New tci 6-speed??

[ponchopwr70]

Was just reading TRUCKIN and saw that tci is coming out with a 6-speed auto. Researched it and seems its a 4l80e with two gears added to it. Wonder what you guys think about this. Prob going to cost a few bucks though. I would think it wouldn't be as strong adding two gears to a four speed.

[MonzaRacer]

Probably the new GM/Allison 6 speed borne of the 4L80E

[TCI]

It's is actually a 4L80-E with a different planetary set (to change the ratios) with changes made to the valve body and to the TCU that it comes with. We do not have the final price yet, but it will be a complete package down to the dipstick.

[critter]

Need a guinea pig? I'm in Little Rock. :) :) :) :) :)

[TCI]

We'll keep you in mind!

[critter]

HMM. Started to say something in public but better in a PM. ;)

[MarkB]

As stated, this is just a 4L80-E not the Allison. This setup works well, we have been testing a package like this in our shop truck for about 12 months now, seems very strong & dependable, we drive it daily and have several thousand miles on it. The six speeds is done by splitting 1 - 2 & 2 - 3 shifts. So you get 1st, 1st overdrive, 2nd, 2nd overdrive, 3rd & 4th. Many people feel that you are gaining a different overdrive ratio, but this is not the case. It is giving you a close ratio automatic six speed with a .75 overdrive ratio. I have to say I like the package, you can change at a touch of a button to be 4 speed, 5 speed or 6 speed. Same controller options and settings, each gear can be programmed just as the 4 speed version. You can use Steve's Paddles to operate each gear as well! The size of the transmission doesn't change, the stock pan is used, there is no visual difference externally. You can use many different gear ratio options just as available for the 400 to get the gear ratio spread that you need.
John Meany done this several years ago. It is a great package. We will be offering our 4L80 Six Speed complete transmissions this year as well.

[Karch]

I'm interested as well.

Perhaps two, if it will integrate into my Trailblazer w/o throwing codes and such.

[ponchopwr70]

So pretty much its like having a gear vendors, just inside the trans?

[critter]

Price?

(If you have to ask you can't afford it?) ;)

[TCI]

The TCI version will come with an aftermarket planetary that has 2.97, 2.23, 1.57, 1.18, 1.1, .75 ratios as well as aftermarket mainshaft, input shaft, sprag assembly, stock depth pan and clutches. The complete package will come with transmission, converter, our TCU w/harness, paddle shifter for manual option, dipstick and cooler.

We will also have our transbrake 6-speed ready this spring.

[Turbo67camaro]

Very cool. Bit late for me as I finished a 4L80E about 4 months ago. I'd have gone the 6 speed route if it was done sooner and the price was reasonable.

I don't see the value in having two gears so close (1.18 to 1.1).

Add engine braking!

Good stuff!

[ponchopwr70]

Im probably going with a gear vendors almost the same thing for less right now.

[wcardoc]

I emailed TCI yesterday and was told $5500.00 range.
Not Cheap but if it works
Anyone here know if I have to modify the firewall on a 68 Camaro to make it fit or will it basically bolt in?
Thanks

[TnBlkC230WZ]

What are the first and second gear ratios? the .75 overdrive is fine with a low first gear and a 3.08 - 3.42 axle.

[critter]

$5,500? Sheesh.

[rjsjea]

$5,500? Sheesh.


Did you see what the TCI unit comes with?? (converter,controller,paddles etc..) That price doesn't seem bad at all......

[All Fired Up]

What kind of hp is this tranny rated for?

[Turbo67camaro]

If you have a stock subframe and stock height subframe bushings, a 4L80E should fit without having to massage the trans. tunnel, as Steve put it, with "Mr. Hammer".

My 4L80E fit into my 67 Camaro without tunnel mods (SBC, stock subframe, standard height body bushings). I used a custom trans cross member from PATC.

I'm happy with the choice. Couple more gears would be nice though.

[wcardoc]

Thanks Turbo67 that helps. The add from TCI says it will handle up to 850HP. As someone said above if it comes with everything then it's not really too far out on price.

[critter]

Probably not out of line for what it is but still well out of the range of the "average guy" out there. Sorry, I can't afford it. I'll be junkyard crawling for a home grown answer because I don't have that kind of money for my hobby car. I'm not dissing their product, I just wish there was SOME kind of automatic OD tranny I could put in my 450hp, 550 ft. lb. Pontiac Trans Am that would fry on the second hard shift. Oh, and it has to cost about $1,500. Yeah, I know...

OK, I'll shut up now.

