My 2007 VortecMax 4L70E to 6L80E swap and how to.
09-15-2014, 09:34 PM
#1
My 2007 VortecMax 4L70E to 6L80E swap and how to.
First off, I want to thank "iamkeniff," "Hammer!," and "MCN5" for the inspiration. I also want to thank "GoneB4U" for providing me the transmission and transfer case I used.
Next, I've got to say that I do not miss the four speed now that the 6L80E is in. My 4L70E had 150,000 miles on it and still moved but was clunky with terrible gear spacing. Truck now gets off the line much better and never seems to be in a dead spot when downshifting.
My thoughts and advice follows. This wasn't a small job. Although I did this on the barn floor, a lift would simplify things. I'd recommend that anyone attempting this with a 4x4 order a complete 6L80E and transfer case assembly; I say this because the assembly will be the exact same length as the outgoing 4L70E and transfer case assembly. This means that you can reuse your driveshafts and transmission mount, crossmember, etc. Also, this eliminates the need to change out transfer case input shafts. I replaced my manifolds with Kooks headers and y-pipe (for 2010 6.2 model) so that the exhaust would clear the transmission pan.
For my swap I found a 2009 4x4 model with L76 engine, 6L80E transmission and similar options. I used the VIN for that truck to order most of my parts and for the programming/calibrations. The PCM & TCM need to have the same year operating software to work properly. There are several different TCMs for the 6L80E transmission so you may need to take the pan and valvebody down to change it (as I did). I also replaced my BCM also so that the manual shifter would work. Everything now functions perfectly except for the XM radio (which displays "theftlocked"). I'll list the part numbers I used below.
I did have to change my oil pressure sending unit since the electrical connector was different with my new harness. Also, apparently the engine oil level sensor is no longer used. I had to remove the plastic spacer from the center of the transfer case encoder motor electrical connector (harness side). The MAF connector also had to be repinned since the 2009 model used a different Mass Air Flow sensor; I simply matched up the colors of the wires to the ones in my old harness and put them in the same order. I reused my Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor by splicing in the connector from my old harness. The 2009 model used a different style sensor which can only be used with a 2009 (and up?) intake manifold. I also changed my starter to the 2009 style while everything was apart. I also changed the shell for the fuel pump connector at the frame rail to my original one.
Once this is all done, the modules will need to be programmed. I test drove and inspected for leaks then performed "fast adapt proceedure" with scan tool. Have been driving it for about a week now without a tune.
Next, I've got to say that I do not miss the four speed now that the 6L80E is in. My 4L70E had 150,000 miles on it and still moved but was clunky with terrible gear spacing. Truck now gets off the line much better and never seems to be in a dead spot when downshifting.
My thoughts and advice follows. This wasn't a small job. Although I did this on the barn floor, a lift would simplify things. I'd recommend that anyone attempting this with a 4x4 order a complete 6L80E and transfer case assembly; I say this because the assembly will be the exact same length as the outgoing 4L70E and transfer case assembly. This means that you can reuse your driveshafts and transmission mount, crossmember, etc. Also, this eliminates the need to change out transfer case input shafts. I replaced my manifolds with Kooks headers and y-pipe (for 2010 6.2 model) so that the exhaust would clear the transmission pan.
For my swap I found a 2009 4x4 model with L76 engine, 6L80E transmission and similar options. I used the VIN for that truck to order most of my parts and for the programming/calibrations. The PCM & TCM need to have the same year operating software to work properly. There are several different TCMs for the 6L80E transmission so you may need to take the pan and valvebody down to change it (as I did). I also replaced my BCM also so that the manual shifter would work. Everything now functions perfectly except for the XM radio (which displays "theftlocked"). I'll list the part numbers I used below.
I did have to change my oil pressure sending unit since the electrical connector was different with my new harness. Also, apparently the engine oil level sensor is no longer used. I had to remove the plastic spacer from the center of the transfer case encoder motor electrical connector (harness side). The MAF connector also had to be repinned since the 2009 model used a different Mass Air Flow sensor; I simply matched up the colors of the wires to the ones in my old harness and put them in the same order. I reused my Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor by splicing in the connector from my old harness. The 2009 model used a different style sensor which can only be used with a 2009 (and up?) intake manifold. I also changed my starter to the 2009 style while everything was apart. I also changed the shell for the fuel pump connector at the frame rail to my original one.
