4L60e/4L80e install question
 

Hey guys-
Looking to install a 4L60e or 4L80e in a 69 Camaro and I need a little help.

I'll preface this by saying that I plan on getting a paddle shift set up once I can afford it, but for now I just need to make the transmission work (at the lowest possible cost).

1. What are the list of parts I need to make it work behind a Carbed (but soon to be FAST EFI)454?
2. I'm pretty sure it will, but will this fit without making any modifications? I am running a stock sub frame.
3. HP will be modest (around 400) so is one trans a better choice than another?

Thanks for any insight you can provide.

Mike

I've been looking into this setup myself here lately. I've got a Nova though and can't comment too much on fitment in a Camaro. Seems like I remember reading you may need to trim one of the tabs on the trans bellhousing to clear the tranny hump near the engine if going 4l80e. Not sure if that applies to 4l60e though. Also the cooler lines can cause issues with the hump but only minor mods seem to be enough, i.e. big hammer :).

For controllers the Bauman unit is likely the most cost effective. Then there is also the PCS, TCI(by TCS), Compushift and probably others. The Compushift seems to be commonly considered the best. It is also one of the more expensive.

There aren't a lot of crossmember options. More for 4l60 than for 4l80 but I was looking specifically at 4l80. I have found the GForce and the XFactor. GForce reviews were mostly positive but it is built like a tank, aka heavy. The XFactor setup seems to be relatively new to the market and is made of aluminum. Prices are comparable. XFactor is somewhat local to me so I might give them a whirl.

At your power level I think you could get by with the 4l60. However, I don't think the 4l80 would be that much more expensive and is a good bit stronger.

I'd recommend you give Jake@Jake's Performance a call and he'll talk your ear off about it. Bowler and the like would be more thoroughly tested, packaged, etc but I'd consider Jake an affordable alternative. He's done a lot of trans over on some of the other forums. But if you got the cash Bowler or Phoenix - both sponsors- can hook you up all the way around with trans, converter, controller, etc.

John

thanks for the great info, John

I talked to Paul@XFactor this morning about their 4L80e crossmember. My concern, since I have a bbc in the car, was whether or not the mounting pad was offset to the passenger's side so it would work with the factory big block motor mount pads. He assured me that their design was "adaptable" to both centered and offset mounting setups.

Since it is "adaptable" I might switch to using the small block motor mounts with the BBC which should center up the driveline thus giving more clearance to the trans coolant lines which are on the passenger's side.

I went ahead and ordered one so I'll let you guys know how it works out. I have my fingers crossed that "adaptable" doesn't translate to spending hours with a BFH or taking it to the mill for new mounting holes :).

John

John, did ya get that xmember yet? How does it fit? I need a xmember for my l92/4l80 '69 firebird.
thanks