Performance 6L80E trans needed!

[Nick 2K2 SS]

I don't know that much about the newer transmissions but I think GM created a new Heavier duty 6L90E for the ZL1. Why not look into that trans since it was designed with a 5 year/100000 mile power train warranty in mind with a SC car? Just a thought.

[Frank]

I'm not knocking RPM they do good work (from what I hear) but I wanted the same Trans back in my car and not lose the two extra gears. Circle D put HP clutches and Billet Shaft with Billet 2800-3200 stall converter. To answer to the ZL1 Trans swap, the ZL1 produces 500HP at the at the wheel I'm sitting about 560. Circle D sent me the Tune yesterday I looked at the difference and the only thing I see is a first gear shift point at 6K and the 2-3 & 3-4 same at 6300 RPM at WOT.

[DarkSS]

So what was messed up in the trans, clutches were done? What all was replaced, clutches and... bands? Any upgraded hard parts or not needed?

There's no bands in a 6L80e. It's not like a traditional 4 speed GM trans. They use a clutch/clutch system to disengage and engage the gears. That's what makes it harder to tune along with all the parameters used in the trans tune. The 6L80 is a very strong trans but if the tune isn't spot on you will burn the clutches and the trans will slip in no time. Currently the only "mods" for the 6L80e is upgraded clutch packs and a couple stronger billet pieces in the trans. The tune is the #1 critical piece of 6L80 longevity. RPM used to work on the 6L but has stopped. They really bush the 4 speed conversions on Vette's and Camaro's.

[Pro Stock John]

Yeah I was pitted near RPM at the Atlanta CHP race and Rodney told me he stopped taking in 6L80E's.

Frank, you have a trans cooler?

[DarkSS]

Yeah, bummer. They do great work and are a lot closer then Texas. I still hold out hope they will upgrade them again with the progress Circle D and Century have made in the last year.

[Frank]

Yeah I do wish there was a Trans shop a lot closer than Texas, but I hope not to use another one for a while lol! I installed a B&M Trans cooler (after the disaster) ImageUploadedByTapatalk1340293310.579996.jpg now Trans is running at 175 dig.

[Frank]

Update! Installed my Trans put 2800 stall converter.....and before I had a chance to tune the Trans.....it started making noise ....I dropped the pan and the filter was clogged from clutch material. Now what? Option one remove Trans and send it to them to re-repair or option two.... Send whole car to Texas and have them get it right? What would you do?

[Bubbles]

Whole car. Period. Don't mess around... Curtis had a similar issue and gave up and went back to stock after his build 6L fried itself.... And has now resigned himself to replacing the trans after each track day.

[litle88]

You don't need to ship the car bud, I wouldn't because now there's more variables for bad things to happen ( shiat can happen really) I would ship it back to them and have then rebuild it!! Then contact that Jannety guy on Camaro5 I have read some of his builds that had the 6L and he has good Trans tunes from what I have read even on Gmhightech magazine. On this months issue a G8 is in the 10's with a 6L and the owner of the car owns intense racing and you might want to give Jim a call and pick his brain.

But if all else fails you can always just go to the 4L and not worry anymore and have fun with the car. Just my .2

[1stGM]

Send just the trans back... if they effed up the trans initially,just think what may happen to the whole car... Sucks to hear this

[Pro Stock John]

Have you installed a trans/converter before?

[Frank]

Yes I have, I was an Auto tech for 15 years, now I own 4 auto repair shops (Acorn Tire). Camaro Trans was super ez to R+R just like an old school muscle car. However a Trans jack and a lift helps.

[Pro Stock John]

Any updates? I think Chris @ Circle D is a decent guy, did you guys connect?

[Frank]

Hey John I decided to send the whole car down to Texas and have them find out if anything went wrong and tune the Trans. I'm also having them dyno it with the new Trans and stall converter. It actually works great for me because I'm on vacation for 2 weeks and car was just going to sit. Bty circle d offered to pay half the shipping. Shipping car is $500. So not too bad. I should have done this before,, oh well live and learn.

[Frank]

Bty I'm flying down to Huston and driving it back, should be a fun ride.