LS3 416 with 6L80E or T56 Magnum

[Royalty Rides]

Recently purchased a '14 LS3 with 6L80E with only 21k miles. Came complete with ECU wiring harness and pedal. My plans are to stroke the engine out to a 416 N/A with about 600hp at the crank. I originally wanted to run a T56 Magnum in the car, but I like the idea of a 6 speed auto. I'm assuming the HP range won't be a problem based on new model Vettes running this transmission with 600+hp to the trans. I've been researching and see people saying DOD feature might not work well with a paddle shift setup. Either way I know the trans tunnel will need to be raised. My main goal is performance, the car might see some track time but mainly a weekend car that's set up to run if necessary.

Anyone that has experience or information would be appreciated. If the 6L80 isn't going to get me what I want I'll stick with my original plans of a T56 Magnum.

Thanks

[1989GTA]

I am running that setup in my 1965 Buick Skylark. The motor in my car is actually a L92. I stroked it to a 427 and everything has been fine. I did get rid of the VVT but in hindsight maybe I should have kept it. Mine never did have DOD but that I would get rid of. I do not see a problem between the VVT and a paddle shifter. I have yet to install a paddle shifter in my car but I ran the wire into the cabin area so that part will be done at some point. Be sure to get the 6L80 tuned by someone who knows what they are doing.

I took my car to the drag strip once and ran a 11.6 @ 120mph. 60' was in the 1.9 range. The car is set up more for pro-touring rather than drag racing. My 1 5/16" front sway bar is not helping at the strip. :) I consider my car a daily driver as I do run errands in it such as the bank and stores. I have A/C, PB and PS. Car with me in it weighs around 3900#.

[Royalty Rides]

I am running that setup in my 1965 Buick Skylark. The motor in my car is actually a L92. I stroked it to a 427 and everything has been fine. I did get rid of the VVT but in hindsight maybe I should have kept it. Mine never did have DOD but that I would get rid of. I do not see a problem between the VVT and a paddle shifter. I have yet to install a paddle shifter in my car but I ran the wire into the cabin area so that part will be done at some point. Be sure to get the 6L80 tuned by someone who knows what they are doing.

I took my car to the drag strip once and ran a 11.6 @ 120mph. 60' was in the 1.9 range. The car is set up more for pro-touring rather than drag racing. My 1 5/16" front sway bar is not helping at the strip. :) I consider my car a daily driver as I do run errands in it such as the bank and stores. I have A/C, PB and PS. Car with me in it weighs around 3900#.

I have a nova setup for the track so I'm going for the pro-touring setup on my 69 Camaro with an occasional trip to the strip. My plan is to do more research on the forums and see what shops people recommend in Northern Ca. I will run Vintage Air PB/PS with a 9" rear and minitub.

[Craig@Bowler]

Recently purchased a '14 LS3 with 6L80E with only 21k miles. Came complete with ECU wiring harness and pedal. My plans are to stroke the engine out to a 416 N/A with about 600hp at the crank. I originally wanted to run a T56 Magnum in the car, but I like the idea of a 6 speed auto. I'm assuming the HP range won't be a problem based on new model Vettes running this transmission with 600+hp to the trans. I've been researching and see people saying DOD feature might not work well with a paddle shift setup. Either way I know the trans tunnel will need to be raised. My main goal is performance, the car might see some track time but mainly a weekend car that's set up to run if necessary.

Anyone that has experience or information would be appreciated. If the 6L80 isn't going to get me what I want I'll stick with my original plans of a T56 Magnum.

Thanks

In my opinion I think both are great transmissions. You haven't mentioned this yet, but have you considered the differences in gear ratios from the 6l80 to the T56? Also, driveshaft configurations. I'm seeing more aftermarket support for the 6L80 lately but there is a lot more available to set up the T56. And as 1989GTA mentioned you will need to have the trans controller tuned to your car once everything is in place, and this entails sending off the valve body for re-programming. I'm definitely not trying to talk you out of the automatic, but consider everything that goes along with doing either one plus what each unit will do for the type of driving you want to do.

[Royalty Rides]

In my opinion I think both are great transmissions. You haven't mentioned this yet, but have you considered the differences in gear ratios from the 6l80 to the T56? Also, driveshaft configurations. I'm seeing more aftermarket support for the 6L80 lately but there is a lot more available to set up the T56. And as 1989GTA mentioned you will need to have the trans controller tuned to your car once everything is in place, and this entails sending off the valve body for re-programming. I'm definitely not trying to talk you out of the automatic, but consider everything that goes along with doing either one plus what each unit will do for the type of driving you want to do.

I am aware of the high first gear ratio the 6l80 has in comparision to the T56. I have been doing research and it seems like the driveshaft for the 6l80 is a little "easier" compared to the 6l90. There are only a couple of companies that I've seen that provide a crossmember for the 6l80. There are a few shops out in my area Bay Area, CA that have had great mentions for tuning. I didn't think about sending the valve body off for re-programming, thanks for that information. If I can get the performance out of the 6l80 (that I already have) I think based on what I paid for the entire setup will free up money to put elsewhere in my build. I might put the 6l80 up for sale, it sounds like I will be spending more and more on tuning and getting the automatic to run perfect.

[1989GTA]

I see that your transmission and engine came together. In this case there is no need to send the transmission controller off to be reprogrammed. Anyone with HP Tuners can program the engine and transmission combo as is. As far as a cross member goes there are plenty out there including the 4L80 that will work. You may have to slide it back and forth a little to get it to line up. Then maybe redrill a couple of holes. It is really no big deal.

