I want to prepare for the addition of a TVS1900 running 6PSI and concerned that this truck being my daily driver that the 4L60E will let me down eventually and basically be trashed..Also it would be nice to bump up to 10PSI down the road if the trans is capable of the task


I would like some suggestions on a good transmission swap for my 2009 5.3L 4L60E equipped truck..

What would be a good breakdown of the top options? Through several hours of reading here is my observation

1) 4L80E
Pro's- Can be found at junkyards relatively cheap, the strongest of swap options, add a hd shift kit and thats all you need, tried and true reliable for 500-600tq+
Con's- mostly high mileage examples for sale/unknown mileage or condition (rebuilt), intermediate to advanced install i.e. needs custom modified crossmember, harness, odd downshift randomly when cruising on flat highway speeds, re-tune for trans, driveshaft/yoke, etc., slight power loss~10rwhp/10rwtq, heavier than 4L60E
Estimated Cost $1500-2500

2) 6L80E
Pro's- Mostly low mileage examples since it is relatively new to GM (08+), maybe slight improvement in acceleration and mpg 6spd vs 4spd, considered reliable around 450rwtq max
Con's- Hard to find, advanced install since trans has its own pcm to control transmission, requires many components/modifications for swap, at times quirky shifting, expensive to rebuild
Estimated cost $1500-2500

3) 4L60E Built
Pro's- Drop in with no modifications, already tuned for this trans, most readily available of the 3
Con's- Only reliable for 350rwtq, still costly for quality rebuild $1500-2000
Estimated cost $1500-2000

 

Flt and Phoenix make some 4l60s that handle what your power goals are but what I would go for for the best in reliability and to handle more power later would be the 4l80e. It's not so bad to swap out and it will handle alot of power. To me it would be your best bet.

 

It sounds more appealing the more I think about it, my only real concern is finding someone who is more than capable of doing this swap in my area..

I was told there are minor adjustments made to the 4L80E's over the years, what version is the latest and most compatible to my 09? 2007+?

 

Still trying to figure out the best option, anyone else swap over to the 4L80e trans?

 

Lots of people here have swapped over to the 4l80e, I am right now.

 

Just my opinion, but I WOULD shy away from the 6L80. Lots of reports of them not holding up to high hp numbers.

 

I have heard the same, although I have not seen it first hand.

 

4l80e, peace of mind, more torque greediness, enjoy your beer when done.

 

I'm jumping on the bandwagon as well. I think its the right move if you really plan on making power.

 

the 6l90e is the heavy duty. I thought the 6l80e was more like the 4l60e.

IMO I run the **** out of my 4l80e. Simple, lockup, and OD, and all the dependability. what more do you want?