New Opinions On Engine

[shenk10]

I found an ls2 locally out of a traiblazer ss that comes with the transmission which is the 4l70e, harness and computer, with around 45,000 miles. The price is $4,000. Most ls2 engines alone that I have seen have been more than this. Do you guys think this is a good deal and buying an ls2 is better than a lq4 or lq9? Is this transmission fine if I decide to do upgrades to the engine in the future? The only thing I'm questioning is that the transmission is for a awd, so how much money/hastle will it be to convert it to 2wd? Thanks for all the help and opinions.

[Juiced06GTO]

Not worth it you should buy it and give it to me!!

Not a bad deal in my opinion though, not sure how you can convert it back to 2wd without a decent amount of work.

[68GMCCustom]

the 4L70e is GM's "Super Duty" or Super HD, the strongest version 4L60e you can get other then aftermarket. They break some on hopped up TBSS's...but they're 2.5 tons too.

thats actually a pretty slick awd system....but I'm guessing you might be able to remove the trans tailshaft and change it for a 2wd one? Or swap the trans out all together.

[Big Port Jimmy 6]

Sounds reasonable to me. Jay

[menace121978]

i'n my opinion i'd pass and go with an lq4 or lq9.... there is a joke out here called the "LS TAX"... basically your paying $2000 for the LS nameplate. (and aluminum block of course) i may get flamed but i do have an ls2 in the goat and i love it... bullet proof! but i'm not cutting any corners on my build and i went with the lq9 and used the 2k that i saved for all the little stuff like fuel system and headers i also got the stronger 4l80e trans too.

[68GMCCustom]

yes....but he's getting a 4L70e along with that LS2, harness, ecm, etc.

Going with the LS2 gives him roughly 60hp over the LQ4/9...yes they are both 6.0 and the LS2 is aluminum and the truck motors are iron....but he's also getting 243 heads vs 317's...and with motor trans and everything included....a low mileage "package"

...that said.....there's the AWD trans issue....

[menace121978]

you sure know your stuff! your typing out what i had floating around in my head... but i'd still go with the iron 6.0

[68GMCCustom]

....lol....me too as evident in my sig!

[Super73]

Don't forget the compression ratio is higher on the TBSS motor.. Oh, and with the 243 heads also comes the 02 ZO6 bumpstick..

That 75-100lb savings on the LS2 alum block also makes for better ET's and traction..

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by shenk10

I found an ls2 locally out of a traiblazer ss that comes with the transmission which is the 4l70e, harness and computer, with around 45,000 miles. The price is $4,000. Most ls2 engines alone that I have seen have been more than this. Do you guys think this is a good deal and buying an ls2 is better than a lq4 or lq9? Is this transmission fine if I decide to do upgrades to the engine in the future? The only thing I'm questioning is that the transmission is for a awd, so how much money/hastle will it be to convert it to 2wd? Thanks for all the help and opinions.

The output shaft will need to be changed, the transmission has to be tore down. A good trans guy can do this in under 2 hours. Buying a used 2wd output shaft & extension housing whould save some money, Be sure that a new snap ring, extension housing bushing & rear seal are installed.
You should be able to sell the transfer case to offset the cost, maybe make money?

[shenk10]

Thanks for all the help guys, I offered him $3,500 which I think would be a steal for everything, and I'm waiting for him to get back to me, but I have a buddy that said he would buy the transmission and then I could get a 4l80e. What is required to attach the 4l80e to the ls2 engine and will it just connect with the wiring or is modification required.

[usmcchevy]

Crank spacer and different flexplate. Yes, you need to modify the harness.

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by shenk10

Thanks for all the help guys, I offered him $3,500 which I think would be a steal for everything, and I'm waiting for him to get back to me, but I have a buddy that said he would buy the transmission and then I could get a 4l80e. What is required to attach the 4l80e to the ls2 engine and will it just connect with the wiring or is modification required.

