Transmissions... Looking to replace.. Thoughts?

[bkboatnsleds]

Am I being dumb? Here are my thoughts.....

I have a 2003 Tahoe 4x4 with 140k miles on it. I hear 150k miles is the magic number on these things...

Little background, she is my daily driver - About 45k ago I put in the 6.0L LQ9 motor. - I do tow fairly frequently with it - I have a custom tune...

I know this stock tranny is not going to last forever and I was thinking I'd rather swap out the tranny now while is still working for a few reasons...
1- I'll have a good rebuild-able core
2- I can do it on MY time and not rush to get the car up n running again
3- piece of mind if i'm on a long trip... knowing I wont have to have it towed..

So anyhow the tranny has been acting fine mostly but I'd like to upgrade a little bit for the extra power of the 6.0L I put in.

I was thinking of upgrading to the 4L65E as seen here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250508409561&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

With this TC as a thought as well:
http://circledspecialties.com/p-50-gm-278mm-hp-4l60e-ls-torque-converter.aspx

What are your thoughts about my plan - different suggestions??

Thanks guys!!!

 

[KillerBrandHoe]

i wish i could do a 6.0 swap, even better a 6.2 but that will come in time. ive heard the 4l80e (hd transmission) bolts right up but im not to knowledgable about tranny swaps, but might be something to look into

 

[bkboatnsleds]

The 4l80e does not bolt up from what I read. It requires a different cross member mount and wire harness to make it work -

I don't think I want to screw w/ all of that.

 

[JKmotorsports]

The trans wouldnt be a bad idea, but I'd do more research on a new tc. If you tow often, make sure the tc has tcc lock-up and will hold while you're towing, otherwise, there will be a lot of slipping and heat build up. Transmissions don't like heat at all.
And you are right about the 4l80 not being a direct swap.

 

[blueflamed03]

have it built into at least a 65e, or get one already built..

 

[bkboatnsleds]

have it built into at least a 65e, or get one already built..

Something like this.. ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

---------- Post added at 12:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:40 PM ----------

The trans wouldnt be a bad idea, but I'd do more research on a new tc. If you tow often, make sure the tc has tcc lock-up and will hold while you're towing, otherwise, there will be a lot of slipping and heat build up. Transmissions don't like heat at all.
And you are right about the 4l80 not being a direct swap.

Thanks. Any suggestions on places for the TC?

 

[MASS-HOE'Z71]

ebay listing was removed

probably depends on what you are looking to spend. most trans shops can re-build a pretty strong transmission for under 1700 or so and the work should be warranted. if you were looking to buy a new one to swap, ive been looking at performabuilt.com for a bit now. they do performance transmissions as well as heavy duty towing package transmission, bit more money but from what i hear the warranties on them would be worth the extra spent if you plan on keeping the truck for awhile
http://performabuilt.com/heavy%20hauler%20700-60E.html

 

[bkboatnsleds]

oops http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250508409561&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[blueflamed03]

I bet a Level 1 would work

http://performabuilt.com/level-1.html

 

[NORCAL SS]

i would talk to rpm transmission or flt transmission. I have built 4l70es on both of my trailblazer ss's and both over 500 rwhp and no probs at all.

now my buddy has a silverado and has gone thru 2 performabuilt trans in less than 2 years and he never races the thing