I am debating between the two options. I will come out cheaper money wise to do an 80, but I am worried my power will suffer and I don't have the coin to mod up to compensate. And there is the whole lower gearing issue ...I'd have to gear down the rear with the 80. I go back and forth. Can some guys that have been through this give me a push. Thanks in advance.

 

if you plan on hitting over 600rwhp then get an 80e otherwise i would go 65e!

 

Get a stock 80 do a shift kit and forget about it. The turbo won't know the difference.

 

thanks guys...This would be my most cost effective option, I am just worried the 342's and that 80e will make me too slow. Hell, I am already to slow The real reason I am still considering the level 5 is its easy , no power and gearing loss, and its fresh.

Keep the advice coming. Keep in mind my budget will never allow for forging the motor and turning up the boost. I will never see 500 to the wheels

 

if you will not see 500rwhp why get an 80e. Why not get a 65e which will handle the power and be a direct swap?

 

65e's a 100% no fuckign aroudn direct swap?

 

Who ever stays at their power levels anyways?? I'd say to the 80e and if it starts breakin up on you slap in the servo's n shift kits and build it a little.

 

I work at a fab shop and I have the flywheel and harness for an 80 swap. I can drop a 80 in for around 1350 or so. Its hard to find a built 65e that'll handle what a 80 and a shift kit will. I would love to do a direct swap, but I don't want to worry every time I jump on the throttle. What 65e (exactly) are you suggesting for me?

Thanks for the responses.

 

he was suggesting the FLT 65E LVL-5

 

I was putting 500 rwhp to the ground with the stock 5.3 and it ran just as well as it did with the 60. I also have a 3.42 rear gear if that helps.