Maybe this has been covered, but I haven't really been able to find the info...so here's a couple questions all related to a 4x4 GMT900 1500:

1) Can a 4x4 1500 with the 6L80E be easily converted to a 4L80E?
2) How easy/hard is it to swap a 4 speed 4x4 1500 to a 4L80E?
3) IF the 6L80E trucks are too much of a pain, what was the last year of the 4 speed 4x4 trucks? 2010?
5) How different is the Avalanche from the Silverado/Sierra in terms of transmissions swaps and performance mods?


Thanks...

 

I don't know the answer to your question.
But i seen your signature and i always thought it was: If it floats,flys, or fu(ks it's cheaper to rent!

 

I'll Answer what I know

1.) Donno
2.) Donno
3.) All the 4.8 Trucks have 4L60E and starting in 2010 all 5.3's equipped trucks, so to answer your question 2009.
4.) Identical

 

The 6L80 is proving to be stout so Im curious why you would want to swap it out anyways?

 

if u want to change a 60e 4x4 truck to an 4l80e. I'm pretty sure you will have to change the output shaft on the 80e. they don't make an input shaft for the newer transfercases yet.

 

I'll take your 6speed if you figure it out

 

to swap from 4l60e to 80e you need to change the output shaft on the 80e.
6l80e to 4l80e, why would you want to?


i have a 2010 4.8l/4l60e/4wd, so they definitely made the 4spd/4wd combo in 2010.
in 2011, 4.8 is 4l60e only, 5.3 is 6l80e only, back in 2010 you could get a 5.3/4l60e, but not any more.

 

/\ what he said /\

 

Under 500-600 whp I'd agree with that...above that and they aren't really proving themselves to be as reliable as the 4L80E is. Also, the 6L80E has a "2 event shift" - it has to release one gear while another one comes on. The timing is much too sensitive...if you get it wrong you either get slip or bind. That doesn't happen with the 4L80E. As I understand that is because the 6L80E is a clutch-only unit while the 4L80E is a clutch and band unit.

I'm not saying the 6L80E won't ever be super strong...but as of current, the 4L80E has a better selection of parts, and requires MUCH less precise tuning. I think the 6L80E still needs a LOT more time with tuners before it's "perfected".

Will I make over 500 whp within the first few months of ownership? Probably not. Will I make over that within a year or two? - well, that's the plan! And I want the ability to go "back" to a 4L80E if the 6L80E proves to be unreliable at the power levels I'd like to achieve (800-900 ish fwhp).



Plus - I have a company 5.3/6L80E Z71; and have driven 7 others...so far I have not been impressed with the shifting. It seems very un-refined...and my speculation is again it's tuning related.

 

i have a performabuilt lvl 2 4l60e in my truck, and while it does work great right now i don't think it will like 500-600 whp. they say it will handle 700hp, but who knows?


i didn't know the 6l80 shifted differently than the other transmissions. but, it seems to work rather well in heavy, high hp trucks. i guess if they get the tuning figured out the 6l80 could be the new king...