Blackstone Labs Transmission Report

[trailblazer]

[mention]swathdiver [/mention] how much did that report cost? I’m coming up on 29k since my last dump and fill.

 

[swathdiver]

[mention]swathdiver [/mention] how much did that report cost? I’m coming up on 29k since my last dump and fill.

Thirty Yankee dollars Cecil, same as an engine oil analysis.

 

[HACK BLOCK]

what was your OLM at when u changed the fluid? I'm guessing u had it flushed? any difference?

 

[swathdiver]

what was your OLM at when u changed the fluid? I'm guessing u had it flushed? any difference?

You talking to me? The first time, the internal OLM was around 30%, I don't remember anymore but it it written on here somewhere. Fluid was changed with Trans Flow machine at local dealership. Right now it's sitting in the high 70s and I haven't changed it just yet, Dexron VI on order. As for a difference, yes, the transmission also likes clean fluid and shifts smoother and runs a little cooler.

When we first drove it home after purchase, she was a little like driving a bronco, going this way and that, the differentials, transfer case and transmission all going in different directions! Once the fluids were all changed (especially the axles and TC) the driveline ran as smooth as the motor.

 

[Rocket Man]

When we first drove it home after purchase, she was a little like driving a bronco, going this way and that, the differentials, transfer case and transmission all going in different directions! Once the fluids were all changed (especially the axles and TC) the driveline ran as smooth as the motor.

 

[alpha_omega]

Old link but the info on this link might be beneficial to anyone searching the topic. Pretty decent write-up, I’m not sure how much of it is in “hype” of their product, but since they don’t normally sell directly to the public (private consumer/auto parts store vs. trans shop) then Im guessing any bragging is probably supported. I could be wrong, but either way it’s a good explanation of the 4L60, 6L80 and 6L90.

*as such, has anyone done a swap from the 6L80 TC to the 6L90? Has it show any better performance or extended life after reaching their typical “high mileage” range.

@Doubeleive - when your new TC was replaced were any of these details or changes made to the front cover or piston plate?

Prevent Problems with a 6L80/90 Converter Upgrade | Sonnax

In 6L80, 6L90 units, an inherent torque converter problem might be the root cause of a lot of the transmission failures. Sonnax has the answer.

www.sonnax.com

@swathdiver - when I first wrote this it changed the word “public” to “Publix”. Is that some kind of Floridian voodoo or does my iphone miss some good fresh produce and sushi as much as I do?

 

[Doubeleive]

Old link but the info on this link might be beneficial to anyone searching the topic. Pretty decent write-up, I’m not sure how much of it is in “hype” of their product, but since they don’t normally sell directly to the public (private consumer/auto parts store vs. trans shop) then Im guessing any bragging is probably supported. I could be wrong, but either way it’s a good explanation of the 4L60, 6L80 and 6L90.

*as such, has anyone done a swap from the 6L80 TC to the 6L90? Has it show any better performance or extended life after reaching their typical “high mileage” range.

@Doubeleive - when your new TC was replaced were any of these details or changes made to the front cover or piston plate?

Prevent Problems with a 6L80/90 Converter Upgrade | Sonnax

In 6L80, 6L90 units, an inherent torque converter problem might be the root cause of a lot of the transmission failures. Sonnax has the answer.

www.sonnax.com

@swathdiver - when I first wrote this it changed the word “public” to “Publix”. Is that some kind of Floridian voodoo or does my iphone miss some good fresh produce and sushi as much as I do?

when the shop did mine it was replaced with a billet TC from a local manufacture in the sf bay area, it had a bunch of new parts installed and extra clutches, one of the drums was welded/reinforced because that is also a weak spot, some port work was done, sonnax shift kit with the non shrinking check balls, new techm, new bell housing because the TC tears up the bell housing when it gets worn. they had to re-do the clutch pack because the first pack they used was just too tight. works pretty good now it kind of hits #2 hard when you get on it which is fine, had BB send me a sport tune, it will stay in 3rd to 100mph if I get on it and keep the pedal down which I like it gives it a nice little acceleration band right there. driving like gramma it's nice and smooth like normal.
**btw I haven't had a blackstone labs done on mine before or after, I could tell it was the TC going south by just driving it

 

[swathdiver]

Old link but the info on this link might be beneficial to anyone searching the topic. Pretty decent write-up, I’m not sure how much of it is in “hype” of their product, but since they don’t normally sell directly to the public (private consumer/auto parts store vs. trans shop) then Im guessing any bragging is probably supported. I could be wrong, but either way it’s a good explanation of the 4L60, 6L80 and 6L90.

*as such, has anyone done a swap from the 6L80 TC to the 6L90? Has it show any better performance or extended life after reaching their typical “high mileage” range.

@Doubeleive - when your new TC was replaced were any of these details or changes made to the front cover or piston plate?

Prevent Problems with a 6L80/90 Converter Upgrade | Sonnax

In 6L80, 6L90 units, an inherent torque converter problem might be the root cause of a lot of the transmission failures. Sonnax has the answer.

www.sonnax.com

@swathdiver - when I first wrote this it changed the word “public” to “Publix”. Is that some kind of Floridian voodoo or does my iphone miss some good fresh produce and sushi as much as I do?

Publix is where "Shopping is a Pleasure"! That's our state's local grocery chain.

 

[alpha_omega]

Publix is where "Shopping is a Pleasure"! That's our state's local grocery chain.

Awesome store for sure! I stop in there every spring when I’m down visiting family. I figured I had to share, since it was your post where the “autocorrect” occurred.

 

[alpha_omega]

when the shop did mine it was replaced with a billet TC from a local manufacture in the sf bay area, it had a bunch of new parts installed and extra clutches, one of the drums was welded/reinforced because that is also a weak spot, some port work was done, sonnax shift kit with the non shrinking check balls, new techm, new bell housing because the TC tears up the bell housing when it gets worn. they had to re-do the clutch pack because the first pack they used was just too tight.
**btw I haven't had a blackstone labs done on mine before or after, I could tell it was the TC going south by just driving it

Same here…I can feel mine ready for a catastrophic fail anytime now. I’m guessing that was the main cause of all the “extra material” when I drained the pan. Plus the lack of fluid change by the previous owner didn’t help any.
I’m already planning to replace the bell housing like you mentioned…was your oil pump still in good shape, or did the TC cause any damage? I’ve seen them seize right up in other vehicles, but never any of the 4.3, 5.3, 6.2’s.