68 Camaro / 4L80E Help

[jvest]

A couple of months ago I purchased a 4L80E out of a 91 ¾ ton Chevy truck. I plan to build it after Christmas and install it in my 68 Camaro to replace a TH350 I torched a few months back.

I’m trying to put together a Christmas wish list for my wife and mother-in-law. So far I’ve got a TCI Pro Super Transmission Overhaul Kit for 4L80E (278800), TCI Transmission Controller and a Lokar flexible dipstick. When I tore it down last night I notice the rear planet, sun gear and rear ring gear will need to be replaced. Looks like the sun gear to rear ring thrust bearing went out and damaged these parts. Also the forward clutch pack was burnt up. I need a little help answering some questions I listed below. I also listed info on the car and how it’s used.

Car:
•Weekend cruiser. Less than 3,000 miles a year. Maybe a once a year trip to the local drag strip.

•4:10 rear gear with 26” tall tires

•575 hp 383 SBC (Running 50/50 C12 & pump gas)

Questions:
•Can I replace the rear planet, sun gear & rear ring gear with good used OEM since it’s only a cruiser car? (Don’t want to spend a ton of cash if I don’t need have to)

•I assume EBay is the best place to look for the used OEM parts?

•Is the TCI overhaul kit I listed above the best for the money, or is there something else better, maybe with bushings, thrust washers & bearings?

•Should I order the bushing, thrust washer & bearing kits?

•Does the Transgo 4L80E-HD2 shift kit with 48-MOD vacuum modulator kit really work without using a stand only computer in the older cars?

•Is Shift Works mechanical speedo mod ($495) the best option for either the stand alone computer control or Transgo kits?

•Have I missed something? (Keep in mined I’m not an abuser, just a user. Shouldn’t need bullet proof.)


Thanks,
Jim

[BigVin]

If your running a carb then you'll need a TPS.

[jvest]

Yep, it's carbed. I'm not sure if the controller kits come with a TPS or I've got to get one separately.

[MonzaRacer]

look up these guys, you can get EVERYTHING from these guys: https://www.wittrans.com/Default.aspx?
Well except controlers but internals wise and rebuild parts, these guys are tops, Ford dealer I worked for used them almost exclusive

[MarkB]

Yes you can use good used parts, just ensure you purchase them from a reputable company, to ensure there is no unusual wear.I wouldn't recommend Ebay for hard parts, they are probable there, but I would feel better about you purchasing them from a transmission shop or as suggested here (WIT, Whatever It Takes Transmission Parts or Transtar) I am not sure what the cost of the TCI kit is or how complete it is, so I can not answer that. I would recommend a complete package, with bearings, washers, overhaul kit, bands, sprags and bushings.

If you use the Transgo stage III full manual control option shift kit with 48-MOD vacuum modulator kit it will work without using a stand only computer.

There is only two options for a mechanical speedometer, either a Cable X box or the Shift Works mechanical speedo modifed tailhousing. I recommend the ShiftWorks kit.

I think I have answered all your questions, if you have any other feel free to ask, you can reply here, PM, Call the shop or email us. Keep in mind we can sell you all the required items from the kit, tailhouisng, hard parts, etc.. But feel free to call around and get your best deals.

Thanks,
Mark

[MonzaRacer]

I agree my th400 was built by me with a transtar hp kit I actually got from Jasper Transmissions before they quit selling over counter, I love the Raybestos Blue Plate clutchs and Kolene steels, but the koleen treated steels give weird black residue to dipstick before first wipe, I alos use the B&M trans pack and went for the competition tune, then added back in the modulator valve and used a TCI Saturday night special converter, oh and it had Caddy drums to up all the clutch pack count.

[jbirdcamaro]

if you bought a stand alone computer then should come with a tps sensor.

if you go with the transgo stage 3 shift kit , that is a manual shift only. .
what ever gear you put it in is the gear it goes to. no matter what. if you are going 70mph and you for some reason put it in 1st, it will go to first. no if ans or buts about it.

[jbirdcamaro]

you can also get a crossmember from www.transmissioncenter.net

the make crossmembers for the early camaros with 4l80e, 4l60e,400,350,2004r and t56