[mjoc1]

THe trans is a 6L80e. It is GM's corporate six speed for the new camaro and the CTS. it replaces the 4l80E

called GM parts counter.

Mike

[Karch]

THe trans is a 6L80e. It is GM's corporate six speed for the new camaro and the CTS. it replaces the 4l80E

called GM parts counter.

Mike

Mike, the 6L80e has an approx. 4:1 first gear ratio, not 2.97, so I don't think it's the same thing.

Plus, the 6L80e is a really big trans, as I am hoping/wishing to get a pair of them. Actually, I'd like the 6L90e, as it has wider/stronger gears, supposed to handle more torque, and the CTS-V version is supposed to be a bit stronger/better for my applications.

[mjoc1]

I saw one in a camaro with a paddle shift setup. It looked really good. I wish i had taken photos of th install when i saw it.

Mike

[wcardoc]

It is based on a 4l80E case. Thats right from TCI. It's not the new trans from GM.

[MarkB]

You are right, the six speed being talked about on this thread is a modified 4L80E transmission. This is done through electronics and splits the 1-2 and 2-3 ratios. The overdrive stays the same as the 4L80E which is .75:1. This is a pretty slick setup. We have our own Bowler version in our shop truck and in a '68 Camaro with a 540 big block that we have been testing for about a year. The estimated TCI price of $5500 is very reasonable, we will be much more than that for a true 850 ft lbs transmission package, sorry. I wish we could offer a transmission that was more affordable for everyone. It seems like prices keep going up, but it is due to the quality parts, so if the only way we can offer a resonable transmission is to cheapen the product, we will not be doing that any time in the future.

As for the 6L80E it should really be on another thread. This is a great transmission, the weakest point is the programming. We have built a few for Corvettes and G8s. We offer a billet 9" x 11" converter, 300M input shaft and hub, and a clutch upgrade package. As for the aftermarket use, it is still a little ways off from being easy. As you know Speartech offers a harness package if you are using it with the LS series motor. But others will have to wait a bit longer. Plus for the size, be prepaired for a large tunnel and a transmisison pan that may hit speed bumps. We have new OEM GM transmissons in stock ready for modifications when the time comes to put them in our project cars.

[55ChevDelray]

The TCI version will come with an aftermarket planetary that has 2.97, 2.23, 1.57, 1.18, 1.1, .75 ratios as well as aftermarket mainshaft, input shaft, sprag assembly, stock depth pan and clutches. The complete package will come with transmission, converter, our TCU w/harness, paddle shifter for manual option, dipstick and cooler.

We will also have our transbrake 6-speed ready this spring.

Are you going to have one that will bolt up to a BBC. I'm building a 55 chev and wanting the ZZ502 and a 6 speed auto. :)

[Karch]

Are you going to have one that will bolt up to a BBC. I'm building a 55 chev and wanting the ZZ502 and a 6 speed auto. :)

They are stating there are two versions, LS series engines, and traditional Chevy.

The latter is the same for big block and small block, not to mention 4.3L V6.

Also, for us BOP types, I would think you can use the standard adapter kits to put it behind your BOP's.

[55ChevDelray]

They are stating there are two versions, LS series engines, and traditional Chevy.

The latter is the same for big block and small block, not to mention 4.3L V6.

Also, for us BOP types, I would think you can use the standard adapter kits to put it behind your BOP's.

Cool... hope they let us know when they've available..

[sporter]

I just converted from TH-400 to a 4L80E. Cost was as follows:

Jakeshoe 4L80E (local pickup): $1700 plus $400 core charge = $2100
Twist Machine Compushift TCU, display and paddle shifter: $1727
PTC lock-up Torque converter, 3300 stall: $820
TCI transmission adapter: $60
Dipstick: $60
New 3.5" steel driveshaft and 4L80E 1350 yoke: $300
Welding (custom crossmember): $30
Special low profile swivel line connectors: $40

Total cost: $ 5137.00

If $5500 includes the trans, TCU, paddles and Torque converter - that's a pretty good price.

Warranty?

Any chance of a retrofit kit for standard 4L80Es?

[icebird84]

thanks Ed
I can stop dreaming of getting one for my trans am, it cost more than my rebuild Ls1 be for it leaves the States will cost me over 1100 $ to my home :crying:

[dave281sc]

Will this be available with different O/D ratios like maybe .65 or .7?

Thanks,
Dave

[TCI]

Not at this time. It's currently only .75.

[critter]

After what I went through with my 80e I should have just bought one of these. I'd have saved money. Hindsight...