yank's 4l80e conversion
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Reno NV
Some people spend huge money $20-50K on the engines and are unhappy that they blow up transmissions and have the car down with transmission issues over and over again.
That is fine, we have over $70,000 in design work about 2 years of design testing
This Kit is your transmission answer!
a 4l60-e is a weak unit and will not live under power as the case is weak and flexes under load, it has a 3 gear design shift oil flow path
flaw.
with the 4l80-e you also have chioces in gear ratios,not so with the 4l60-e as the 3.0 low gear is too much for Large H.P engines and the big gear space is death for the clutches.
The TH400 kit with same the options is $11,000.00 this 4l80-e is a better deal at a better price!
and it gives you the PCM controlled transmission and overdrive that can be used under WOT shifts.
a 4l80-e is a costly unit to get as a core unlike the TH400
the cost of this unit will only go up as the price of raw materials alum, steel and CNC machine time have all been skyrocketing.
raw cost of materials has gone up 3X or more in the last 2 years
There is much more than a transmission here as like I said you get the custom torque tube and special drive shaft and much more
the 6l80-e is a design of the 4l60-e that has use of the volume of the same parts inside, the control system for shifting helps it gain the extra power handling thru the torque management system, as most tuners remove this the life of the transmission will suffer.
That is fine, we have over $70,000 in design work about 2 years of design testing
This Kit is your transmission answer!
a 4l60-e is a weak unit and will not live under power as the case is weak and flexes under load, it has a 3 gear design shift oil flow path
flaw.
with the 4l80-e you also have chioces in gear ratios,not so with the 4l60-e as the 3.0 low gear is too much for Large H.P engines and the big gear space is death for the clutches.
The TH400 kit with same the options is $11,000.00 this 4l80-e is a better deal at a better price!
and it gives you the PCM controlled transmission and overdrive that can be used under WOT shifts.
a 4l80-e is a costly unit to get as a core unlike the TH400
the cost of this unit will only go up as the price of raw materials alum, steel and CNC machine time have all been skyrocketing.
raw cost of materials has gone up 3X or more in the last 2 years
There is much more than a transmission here as like I said you get the custom torque tube and special drive shaft and much more
the 6l80-e is a design of the 4l60-e that has use of the volume of the same parts inside, the control system for shifting helps it gain the extra power handling thru the torque management system, as most tuners remove this the life of the transmission will suffer.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Reno NV
Originally Posted by R&D
I also agree. It's $10,500-$12,000 just for parts, this doesn't include any labor cost which is going to certainly add the $$$. Keep in mind the floor has to be cut up and reshaped to get this thing to fit, I'm not to sure how many are going to want to do that as well.
Anyway, you're looking at $15k
Also, this still doesn't address the weak differential. For what this costs, you might as well back half the car and put a straight axle in for less...
Anyway, you're looking at $15k
Also, this still doesn't address the weak differential. For what this costs, you might as well back half the car and put a straight axle in for less...
One thing about this kit is you can remove it and go back to stock for resale,you cant with a solid axle,
Floor pan work is not that much about a 2 day job in most shops for the install that is how long it takes us and much less than any rear axle conversion.
you also gain Lbs on the front end with a foward mounted trans plus
have tho relocate the engine center line downward, the 4l80-e you have the same rear weight ratio as stock if not better as the 4l80-e is has a little more weight to it than the 4l60-e
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,863
Likes: 86
From: PA
St. Jude Donor '08
yanksman i have an idea....let me have a unit at 1/2 price and ill let all know how well it works!
were does the floor pan need to be modded?
6l80e costs 1800 torque tube is 650 and diff is 2200
were does the floor pan need to be modded?
6l80e costs 1800 torque tube is 650 and diff is 2200
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville TN
this thread makes me glad that I have a low tech th400 that costs $250 to rebuild and 9" ford with moser axles and a nextel cup third member. cost to build after resale of the stock parts and doing my own labor....less than $5k. not being at the mercy of tuners nor paying the corvette tax....PRICELESS.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 0
From: Aurora IL
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by yankman
Some people spend huge money $20-50K on the engines and are unhappy that they blow up transmissions and have the car down with transmission issues over and over again.
