Anybody swapped 4l80 into Cutlass

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Old Apr 8, 2019 | 01:21 PM
  #1  
70cutty's Avatar
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Anybody swapped 4l80 into Cutlass

I'm planning on installing a 4l80e into my 70 Cutlass and I'm wondering if anybody has done the swap. I'd like to know which adapter was used and how much work on the tunnel was needed.

Thank you.
Old Apr 8, 2019 | 06:17 PM
  #2  
TexasT's Avatar
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How do you plan to control it? or are you just gonna shift it manually?
Old Apr 8, 2019 | 06:32 PM
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Look at the service manual 😁

Seriously I'm curious to do this as well.
Feed back seems that it bolts in, alittle longer so shorter drive shaft, manual valve body/ or computer control shifts.

I dont know how a chevy 4l bolts to a bop block though
Old Apr 8, 2019 | 06:44 PM
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I think there "might be" a 4l80 AND a 4l80e. JOE P. seemed to know about them. They sound rugged like the TH400. Not sure what they came in or how they bolt up to. JOE P, where are you ?
Old Apr 8, 2019 | 06:47 PM
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Theres abunch of posts on this subject. Google it instead of this sites search,
Old Apr 8, 2019 | 08:16 PM
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Originally Posted by OLDSter Ralph
I think there "might be" a 4l80 AND a 4l80e. JOE P. seemed to know about them. They sound rugged like the TH400. Not sure what they came in or how they bolt up to. JOE P, where are you ?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_4L80-E_transmission
Old Apr 8, 2019 | 08:37 PM
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4l80e is chevy pattern only.big as hell too.but i must say my stepson bought a 94 diesel suburban with close to 200k on it.he tried jumping it with a starterpack and in the long run fried his computer,anyway before i found that out i dropped the pan as it lost the 2-3 shift so figured it ate a solenoid,that pan was crusty as all get out and i doubt it had been off in 10 years or more.i swear you could have eaten off the bottom of that pan,there was no filings etc whatsoever,even the magnet was clean.to say i was in awe is an understatement.
Old Apr 8, 2019 | 08:56 PM
  #8  
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I’ve been googling it, I’m looking for Cutlass specific information. If you have any links, please post them.

4l80e I have is a 1996 with cooling lines towards the front. It was in a 70 chevelle. It was tight, but it fit there without any cutting. I have a US shift controller for it.

If anybody has any info, I’d like to know which adapter kit to get and how well it fits in the tunnel (with the adapter).

Basically any other mods besides crossmember, driveshaft, e brake cables

Thanks

Last edited by 70cutty; Apr 9, 2019 at 05:22 AM.
Old Apr 9, 2019 | 07:34 AM
  #9  
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From what I read on Wikipedia, it could stand up behind a 455 and has O.D. It might not be a trans for everyone, but it does have advantages. The old Hydramatics were heavy, but that didn't stop Stone-Woods-Cook from using them.
Old Apr 9, 2019 | 12:43 PM
  #10  
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All 4L80 are computer controlled. It’s not too difficult to modify the existing valve body for manual shifts. The 4L80 is basically a 400 trans with a overdrive clutch on the front. The earlier models with the cooler lines in the usual location fit pretty well, the later “center lube” model require a little floorboard clearance and a special cooler line fitting. They are all Chebby (brand X) bellhousing bolt patterns, which will require an adapter plate. Another issue is the lack of conventional speedo cable connection. All 4L80 has a speed sensor. Fortunately, GM was kind enough to keep the same output shaft spline and diameter, allowing easy use of old school speedo gears. There are custom extension housings with a spot cast into it for a speedo gear housing.

There are many minor minor design changes and factory upgrades. The trans itself is almost as durable as the trusty TH400. The converters are much more expensive, and not as many options available.
Old Jun 15, 2019 | 09:36 PM
  #11  
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What engine are you using? I am in the middle of an LS Swap 6.0L with a 1996 4L80 in my 65 Cutlass. I am using Holley’s forward bias engine mounts so I do not have to cut the tunnel. I only have make a couple of dents to make the fittings fit.
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