You will need an adapter to make up for the crank spacing difference http://advanceadapters.com/product/3741/712500A.html. The wiring is not a big deal but will require some changes. The computer will need some custom tuning so it will shift correctly (because of the different gear ratios)

Why a 4L80E? Are you towing alot of weight? They are a good HD transmission, But ive never liked them for a performance application. They rob more horsepower than people think.

Having the shaft swaped on your 4L70E & have it upgraded while its apart is the best option in my opinion

[shenk10]

I just figured since most people say the 4l80e are more heavy duty and I would have to convert it to 2wd I would just swap in the different trans, so if I keep the 4l70e all I would have to do is have someone swap out the shaft and take out the transfer case to convert it to 2wd? And also if I convert it to 2wd will anything have to be done to the computer?

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by shenk10

I just figured since most people say the 4l80e are more heavy duty and I would have to convert it to 2wd I would just swap in the different trans, so if I keep the 4l70e all I would have to do is have someone swap out the shaft and take out the transfer case to convert it to 2wd? And also if I convert it to 2wd will anything have to be done to the computer?

4L80Es are heavy duty, Thats why they come in 3/4 & 1 ton trucks. But a poor choice for what your doing.

You will need a 2wd output shaft & extension housing, a new snap ring, extension housing bushing, rear seal & a VSS sensor if the extension housing doesnt have one.

No computer tuning will be required other than the final drive ratio for the 4L70E to shift proporly, You will need the VATS, rear 02s, & EVAP flashed out.

[BR3W CITY]

Ok now I'm a bit miffed at anyone using the phrase "4l80e isn't good in a performance application"?
There really aren't THAT many 65's and 70e's floating around to source for a swap, and compared to the plain 4l60e the 80e is a MUCH better trans. Even a built 60e will have a chance of turning to mush at 500+
Although the 80e will net you a weight gain, even in stock form they are DAMN strong trannies, plus they can be sourced out of a 2wd vehicle already.

[Super73]

Hmmm, looks like I made the wrong tranny choice running an 80e..

The weight is bad, sure, and they might rob some power, but show me one tranny that has a better all catagory rating. These are the catagories:

Strength
Lock up verter (and strength of those clutches compared to ohers)
Over drive
Price

I have toyed with the idea of putting a glide in my truck since it's more race than street these days, but with the 4.56 gear and 30" tire, I'd be spinning a lot more than my current 2,400rpm at 65mph. Plus, the first gear of the glide would require an even bigger verter. A 60-70e would be a waste at my power level (418ci LS set up for a 300-500 hit of spray).

[BR3W CITY]

the 80e is overkill for me (big cammed lq4, soon to be running a 100-150shot) but id rather have too much trans than not enough.

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

Ok now I'm a bit miffed at anyone using the phrase "4l80e isn't good in a performance application"?
There really aren't THAT many 65's and 70e's floating around to source for a swap, and compared to the plain 4l60e the 80e is a MUCH better trans. Even a built 60e will have a chance of turning to mush at 500+
Although the 80e will net you a weight gain, even in stock form they are DAMN strong trannies, plus they can be sourced out of a 2wd vehicle already.

I said "ive never liked them for a performance application" Its just my opinion.

Originally Posted by Super73

Hmmm, looks like I made the wrong tranny choice running an 80e..

The weight is bad, sure, and they might rob some power, but show me one tranny that has a better all catagory rating. These are the catagories:

Strength
Lock up verter (and strength of those clutches compared to ohers)
Over drive
Price

I have toyed with the idea of putting a glide in my truck since it's more race than street these days, but with the 4.56 gear and 30" tire, I'd be spinning a lot more than my current 2,400rpm at 65mph. Plus, the first gear of the glide would require an even bigger verter. A 60-70e would be a waste at my power level (418ci LS set up for a 300-500 hit of spray).

I agree, YOU need a 4L80E. But i really dont think the OP does?