That is fine, we have over $70,000 in design work about 2 years of design testing
This Kit is your transmission answer!
a 4l60-e is a weak unit and will not live under power as the case is weak and flexes under load, it has a 3 gear design shift oil flow path
flaw.
with the 4l80-e you also have chioces in gear ratios,not so with the 4l60-e as the 3.0 low gear is too much for Large H.P engines and the big gear space is death for the clutches.
The TH400 kit with same the options is $11,000.00 this 4l80-e is a better deal at a better price!
and it gives you the PCM controlled transmission and overdrive that can be used under WOT shifts.
a 4l80-e is a costly unit to get as a core unlike the TH400
the cost of this unit will only go up as the price of raw materials alum, steel and CNC machine time have all been skyrocketing.
raw cost of materials has gone up 3X or more in the last 2 years
There is much more than a transmission here as like I said you get the custom torque tube and special drive shaft and much more
the 6l80-e is a design of the 4l60-e that has use of the volume of the same parts inside, the control system for shifting helps it gain the extra power handling thru the torque management system, as most tuners remove this the life of the transmission will suffer.
That is fine, we have over $70,000 in design work about 2 years of design testing
This Kit is your transmission answer!
a 4l60-e is a weak unit and will not live under power as the case is weak and flexes under load, it has a 3 gear design shift oil flow path
flaw.
with the 4l80-e you also have chioces in gear ratios,not so with the 4l60-e as the 3.0 low gear is too much for Large H.P engines and the big gear space is death for the clutches.
The TH400 kit with same the options is $11,000.00 this 4l80-e is a better deal at a better price!
and it gives you the PCM controlled transmission and overdrive that can be used under WOT shifts.
a 4l80-e is a costly unit to get as a core unlike the TH400
the cost of this unit will only go up as the price of raw materials alum, steel and CNC machine time have all been skyrocketing.
raw cost of materials has gone up 3X or more in the last 2 years
There is much more than a transmission here as like I said you get the custom torque tube and special drive shaft and much more
the 6l80-e is a design of the 4l60-e that has use of the volume of the same parts inside, the control system for shifting helps it gain the extra power handling thru the torque management system, as most tuners remove this the life of the transmission will suffer.
Am I the only one that see this
Like you guys pay this and that..........NOW I want MINE
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,064
Likes: 95
From: MI
Originally Posted by yankman
That is fine, we have over $70,000 in design work about 2 years of design testing
This Kit is your transmission answer!
... this 4l80-e is a better deal at a better price!
and it gives you the PCM controlled transmission and overdrive that can be used under WOT shifts.
This Kit is your transmission answer!
... this 4l80-e is a better deal at a better price!
and it gives you the PCM controlled transmission and overdrive that can be used under WOT shifts.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 348
Likes: 8
From: CT
Originally Posted by Earl H
The last thing I am trying to do is bash Yank, but your $70K and 2 years is a sunk cost. If you sell 2 conversions you will never recoupe even the upfront cost. It is in your best interest to make them affordable, to sell more units to recoupe your upfront investment. There are proably 3 or 4 guys that have posted on this thread (I am one of them), each of them probably needing your product, each of them having spent at least $25K-30K+ on their current setups...yet each of them is balking at the price tag. No doubt you will sell a few, but if the guys on this board are balking then, I'd probably take that is constructive feedback. I appreciate you taking the time to post on this board and appreciate the knowledge you might bring. Many vendors don't take the time to do it and many that do are just trying to make a fast buck. Offer a good product at a competitive price and you will find that this site is a gold mine.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,188
Likes: 1
From: New Blue 9.80 @ 142MPH stock motor
St. Jude Donor '03-'06-'07-'08
I went with the Yank turbo400 kit as modified by ECS. There were some bugs as this was very new and its not cheap but now I have no regrets and am having a great time.
