We're going to install this...
We're going to install this new 4L80-E from TCI, into this Second-Gen Camaro. A new lock up converter and programmable computer accompanies the transmission.
For heavy street cars it's often necessary to run more gear (numerically higher) than you would like. Using a shorter gear will definitely improve the way your car launches and how it runs overall, but the shorter gear will drastically affect the drivability.
Since the motor will be in the power band faster, it'll be harder to keep a handle on it while street driving. The biggest downfall, besides using more gas, is freeway driving. When the engine is spinning at about 3,500 rpm and the speedo only shows 60 mph, it makes one wonder if it is worth it.
One of the cures for these traits is an aftermarket offering from TCI. It's a 4L80-E overdrive transmission-the same automatic that comes in dualies. It is an electronically controlled unit that still uses a lock up converter. The 4L80-E has the same basic gearing as the Turbo 400, with a Fourth and Final "freeway" gear. The high point here is that you can set your own shift points using a laptop computer. Also, with the help of the Throttle Position Switch (TPS), you can set how, when, and how hard the kick down comes on. With the custom program supplied with the small control box, it's possible to do just about what ever you want with this transmission.
First step is to install the...
First step is to install the converter. As you slide the converter back, spin it around to properly line up the splines.
The donor car is 3,700 pounds of Camaro. It is powered by a small-block equipped with AFR aluminum heads and a street blower, and has clocked quarter-mile times of 11.50 at more than 120 mph. There has also been many sessions of track days at different road courses, and it's driven fairly consistently-even making a full pull on the Power Tour. With all these accomplishments, it's a perfect candidate for our latest adventure.
Follow along with us as we show how relatively easy the job is. After all was said and done, we were allowed a very short period of time to drive the Camaro. We had to keep in mind that the computer was not yet calibrated, but the new tranny felt great and had a solid shift. We could not play with it for very long, and now that it is back with its owner, we have heard that it's just awesome to drive along the interstate, as well as on the track.
 There isn't any problem physically...  There isn't any problem physically with the fit. The dimensions of the 4L80-E are close to that of the Turbo 400. The flexplates between the two are not different, but check the coverter fit before you get this far. |  When the trans is bolted up...  When the trans is bolted up at the bell housing and properly secured, we installed the new trans mount. This Energy Suspension mount is for a Turbo 400. We drilled new holes to move the mount in, and bolted it up. |  This new crossmember from...  This new crossmember from Classic Industries is also for a Turbo 400. Here we had to slot the original holes to get proper alignment. |