4l80e question

[aarolar]

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...

[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.

[aarolar]

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.

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.

[RedHeartbeat]

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.

[aarolar]

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?

[RedHeartbeat]

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

[mean05]

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.

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

[mean05]

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

[ryan_prettyman]

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!

[ryan_prettyman]

Oh and if that is my truck I just put a new 5.7 in it and the trans was built by cantrell racing and shifted very hard got me a $300 ticket on bemiss!