The tranny does seem to be the weak link in the C5s as I have yet to blow up a rear albeit with hardened output shafts and a DTE brace.
I have 3.42 ratio so it does tack a bit high at 70 but you can also change to 3:15 gear and not sacrifice too much.
The tranny does seem to be the weak link in the C5s as I have yet to blow up a rear albeit with hardened output shafts and a DTE brace.
I have 3.42 ratio so it does tack a bit high at 70 but you can also change to 3:15 gear and not sacrifice too much.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,863
Likes: 86
From: PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by Earl H
The last thing I am trying to do is bash Yank, but your $70K and 2 years is a sunk cost. If you sell 2 conversions you will never recoupe even the upfront cost. It is in your best interest to make them affordable, to sell more units to recoupe your upfront investment. There are proably 3 or 4 guys that have posted on this thread (I am one of them), each of them probably needing your product, each of them having spent at least $25K-30K+ on their current setups...yet each of them is balking at the price tag. No doubt you will sell a few, but if the guys on this board are balking then, I'd probably take that is constructive feedback. I appreciate you taking the time to post on this board and appreciate the knowledge you might bring. Many vendors don't take the time to do it and many that do are just trying to make a fast buck. Offer a good product at a competitive price and you will find that this site is a gold mine.
i am one of the "other guys" in need! all over it if it was priced lower! period end of story!
Last edited by NICK YOSKIN; May 7, 2006 at 10:02 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 0
From: over the water Cali
I guess i'll wait, but if i could afford it i would buy one. I am easy on my trans but i always know in my gut all it will take is one too good of a launch and it will be toast. Forget about turning up the boost to something reasonable.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,097
Likes: 10
From: East Coast
Originally Posted by yankman
The 4l80-e is a much stronger transmission than a 6l80-e, and you have No upgraded or aftermarket parts for the 6l80-e.
In the 6l80 conversion you will have to add a new Differential as yours will not fit, also a new torque tube and a costly programing package
but you do not have any torque converters that you can buy other than stock 1500 RPM stall, as no aftermarket units are out and a raised stall will not work with current Transmission control system.
Do not forget about the Core fees that GM charges you for.
The 4l80-e c-5 kit comes as a complete setup inc. a custom built two piece torque tube with a super Heavy duty U-joint driveshaft, it has a unique anti-torque transfer design for rotation that stops driveline twisting.
A unique custom multi plate lockup converter that will only fit this kit, and the transmission is a real special unit as it has a shorter case and all CNC machined adapters and shafting.
It also fits in the same space as the TH400 kit we sell
It is a great setup to handle big power and is about the same cost range as a 6l80-e swap that will use all stock GM parts
In the 6l80 conversion you will have to add a new Differential as yours will not fit, also a new torque tube and a costly programing package
but you do not have any torque converters that you can buy other than stock 1500 RPM stall, as no aftermarket units are out and a raised stall will not work with current Transmission control system.
Do not forget about the Core fees that GM charges you for.
The 4l80-e c-5 kit comes as a complete setup inc. a custom built two piece torque tube with a super Heavy duty U-joint driveshaft, it has a unique anti-torque transfer design for rotation that stops driveline twisting.
A unique custom multi plate lockup converter that will only fit this kit, and the transmission is a real special unit as it has a shorter case and all CNC machined adapters and shafting.
It also fits in the same space as the TH400 kit we sell
It is a great setup to handle big power and is about the same cost range as a 6l80-e swap that will use all stock GM parts
With a top dollar price tag , it better be track proven , or nobody will buy it . And I heard from someone who did your 400 conversion that the cutting involved to get the bigger trans to fit is not minimal , is the 4L80E larger than the 400 ?
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Reno NV
Originally Posted by RoadRebel
Is it my imagination, or is it rigidly mounted to the rear cradle.
P
P
Yes, the transmission/rear is mounted solid to the car and the engine is allowed to float as on a c-4 or F-body car that is why we have the U-joint style drive shaft and the unique two piece torque tube setup
there is no twisting force put thru the torque tube.
