I guess you call it an achievement, I call it an expensive lesson

I had them built by several different people, built them myself, you name it. The only one that didn't bite the dust was a 65E I had built by VinceB, it was a level 5 4L65E from FLT (Well respected trans guru and moderator here) and that's just because I pulled it before I could kill it. I'm here to tell you, they might hold their advertised Hp in a Go-Kart, but there's no way in hell it is equal ground in a 6000lb suburban. I had an extended cab truck with several different engine/trans/turbo configurations. Hp was in the neighborhood of what you're describing depending on boost level. Heat and weight murder these transmissions. I've got the heat issue solved, the weight is what it is. They label those kits in order to sell parts. I've bought parts from PATC, they're not a bad company, but take what they say/sell with a huge lump of rock salt. You have to know for yourself and have realistic expectations about what you're ordering.

Put it to you this way. Id swap an 80E in a BONE STOCK suburban that I planned on driving and towing with. Do you think a clutch experiences the same stresses in a 3500lb Camaro as it does in a Suburban and a trailer pulling a grade? There's a reason the 3/4 ton trucks Come stock with an 80E, and a 1/2 ton comes with a 60E... The 80E shares the design of the TH400 with OD added it's stout.


As far as your 80E needs. Most anybody can build one to last because they are stronger to begin with but, they're not indestructible either. There are hydraulic changes in the valve body and in the gear train that need to be done in order for them to live happier lives... There are several detailed build threads on this site that will steer you in the right direction. There are also some guys who buy a junkyard 80E, a $100 shift kit and never look back. It's hard to argue with their track record.

Hope this helps...

 

FWIW i plan on picking up a 4l80 once i get caught up and new cam, headers etc sqaured away for when the new 60 goes which i have faith that it will..... Dont disagree with 80 being a superior trans, just wish there was a way to get the first gear ratio from a 60 into it!!!

 

It certainly does help. I will be doing some more research, for sure. I understand that companies put figures on paper to sell it. I also agree that 6000lbs is alot more strain on a tranny. Part of me likes being different and going the less traveled route. But I am a firm believer in doing it the right way the first time. If that means an 80e, no problem. I will keep researching and update my goals accordingly

You have indeed been a help, thanks a ton! I look forward to getting more involved around here and getting to know everyone. That is the biggest reason I started this thread.

 

I just found your build thread, and have alot of reading to do!

 

Fyi just look look for posts with pics, there is a lot of bsing in that thread and some do overs!!!

 

Alright guys,

Thank you for the kind welcome! I posted a few pics to get the party started. Frame is straight. The bumper, bumper mounts and the core support took the heat. I have almost all of the parts needed to repair to stock.

I still need to have my airbag module reset, get another core support (the new one I bought is junk), and a new bumper.

 

Where you post them???

 

Man if you were close to me i know where theres 4 suburbans and tahoes just waiting to have the parts picked off of em!!

 

They are on the bottom of the first post of this thread, along with the current $$$ spent to date

They are working fine for me, let me know if you cant see them.

Parts have to be purchased with a invoice and all that special jazz to get re-registered in WA state, so I have to jump though some extra hoops.

I figured everyone would like to see a project like this with the numbers. We have all thought about doing something like this, afterall. If I can do it, anyone can. I have no garage, limited tools and limited budget.

So this is a thread to prove that any one can do something impressive if they set their goals, research and invest wisely.

 

Youd have receipts for everything, its a local junkyard, that actually has "stores through the US, just know there are at keast three good core supports but youbare a bit far away!!!