Quote:
Originally Posted by ponyakr
For us old timers, and anyone who is not familiar with the electronics/computer system required to use a 4L80E trans, will somebody please explain, in detail, exactly what is involved in the COMPLETE install, set-up & maintenance of this trans. I realize that this info can probably be Googled. But, it might help some, who may be considering this trans, to make their decision.
Personally, I'd just keep it simple, and go with the tried & proven, PROPERLY BUILT TH400, with the correct rear gear & converter, to meet the owners desires. Strong, reliable, simple, and well proven. No computer, TV cable, or kickdown cable required. Just a good gate or ratchet shifter is all that's needed, for street/strip use.
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I've not done a 4L80 retrofit, but have done other computerized OD trannys. They are all similar, as far as what you have to do.
First thing, when using a carb, is that you will need a TPS - throttle position sensor. There are a variety to choose from, mine mounted on the passenger side of the carb, and a tab bolted to the end of the throttle shaft operated the sensor. This sensor tells the TCU (the computer for the transmission) whether you are at idle, full-throttle, or where in-between. Instead of a kick-down cable, or a TV-cable, it uses the TPS.
Then you have the computer. You'll need to wire it to a switched power source. It will have outputs for your neutral safety switch and your back-up lights, and it will have an output for a digital speedometer. Depending upon what transmission you get, who you get it from, etc. it may or may not be compatible with a cable-driven speedometer.
What I LOVE about these transmissions is the tenability. You can program it drive like a Cadillac around town, but like a full-race tranny at WOT - or however you like it. Want to drop the 1-2 shiftpoint by 200rpm, but raise the 2-3 by 500rpm??? Simply and quick, just go to the controller (or plug in your laptop, depending upon the system), change a few points on a graph (or data points in a table), hit "enter" and it is done. Line pressure can be altered at different TPS/RPM, upshifts and downshifts can be tweaked, converter lock-up characteristics tuned...
I love computer controlled transmissions. WAY easier to tune than having to mess around with governor weights/springs and such.