, its a custom stall converter that connects the 80e to a stock LS1 dished flywheel, you might check with Circle D and see if they can do the same for you. If you have a tune from Nelson, he can probably fix you up on the speedo wiring and PCM tune update.

Is it gonna push 1600 or be safely under? Also will I need a special 900$ TC or will the factory or just another standard one work?

should be under, safely. The custom converter is just a suggestion. Stock will require the spacer and flat flexplate with longer bolts.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RedHeartbeat

should be under, safely. The custom converter is just a suggestion. Stock will require the spacer and flat flexplate with longer bolts.

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I would like a higher stall but i don't know if I want to go all out custom. Really depends on how much the rest of it adds up to.

Hey dude where did you get the truck because mine was exactly like that and I traded mine off to prince automotive of valdosta ga. mine had a hotchkis 2/4 drop with edelbrock shocks and an over the rail spray in bedliner and a custom paint job with ss mirrors, vortec 5.7 tan interrior I am stationed at Moody oh and I had a fiberglass rollpan if it is my old truck let me know I would like to see it again!