[Royalty Rides]

I see that your transmission and engine came together. In this case there is no need to send the transmission controller off to be reprogrammed. Anyone with HP Tuners can program the engine and transmission combo as is. As far as a cross member goes there are plenty out there including the 4L80 that will work. You may have to slide it back and forth a little to get it to line up. Then maybe redrill a couple of holes. It is really no big deal.

I called Holley and they said there wasn't one for the 6l80, but if it's just a simple redrilling of holes that makes it easier. Prefer to use their entire ls swap to avoid geometry and fitment issues.

[1989GTA]

That is all you have to do. The Holley system should work out just fine. Line up the cross member to the transmission and mark the holes to drill if need be on the frame. Like I said it is no big deal. It will be one of the least things you will have to worry about in a swap like this. Here is a very early picture of my swap. Once I saw that the headers were going to work I had them ceramic coated. I have since changed out the cross member to one giving more exhaust clearance. My new one is very similar to the one Holley is making.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/Mikes5213001_zpsea907c37-1.jpg (http://s680.photobucket.com/user/ParleyBaer/media/Mikes5213001_zpsea907c37.jpg.html)

[Royalty Rides]

Thanks for the visual, nothing to worry about at all with the crossmember.

[Royalty Rides]

That is all you have to do. The Holley system should work out just fine. Line up the cross member to the transmission and mark the holes to drill if need be on the frame. Like I said it is no big deal. It will be one of the least things you will have to worry about in a swap like this. Here is a very early picture of my swap. Once I saw that the headers were going to work I had them ceramic coated. I have since changed out the cross member to one giving more exhaust clearance. My new one is very similar to the one Holley is making.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/Mikes5213001_zpsea907c37-1.jpg (http://s680.photobucket.com/user/ParleyBaer/media/Mikes5213001_zpsea907c37.jpg.html)

Are you running a rubber or prothane mount?

[1989GTA]

I don't remember.

[matto 1965]

133105133106133107i put a 6l80e in my 1965... fit perfect.. just a lil'banging on the trans tunnel and she slid right in.. looked great.. until i put the rims on and dropped the car down.. the 6l80 top dimensions are very similar to 4l80/700r whatevers.. but the bottom (oops) hangs 3" lower.. so as far as your trans mount..after drilling a few holes anything will work.. cause that is not the real issue with it, you will need to cut the floor. But have no fear, its not all that hard.. just invest in a decent body saw ( mines a snap on ) and add some metal.. if youre a booger welder its cool, nobody will see it any way !! hahahhaha

[rustomatic]

You'll also want to look into the Pontiac G8 pan/filter set. It provides a good amount of ground clearance--be sure that you get the right filter the first time. All parts places will try to give you a filter for a G6, which is not remotely related . . .

[Royalty Rides]

- - - Updated - - -


133105133106133107i put a 6l80e in my 1965... fit perfect.. just a lil'banging on the trans tunnel and she slid right in.. looked great.. until i put the rims on and dropped the car down.. the 6l80 top dimensions are very similar to 4l80/700r whatevers.. but the bottom (oops) hangs 3" lower.. so as far as your trans mount..after drilling a few holes anything will work.. cause that is not the real issue with it, you will need to cut the floor. But have no fear, its not all that hard.. just invest in a decent body saw ( mines a snap on ) and add some metal.. if youre a booger welder its cool, nobody will see it any way !! hahahhaha

What gear are you running out back?

[1989GTA]

With my car I ran 3.23 gears in my 1971 Buick 10 bolt rear end. The tires are 26" in diameter and I wanted a cruise rpm of just under 2000rpm at 70mph.

[USAZR1]

I put a 6l80e in my 1965... fit perfect.. just a lil'banging on the trans tunnel and she slid right in.. looked great.. until i put the rims on and dropped the car down.. the 6l80 top dimensions are very similar to 4l80/700r whatevers.. but the bottom (oops) hangs 3" lower.. so as far as your trans mount..after drilling a few holes anything will work.. cause that is not the real issue with it, you will need to cut the floor. But have no fear, its not all that hard.. just invest in a decent body saw ( mines a snap on ) and add some metal.. if youre a booger welder its cool, nobody will see it any way !! hahahhaha


Are you running an LS engine? I really want to install a 6L80 behind my first gen 383" sbc, to take the place of its current TH350. What do you guys think about doing something like that?

[1989GTA]

Are you running an LS engine? I really want to install a 6L80 behind my first gen 383" sbc, to take the place of its current TH350. What do you guys think about doing something like that?

The question is how are you going to control the 6L80? I have not checked into this for awhile so maybe there is a stand alone controller on the market these days.

[Craig@Bowler]

Are you running an LS engine? I really want to install a 6L80 behind my first gen 383" sbc, to take the place of its current TH350. What do you guys think about doing something like that?

Try contacting Speartech or Zero Gravity for info on a controller, I'm not sure if they've released a stand alone yet, otherwise you will have to use an LS engine with it. Is there a specific reason that you want to use the 6L80 rather than a 4L60 or 4L80? There's a ton of parts available for the 4 speeds to use behind nearly any engine.

[USAZR1]

Try contacting Speartech or Zero Gravity for info on a controller, I'm not sure if they've released a stand alone yet, otherwise you will have to use an LS engine with it. Is there a specific reason that you want to use the 6L80 rather than a 4L60 or 4L80? There's a ton of parts available for the 4 speeds to use behind nearly any engine.


My last four cars have been 6spd manuals and at my age (63), I'm getting tired of shifting. My wife's car has a 6spd automatic and I want one in my 70.
No,actually I would much prefer an 8spd.


Powertrain Control Solutions offers a stand-alone controller that I think will work with a 1st Gen SBC. Just need to call them.