4l80 swap into first gen

[socoken]

Hey everyone. Im getting ready to install my built 4l80 into my 68 firebird. Im running a small block chevy mill. For those that have done this install, do you have any tips?

My specific questions are:
What length/type of dipstick works best?
What type of trans fluid is recommended?
Do I need to fill the TQ converter before install?
Are all trans mounts the same, or is there a recommended one?
I know things are supposedly tight around the lines, what type of connector works best?


Thanks for any and all tips or insight!

Ken

[armourmark]

Use a Lokar dipstick for the trans. I used this part # through Summit Racing for my 4L80e in my 67 camaro:LOK-XTD-34L80FM DIPSTICK 4L80E TRANS BLACK SS. Yes, fill the torque converter before you install and make sure to put some trans fluid on the converter snout before you slide it into the trans. Also, if I was doing it again, I would swap the factory trans fittings for AN-6 ones through pure choice motorsports http://www.purechoicemotorsports.com/
Hopefully, this helps some. Mark

[socoken]

Thats a ton of help, I ordered the dipstick and will try to get trans fittings ordered soon.

Thanks, Mark!

[alocker]

I am building a 4L80e and I have found out about a few very important tips from one of the country's top 4L80e builders.

First, you absolutely need to check the dipstick with the pan off for proper fill level. The Lokar dipstick are notorious for going too far into the trans so the "full level" will actually be 1-2 quarts low. This is the number one cause for failure in swapped transmissions. You must install the dipstick and mark the stick even with the pan rail before you install the pan. This should be done with any dipstick in reality.

Second, John Deere hydraulic fluid is now the fluid of choice. It takes the heat better and is cheap.

[ryanleiker]

I'm interested to know what crossmember some of you would recommend...
I built my own to get my 4l80e in, but I sort of hate it... but I also don't like the idea of spending $300-$400 on one either...
I did see this... but I bet it's typo and is actually a 4l60e...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/381566321214?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT