Looking at possibly buying a C6 LS3 A6 but was wandering are there any big weak points on the Automatic LS3 c6's? I'd get the one with the 2.73s. It would get basic bolt ons like Headers, Intake, borla stingers catback, dyno tune, lowering bolts, and possibly a yank 3200 stall with a set of sticky street tires. Would I have any reliability concerns with those mods?

Thanks

 

Pretty much bullet proof.

No need for a stall convertor unless you plan on dedicated 1/4 mile car.

 

I'd take it to the drag strip a handful of times a year, what kind of 60's are stock stall and 2.73s A6's getting on street tires? I'd want realistically a 11.6-11.8 consistent car

 

If you're wanting consistancy in the 11.6-11.8 range, you'll need the stall, but not the 2.73. A shift to 4th someplace before the stripe is not a good formula for identical times. The 2.56 gear will keep you in 3rd.

 

If I did not do a stall would I want to get one with 2.73s? But if I do plan on a stall I should get one with 2.56s? Interesting, so would those bolt-ons I listed be enough for 11.6-11.8 on street tires?

 

The far from bullet proof 6L80E weak points include:
- Low line pressure settings from factory can cause clutch packs to burn up, even tuning does not guarantee a fix
- "sticky" tires can break half shafts
- The intermediate shaft can break/twist, leaving you with 1/2/3 gears only (4/5/6 will no longer work)
- There's been enough issues with the torque tubes and couplers that there's a few to choose from.
- Heat is a big problem that will quickly kill the 6L80E. Going to a high stall torque converter will cause higher temperatures, most people go with a trans cooler at the same time for this very reason.
- In late 09 they switched to a new valve body, pump stator and seals, and they've got a TSB out to replace the seals on prior year 6L80Es.

Regardless what anyone will say, once you start adding more power, you are reducing the life of your stock 6L80E. Having your 6L80E tuned is important to it living a long life, BUT even the best tune cannot overcome hard part failures that will happen. If you want more details feel free to PM me.

 

Your biggest reliability problem might be with your factory warranty. You know, things break sometimes. If you are content with providing your own "coverage" no problem.

 

Thanks guys you've been very helpful, the first mods pretty much within the week I buy it would be tune and trans cooler then go from there. Are the stock half shafts weak even on street tires such as nt05's or re11's I wont be running slicks or drag radials? Good to know about the TSB for the pre late 09's I'll keep an eye on that to see if its been replaced if its an 08 or early 09.

And as far as warranty I really don't care about that you gotta pay to play, plus I baby my cars and dont plan on making big power so I don't see it breaking really expensive parts.

I know all about the stall adding more heat I've got a 3600stall in my Trailblazer SS but my trans cooler helped out huge

 

I had my REM treated RPM 3.42 differential installed with the Z06 half shafts. Never had them break, but never ran drag radials either. Ranger (forum member here) says the key to not breaking them is driver modding.. a good example is getting your foot out of the gas when you start to get wheel hop, and not flooring it from a dead stop. Great ways to break things. A lot of people feel that getting coilovers also helps to reduce the wheel hop.. I'm going with the LG GT2s because Mike@TPS Motorsports has a GREAT deal going on them.

My trans is at Circle D, being rebuilt with all the new parts + their 6L80E upgrades (new 300M widened int. shaft, extra wide clutch pack, etc), plus I'm getting their 3400 triple disc high stall torque converter.

Since the whole trans is out, I've decided to go with the DSS output shafts, 1000hp axle/hub kit, 1000hp HD torque tube and 12mm poly couplers. Pricey but rather do it and not worry about it again.

East Texas Muscle Cars is doing all the engine work and putting it all back together. They've also got a nice trans cooler with electric fan they're gonna put in for me. Great guys over there

But anyway, I think your engine will handle the mods fine, and so long as you get a good trans tune and don't beat on it you shouldn't have any issues for long time.

 

- In late 09 they switched to a new valve body, pump stator and seals, and they've got a TSB out to replace the seals on prior year 6L80Es.




the TSB is that a GM service bulletin that needs to be addressed for 2009 and lower corvettes???

 

I beginning to think the LS3 stock intake breaths just fine. No need to speed $4-5 hundred on another intake. I had a true CAI and just went back to stock set up.

 

good to know they have upgrades for the 6l80 now, just curious how much did your built one cost without the stall?

 

http://www.automd.com/tsb/bulletin_b266556/
http://www.automd.com/tsb/bulletin_b112394/
http://www.automd.com/tsb/bulletin_b112405/
http://www.automd.com/tsb/bulletin_b160812/

$3665 since I required the new GM 6L80E parts. But they also modify the 6L80E to flow better, you'll have to call them for exact details but they do a lot of work. Once you get the new intermediate shaft it should be quite a bit lower as well, since a lot of the cost is coming from parts.

 

 

The only weak point I have with my LS3 is that it is not a LS7

 

 

I'd probably kill myself if I had a LS7 LOL

Man talk about corvette tax lol, I paid 2700 for a fully built FLT AWD Transmission in my Trailblazer SS. Thats not horrible though I guess.
Should I get one with the 2.56 or 2.73 gears? Thanks for the answers you've been a big help

 

Again, some of that price is the intermediate shaft. Once you have it, let's say your clutches wear out because you're putting 1000rwhp through it and drive it 50k miles (example only ), so you have to get it rebuilt. So long as no hard parts failed and they just have to replace the clutch pack, you will not be looking at $3k+. It will be in the $2k range.

If I had to choose 2.56 or 2.73 with the A6, I'd go 2.73. I went with 3.42s though and they're a blast

 

Once you start adding power you can have a list like this on almost any car....for the price you cannot beat it....the only problem is the A6 ....LOL get the manual!!

 

Good point, ya the only way to get the 2.73s is with the Z51 package correct? I wouldn't have the cash for the 3.42s for a while cost my uncle like $2600 for his 3.42s in his 07 A6. I would like the manual but this is going to be my only car so not sure I want a M6, plus I'm going to drag race it and I want consistency. But who knows if I find a good deal I can't pass up I wont thats for sure