This allows the rear the and trans to retain structure under load and keep the CV joints running true under power
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,097
Likes: 10
From: East Coast
Originally Posted by yankman
Yes, the transmission/rear is mounted solid to the car and the engine is allowed to float as on a c-4 or F-body car that is why we have the U-joint style drive shaft and the unique two piece torque tube setup
there is no twisting force put thru the torque tube.
This allows the rear the and trans to retain structure under load and keep the CV joints running true under power
there is no twisting force put thru the torque tube.
This allows the rear the and trans to retain structure under load and keep the CV joints running true under power
And when I say I'll be glad to be a tester for your product I'm not expecting the trans for free , so don't be misunderstood , I've been beating the hell out of my car at the track for the last " six years " , I have several hundred runs on the car and the only car that has gone faster than me with a 4L60E is the LPE 427 TT car that ran 8.95 a few years ago , so due to my time put in at the track and the exposure my car generates on these forums , I feel my car would be a good candidate ( you should have 3 or 4 different cars , maybe 1 turbo , 1 nitrous and 1 SC at least ) to test your new 4L80 conversion , my car is making enough power right now ( 930+TQ , 900RWHP ) to give it a serious test . And how much room does the solid mount take up ? It's hard to tell from the pic you put up , does it take away alot of room where the exhaust comes down over the axle ? Looking forward to your response .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,064
Likes: 95
From: MI
Originally Posted by STEALTH 99 C5
Yankman/Mike , Can you please answer my question as to whether this conversion has been tested in a ( high HP 750+ ) C5 at the track and under hard street driving ? I asked you this same question over on LS1Tech and you didn't reply there either .
And when I say I'll be glad to be a tester for your product I'm not expecting the trans for free , so don't be misunderstood , I've been beating the hell out of my car at the track for the last " six years " , I have several hundred runs on the car and the only car that has gone faster than me with a 4L60E is the LPE 427 TT car that ran 8.95 a few years ago , so due to my time put in at the track and the exposure my car generates on these forums , I feel my car would be a good candidate ( you should have 3 or 4 different cars , maybe 1 turbo , 1 nitrous and 1 SC at least ) to test your new 4L80 conversion , my car is making enough power right now ( 930+TQ , 900RWHP ) to give it a serious test . And how much room does the solid mount take up ? It's hard to tell from the pic you put up , does it take away alot of room where the exhaust comes down over the axle ? Looking forward to your response .
And when I say I'll be glad to be a tester for your product I'm not expecting the trans for free , so don't be misunderstood , I've been beating the hell out of my car at the track for the last " six years " , I have several hundred runs on the car and the only car that has gone faster than me with a 4L60E is the LPE 427 TT car that ran 8.95 a few years ago , so due to my time put in at the track and the exposure my car generates on these forums , I feel my car would be a good candidate ( you should have 3 or 4 different cars , maybe 1 turbo , 1 nitrous and 1 SC at least ) to test your new 4L80 conversion , my car is making enough power right now ( 930+TQ , 900RWHP ) to give it a serious test . And how much room does the solid mount take up ? It's hard to tell from the pic you put up , does it take away alot of room where the exhaust comes down over the axle ? Looking forward to your response .
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showth...=495742&page=4
It sounds like the answer to your specific question is no. There haven't been any long-term street/race testing of this unit on a C5. The testing method is a combination of systems like this have worked before and its seen some track testing. Guys, from my perspective it takes a ton of b@lls to come out with a unit that hasn't had proper durability/use testing for the intended application and then charge a price that is 2.5-3X what other options cost. You could have at least found a 3rd party vehicle to test the unit on, one that would give it the proper abuse. This is precisely what has gotten a lot of vendors in trouble around here (read: Exidy, Cerra, others). Kinda short-sighted in my opinion. Pretty quick way to make $70K and 2 years go up in smoke and ruin a company's name if things don't go right.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Reno NV
Give some of your insight of what will go wrong!
