| GM 6L80/6L90 Six Speed Automatic Conversion System: Avalanche, Canyon, Colorado, Envoy, Hummer H3, Sierra, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Trailblazer (SS) |
Making the world's FIRST 4WD conversion of a 6 speed automatic into a vehicle that was not designed for it WITH FACTORY CRUISE CONTROL, Gear Hold, Traction/Launch Control and all original interior features fully functioning was no easy feat!
However, having successfully completed a 4L70E four speed automatic transmission to a 6L80E six speed automatic transmission in our project Trailblazer rewarded TBMSport with a tremendous accomplishment that we are now ready to share the benefits with you, the enthusiast.
While the world has come to embrace and offer solutions for installing GM's LSX engines into almost any vehicle, the differences between the 6L80/90E transmission and 4L60/65/70/80E transmissions have perplexed the aftermarket for several years and created a major void in the GM performance world. Concerns about installation fitment and functionality have discourage many from considering the swap as transmission alternative. Those who recognized, desired, embraced the 6L80/90E provided benefits were stuck with a handful of expensive and/or incomplete ECM/Harness solutions that were often only able to be installed as a full powertrain and harness system in pre-OBDII emission controlled vehicles. If enthusiasts had a late model OBDII EFI vehicle, such as our project Trailblazer, they were stuck with their 4 speed automatics or forced to lose accustomed functions such as cruise control. As a result of this, few have experienced the potential gains in performance, driving dynamic and fuel economy that this independent transmission swap can provide. Fewer have come to appreciate the overall bang-for-the-buck cost savings that makes this conversion a top MUST DO on any enthusiasts TO DO list.
All of that has now changed. The rules and assumptions of bang-for-the-buck performance vs. daily driveability compromise have been officially rewritten.
We now are TAKING ORDERS on Plug & Play systems for I6 ('08-09) and V8 ('07-09) GMT360 platform trucks (Ascender, Rainier, Envoy, Trailblazer, 9-7x, SSR), and '07-'09 GMT900 (Silverado, Sierra, Yukon, Suburban). Other LS based vehicles are being evaluated, so please provided us with your feedback.
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| The attached chart shows in the upper area how identically powered and final ratio geared Trailblazer SS's will generate different multiplied torque product to the wheel. The lower area shows how much more power the engine would have to make in order for the 4L70 and 4L80 to match the 'average' forward gear torque of the 6L80/90. NOTE: 6L80/90E Gear ratios multiply more torque per gear & overall average torque. Other transmissions would require significantly more torque from the engine to match the output of the 6L80/90E. |
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"13.1@106.6" & "Speedo Video" Video Highlights: '08 GMC Sierra Quad Cab 5.3L, 4L60E w/4.10 converted to cammed("228/236 .588.601 112+2 or something like that"), LT, 6.2L, 6L80. Easily a 5200+lb truck. "60' 1.968 1/8 8.512 @MPH 84.68
1/4 13.135 @MPH 106.42"
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| '08 GMC Sierra Quad Cab 5.3L, 4L60E w/4.10 converted to cammed("228/236 .588.601 112+2 or something like that"), LT, 6.2L, 6L80. Easily a 5200+lb truck |
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6L80/90E Swap
PRO +Gain of up to 7% in acceleration times from transmission swap alone (MaxChevy.com 3/07)
+Superior torque capacity to 4L60/65/70E in stock form
+FOUR evenly spaced forward gear ratios (Less work required of engine)
+TWO overdrive gear ratios (Best fuel economy potential)
+4.02 first gear ratio (unmatched torque multiplication from launch)
+Superior aftermarket performance parts (Only the best manufacturers are offering upgrade components)
+Electronic controlled tap up/down shifting with gear hold
+Plug & Play connectivity with TBMSport Interface Module
CON -Limited transmission core availability - Requires specialized & experienced 6L80/90 program tuner to maximize performance benefits
VERDICT +Best bang for the buck single bolt-in component (Increased acceleration & lower highway RPM)
+Best overall upgrade solution for street driven vehicles under 600hp/tq engine
+Best manual transmission alternative for road course racing
+Best street driven off-road vehicle solution (rock crawling 1st gear ratio, electronic gear hold, double O/D) gears)
| 4L60/65/70E (Upgrade) Swap
PRO +Decent compromise transmission (performance, cost, & fuel efficiency)
+Overdrive gear
+Lots of cores & aftermarket performance parts
CON: -Moderate strength transmission in stock form
-Requires expensive rebuilding to make reliable
-Large RPM drop in 1-2 gear shift
VERDICT -Best compromising solution when choosing to use widely available parts -Best compromising solution when choosing NOT to change ANY other vehicle components
| 4L80/85E Swap
PRO +Unmatched torque capacity
+Evenly spaced forward gear ratios
+Overdrive gear
+Lots of cores & aftermarket performance parts
CON: -Least torque multiplication. Installation often requires expensive changes to overall drivetrain (Camshaft, Torque Converter, Axle ratio) to maintain or gain performance
-Worst O/D gear ratio
-Can require rewiring and standalone control module
-Usually requires new/modification to crossmember
VERDICT -Best solution when engine output currently or will potentially exceed 600 hp/tq
-Best upgrade solution for drag racing vehicle that sees limited pleasure street driving use
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For the following reasons, TBMSport felt that it was necessary to rid the GMT360 platform of the 4 speed automatic transmission, known as the 4L65/4L70, with GM's latest and truly greatest 6 speed automatic transmission, the 6L80/6l90.
A) 4L65/70's just cannot repeatedly stand up to the power and weight of these vehicles under hard use. This will result in repeatedly rebuilding the transmission.
B) 4 speed autos drop the engine RPM out of its torque band during shifts, causing anything from too much shock to the gears/shafts, too much work load to the engine, to too much torque converter heat build up.
C) The new 6L80/90 comes from the factory behind engines making more power than GMT360's and vehicles weighing more than GMT360's
D) The 6L's are clutch trannys that automatically, with the computer control, adjust the clutches so you maintain the same consistent shifting as the clutches wears
E) For the most severe applications, the only upgrade necessary will be stronger clutch discs; which are available
F) The transmission swap cost is equal to or less than the cost of rebuilding the factory 4L65/70 (w/ torque converter) and will last longer
G) Keeping current axle gear ratios will result in improved acceleration and fuel economy
H) 4L80/85 transmissions are expensive, reduce 1st-3rd gear acceleration through less torque multiplication, (giving the impression of sapping a lot of overall engine power), and increase fuel consumption
I) To swap the 6L80/90 transmission into these means less money in the long run with other mods, from forced induction to cam to exhaust. Do a transmission mod ONCE.
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