What engine? Some powertrain control modules (PCM) in some years of LS engine have a transmission controller built in. For example, my model year 2000 Chevy Silverado LM7 truck engine does not need a separate trans controller. Yes, you give up some performance adaptability with your PCM doing engine and trans control but for most of us that won't matter.

Rick

 

Sorry...The 4L80e is going to sit behind a ZZ502 GM crate engine, in a 73 Monte Carlo

 

I've been trying to figure that out myself. What kind of features seems to account for some of the price differences, like some controllers can support paddle shifters and do data logging where some of the simpler ones don't. Some have the option of using a laptop for tuning, some just use a handheld controller. Some include wiring harnesses, some don't. I don't think any of them include a throttle position sensor, but they all require that input, so that's another expense ($125-175). Some but not all have the ability to have 2 programs, like program A for drag racing and program B for street.

By the time you buy the transmission, torque converter, controller and items required for the controller, it gets kind of expensive. Plus, depending on what transmission you're replacing and you might have to have the driveshaft shortened.

 

I have been reading about the USshift 4 now, and I must say it sounds good what they offer. You can have 4 different preset programs in it, and it seems to a better software for PC tuning.
The price with all harness is very fair, so I am beginning to think that it is the one I will purchase

Yes, it requires a new crossmember in most casses, and a new driveshaft..or shortening of the old one. But I am starting from scratch so to speak, because I am pulling the original 350/350 combo out of a 73 Monte, and starting over with ZZ502/4L80e. So you see I have to change everything anyway

 

One other thing that you'll need to figure out is your speedometer - 4L80E doesn't have mechanical speedometer drive. There are extension housings that have a speedo drive but they're around $600, boxes that take the VSS output and drive a motor that in turn drives the speedo cable, or changing to an electric speedo that can read the VSS output. I've heard of GPS speedos, but I don't know if they'd be legal everywhere if they don't have a tamper-resistant odometer function.

 

FWIW, Jake's Performance offers a low cost solution, IF...you don't mind a MANUAL shifting automatic transmission.

No programming, no tuning, just a simple harness that plugs into your 4L80E and allows manual ONLY shifting.

Less than 200 bucks, I believe.

Just another option.

 

That 4L80E might require some floor pan transmission hump sheet metal surgery to get it to fit.

Rick

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

if you still have a lot of diesels in your area, maybe you can find a 91/92 6.2 with a 4L80 in the junkyard- the computer only controls the trannie. Get the harness too and sort out what is needed TPS is required.The computer looks for RPM and temp .Diagrams are available to determine wire color/function I bought one from GM a few years ago for about $350 but likely no longer available but maybe worth asking

 

I have just ordered a 4L80e at Phoenix Transmission and they have a conversion of some kind, so I can run my old cable speedo. Dont now yet what it will cost me, but I do not want to run an electric speedo, and I like that they are doing the job for me.

I have decided to use the USshift 4 to controll the transmission, my buddy now all about using the computer with that setup, so it can be tuned perfectly