I have been in the chassis and race car building bussness for over 30 years and our design team has over 100 years working for GM Powertrain in the Transmission division of Hydramatic on the Th400 and 4l80-e programs they had worked on this at Gm for a design study with many testing hours involved
So please I want to hear your ideas to pass on to them
Thank's
Mike
I have been in the chassis and race car building bussness for over 30 years and our design team has over 100 years working for GM Powertrain in the Transmission division of Hydramatic on the Th400 and 4l80-e programs they had worked on this at Gm for a design study with many testing hours involved
So please I want to hear your ideas to pass on to them
Thank's
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,064
Likes: 95
From: MI
Originally Posted by yankman
Give some of your insight of what will go wrong!
I have been in the chassis and race car building bussness for over 30 years and our design team has over 100 years working for GM Powertrain in the Transmission division of Hydramatic on the Th400 and 4l80-e programs they had worked on this at Gm for a design study with many testing hours involved
So please I want to hear your ideas to pass on to them
Thank's
Mike
I have been in the chassis and race car building bussness for over 30 years and our design team has over 100 years working for GM Powertrain in the Transmission division of Hydramatic on the Th400 and 4l80-e programs they had worked on this at Gm for a design study with many testing hours involved
So please I want to hear your ideas to pass on to them
Thank's
Mike
I really hope you don't get defensive, because it WILL turn a lot of people off (your question has an air of condescension and sarcasm...hopefully that is not the case). Read: I have the means and the need for your product, but would not risk $15K and cutting up my car for an "unproven" (on my car application and for my intended use) system. Hopefully you will take this constructively from a current and potential customer. Put the system on the road for some long-term durability testing (maybe even Stealth's car for a racing season) and prove your design and the materials and find out what COULD go wrong. Just my .02 and its probably worth just that.
Last edited by Earl H; May 8, 2006 at 03:36 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Reno NV
Originally Posted by Earl H
I work for an OEM and we typically test things, things that have been used for years because things CAN go wrong. Fact is I don't know what will go wrong. More upsetting is you don't either, why...not because you guys aren't smart, but because in your $70K and 2 years of development you didn't take the time to test it on the actual application for the intended use: heavy street and strip. Here is an example, when ATI first came out with their S/C system, people were having all kinds of trouble: get belts to line up, launching belts, high temps, etc. ATI has been making S/C for decades and their approach was to deny the problem. At worst they didn't test, at best they put out something knowing that it had bugs. I can't say that your system will repeat the same cycle, but unfortunately, you can't either. Respect the people you sell to and they will reward you with years of repeat business and referrals. Stop respecting them and you will become the next GM, Ford and Chrysler. I really hope you don't get defensive, because it WILL turn a lot of people off (your question has an air of condescension and sarcasm...hopefully that is not the case). Read: I have the means and the need for your product, but would not risk $15K and cutting up my car for an "unproven" (on my car application and for my intended use) system. Hopefully you will take this constructively from a current and potential customer.
No, I am looking for any input,
all of the items work are are proven in design.
There is nothing other than an overdrive unit and PCM controls over the TH400 kit we sell and have sold for the past 3 years and this is at a lower price too.
I am open for any and all items that anyone feels need to be looked into
I will pass this info on and review
and yes **** happens my Rolex stopped working last night
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,064
Likes: 95
From: MI
Originally Posted by yankman
No, I am looking for any input,
all of the items work are are proven in design.
There is nothing other than an overdrive unit and PCM controls over the TH400 kit we sell and have sold for the past 3 years and this is at a lower price too.
I am open for any and all items that anyone feels need to be looked into
I will pass this info on and review
and yes **** happens my Rolex stopped working last night
Thanks
all of the items work are are proven in design.
There is nothing other than an overdrive unit and PCM controls over the TH400 kit we sell and have sold for the past 3 years and this is at a lower price too.
I am open for any and all items that anyone feels need to be looked into
I will pass this info on and review
and yes **** happens my Rolex stopped working last night
Thanks
Good luck to you.