convert to automatic trans

[rbidwell]

I am considering putting a 4L80E automatic transmission in my ZR-1 and would like to hear from those who have had any experience with that conversion. When the car is done it should have around 600+ rwhp. I know that fuel mileage will suffer some, but I am hoping the drivability and less worry about maintenance on the manual transmission, might make the switch worth it. I will not be drag racing the car or driving it very hard. I may do the one mile run just to see what it will do. The Sandhills race in Nebraska is the closest. Thanks for any help.

Ron Bidwell

[Blue Flame Restorations]

You need to speak with Pete, in Chicago. Maybe he'll see this thread.

[Hog]

I wish the 4l80e has the gearing of the 200r4 from the BOP cars. A nice 2.74:1st gear and a deeper 0.67:1 OD ratio.
4l80e is 2.48:1 1st, 1.48:1 2d, 1:1 3rd all the same as thm 400, but with the 0.75:1 OD ratio.

There are some companies that can make some super stout 200r4's, and then the electronic ocntrol isnt needed, but a Throttle Valve cable is needed as the 200r4 uses the TV cable to adjust line pressure just like the 700r4/4l60 non elecronic trans does.

A nice 4000rpm torque converter would work great, or even better dyno the car to find its torque peak, and get a coresponding TC that will stall to that rpm.

peace
Hog

[Pete]

I'm not understanding what your asking.

I have done a couple of these conversions.
One was a Turbo Z went with 4L80E,but the one i can comment on is the on a local guy (Chicago area) that went with the auto conversion from 4L80E and then to 4L65E the Z has a 441ci 575RWHP runs mid 10's @ 133 MPH he has a Precision Industries TC 2800 stall w/lock up 3.91 rear gears.
He has driving the car to Bowling Green from Chicago with no issues.
The 4L80 has .75 fourth gear same as the ZF's 5th gear and since our Z's run top speed in 5th gear if you keep stock 3.45 rear gears i can't see why you could not hit 180+ MPH.
With the lock up TC it drives like a stock car,real nice street manors.

On a turbo car auto is the way to go.
If you decide to do the auto conversion it will be funny for a few days you'll be looking for the clutch pedal.

I don't reccommend the 4L60E/4L65E he went thru 4 or 5 of them now he might be going back to the 4L80E.
If you need more info feel free to ask.

Pete

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Hog

I wish the 4l80e has the gearing of the 200r4 from the BOP cars. A nice 2.74:1st gear and a deeper 0.67:1 OD ratio.
4l80e is 2.48:1 1st, 1.48:1 2d, 1:1 3rd all the same as thm 400, but with the 0.75:1 OD ratio.

There are some companies that can make some super stout 200r4's, and then the electronic ocntrol isnt needed, but a Throttle Valve cable is needed as the 200r4 uses the TV cable to adjust line pressure just like the 700r4/4l60 non elecronic trans does.

A nice 4000rpm torque converter would work great, or even better dyno the car to find its torque peak, and get a coresponding TC that will stall to that rpm.

peace
Hog

You can change to 2.75 1st gear in the 4L80E we are stuck with the .75 4th just go with 3.33 rear gear.

Pete

[Gunny]

Check with John Becker (forum name - aafc). If I'm not mistaken he has a white Z that's an auto and it might be the 4L80E.

[Bob Eyres]

There was a Colorado ZR-1 with a 415 and 600+h.p. that had a 4L80e in it. I don't remember the owner's name, but he did all his own wrenching and built a lot of street rods. A good man to talk to if someone here can come up with a contact #.

I used to hammer my car quite a bit at the drag strip, but gave it up when I got sick of the trans breakage and clutch issues. I wish I had an automatic to solve that. But if you're not drag racing the car, why the automatic?

BTW, back in the last century there was an company in Indianapolis that did the conversion. The price tag at the time was $12K.

[rbidwell]

to Hog: I have been thinking about putting a 200R4 in my 66 Chevelle SS and agree with you, the 200R4 does have better gearing.

to Pete: thanks Pete, this is the information I was looking for

to tuband: thank, will try to John

to Bob Eyres: that would be Ron DeWild. I think I have his number some place.

The car is at Henderson Performance waiting for the turbos. Corey can do the conversion.

Thanks for all the comments.

[jimmac28]

Hey Pete whats the chance of installing a 6L80e or a 6L90 in a Z?

[Pete]

Originally Posted by jimmac28

Hey Pete whats the chance of installing a 6L80e or a 6L90 in a Z?

Jim,info i got on the 6L80/90 if you keep it under 500hp no problem if your putting down some big HP #'s they will not hold up.

This is what i was told from the trans guys.

The local Chicago 441ci/auto Z was thinking to go with 6L80 but after talking to the trans guy it's a no go.

Pete