Once this is all done, the modules will need to be programmed. I test drove and inspected for leaks then performed "fast adapt proceedure" with scan tool. Have been driving it for about a week now without a tune.
Last edited by wanablaze; 09-15-2014 at 10:28 PM.
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dhachey19 (11-05-2017)
09-15-2014, 09:35 PM
#2
Parts list:
Wiring harness #20821966
PCM #12625455
BCM #25835966
TCM #24241890
Transmission oil pan gasket #24224781
Valve body gasket set #24236934
Transmission sump filter #24236933
Shift lever (Ebony? with manual up/down) #25807851
Instrument Cluster (uplevel/SLT trim) #22838411
Transmission oil cooler line assembly #25999419
Engine oil pressure sending unit #12621234
Front driveshaft boot clamp #26064275
Torque converter bolt (qty 3) #11589040
Starter #19180528
Wiring harness #20821966
PCM #12625455
BCM #25835966
TCM #24241890
Transmission oil pan gasket #24224781
Valve body gasket set #24236934
Transmission sump filter #24236933
Shift lever (Ebony? with manual up/down) #25807851
Instrument Cluster (uplevel/SLT trim) #22838411
Transmission oil cooler line assembly #25999419
Engine oil pressure sending unit #12621234
Front driveshaft boot clamp #26064275
Torque converter bolt (qty 3) #11589040
Starter #19180528
Last edited by wanablaze; 09-19-2014 at 08:17 PM.
The following users liked this post:
dhachey19 (11-05-2017)
11-05-2017, 12:30 PM
#4
man am I pissed I found this excellent write up after I'm 99% done my 6.2l 6l809e swap into my 07 vortecmax I coulda used those part numbers lol
Last edited by dhachey19; 12-01-2017 at 09:52 PM.
11-08-2017, 07:37 PM
#6
be ready for alot of work
no where near the drop in swap I thought this was gunna be if you want less hassle you can get your 4l70e built up and drop a 6.2 in fairly easy its the 6l80e that screws it all up unless of course you have a 6 speed truck or find the right harness I had to repin the one I got from Iamkeniff thread to fit my vvt 6.2
Last edited by dhachey19; 12-01-2017 at 09:53 PM.
11-14-2017, 07:04 PM
#7
Hi, hope it's not to late for you, but I did this swap but with. 5.3 about a year and half ago. It really isn't bad as long as you get the right engine. The key is keeping all the modules OS in the same year. I have no codes and was able to pass CA smog after.the swap so all the computers play nice with each other.
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11-14-2017, 07:21 PM
#8
Hi, hope it's not to late for you, but I did this swap but with. 5.3 about a year and half ago. It really isn't bad as long as you get the right engine. The key is keeping all the modules OS in the same year. I have no codes and was able to pass CA smog after.the swap so all the computers play nice with each other.
11-14-2017, 11:06 PM
#9
Harder yes actually almost impossible the 13 TCM will not communicate with the 07 ecm, They just aren't compatible. While the 13 trans is physically the same as an older 07 or 08 trans, GM changed the TCM sometime in 09.
12-01-2017, 09:49 PM
#10
motohead
maybe youd let me pick your brain I have a 2007 vmax I swapped from the l76 4l70e to the 6.2l/6l80e using a 2010 harness to allow the trans to work I have it to the point that I can drive the truck with no issues until I put a good load on the engine then it throws a p0606 code u0073 and reduced power I was thinking it may be because the tcm and ecm are both from a 2010 but every other module in the truck is 2007
maybe youd let me pick your brain I have a 2007 vmax I swapped from the l76 4l70e to the 6.2l/6l80e using a 2010 harness to allow the trans to work I have it to the point that I can drive the truck with no issues until I put a good load on the engine then it throws a p0606 code u0073 and reduced power I was thinking it may be because the tcm and ecm are both from a 2010 but every other module in the truck is 2007