How to Install a 4L80E into 1967 - 72 C10 / C20

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Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

I was looking into getting a 4l80 or 6l80 for my 72 . Problem is they want big money for them around here . Same with LS motors making it cost prohibitive for me . I am leaning towards the GV unit for it $3400 for a new unit then I just need to get the driveshaft done . Been looking for a used unit but no luck .

I looked at them too.
Watched Stacey on Gearz with Copperhead which had one.
I just don’t want to have to pick lockup or no lockup, this or that...
I just want to set it and forget it...just work! Lol

All the places I looked at that wanted to build a 4L80 for me were $10,000 just for the transmission. I don’t like being taken advantage of, so I just kept my eyes open on FB marketplace.
Found this one, along with the new controller and a bunch of other very useful information.
Ordered the mechanical speedometer housing with the correct ratio installed this morning. Dan at Alloy Specialties was awesome to deal with. Shipped it out same day with a tracking number.

I want to find a new internal wiring harness for it now to repair the bent pins on the connector.

[Accelo]

I failed to find cost information at Alloy. Mind sharing the cost?

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Originally Posted by Accelo

I failed to find cost information at Alloy. Mind sharing the cost?

$426.00 US. ($574.69 Can)

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Joined a group on FB for the 4L80e.
Wow! Tons of info!
Was looking for recommendations for a converter with my current engine.
Sent in my information to Circle D, and got a reply back in a couple days.
Brian Burns suggested a triple disk with around a 3000 rpm stall.
Picked up the housing with the mechanical speedometer the other day too...looks good.

[oneshotkyle]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

I was looking into getting a 4l80 or 6l80 for my 72 . Problem is they want big money for them around here . Same with LS motors making it cost prohibitive for me . I am leaning towards the GV unit for it $3400 for a new unit then I just need to get the driveshaft done . Been looking for a used unit but no luck .

I just had a 4l80e built in oregon by the 4l80e guy… thats his company name. 2600.00 plus core is his advertised price. 750hp capable and that is his base trans. Price goes up from there. I believe that to be pretty cheap. I am beating mine like a dead horse so far no issues whatsoever

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Finally getting around to installing the 4L85e.
Had to move the Overkill Customs crossmember back 3.75”.
Which worked out perfect as I could use the previous back two mounting holes on both sides for the front mounting holes and just drill two new holes on each side for the new back mounting holes.

Working on the Lokar linkage now as it has to be extended a bit.

Speedometer cable is too short. I’ll have to remove it and order something longer from somewhere.

Circle D converter went in nice. I was second guessing myself, but reading Jake’s Performance install tips, I was right in the ballpark for installed depth.
Had to use all the shim washers that came with the converter mounting bolts.
I feel much better having six bolts holding the converter to the flex plate than three like what was on the turbo 400.

Also noticed how far off center the transmission was when I went to install the crossmember again. See the picture. It was off over an inch.
Loosened off the engine mounts and was able to center it perfectly.

I also noticed the pan didn’t have a drain plug in it, so I ordered a deep pan from Derale that has a drain plug, a temperature sensor port, and cooling tubes that run through the bottom of the pan.
One other thing I purchased was a Strange slip yoke that’s a 1350 series instead of the 1310. (Part number: U-1664)

Haven’t decided where I’m gonna drill a hole through the floor for the wiring harness to the controller, but I’m think of just enlarging the hole that was the fuel line’s passage through the cab floor, since it’s already there.

Some pix...