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Engine Braking? Alpha owners chime in!

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adventr

Well-Known Member
Messages
500
Location
United States
Sennin said:
Ouch, that definately isnt normal. hope its a quick and easy fix
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Yeah, definitely not normal. So far, I've called the 2 best transmission shops in this area this morning. Both sounded kinda dumbfounded by my results.... One thinks that it may be a computer issue, but I don't know what that issue would be.

As a "Plan B", I've got my GM parts buddy on standby, ready to order me a brand new transmission. Other than my issue, the vehicle drives great, so it's not a super pressing issue at the moment. I've posted this up on LS1Tech to see if any of those guys might know what's going on.
 
A

adventr

Well-Known Member
Messages
500
Location
United States
Sennin said:
Ouch, that definately isnt normal. hope its a quick and easy fix
Click to expand...


On a side note, I'd definitely like to know more about those auxilliary cooling fans that you guys get on the SA models! Seems like that might be a good upgrade for us here in the hotter part of the States.
 
Sennin

Sennin

Well-Known Member
Messages
453
Location
South Africa
adventr said:
On a side note, I'd definitely like to know more about those auxilliary cooling fans that you guys get on the SA models! Seems like that might be a good upgrade for us here in the hotter part of the States.
Click to expand...

I dont want to take this fred off topic, so I will just give you the link to some info :mock:

my build: http://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php?517-My-SA-hummer-build/page8

attachment.php


attachment.php
 
A

adventr

Well-Known Member
Messages
500
Location
United States
So here's something to chew on. Company called True Blue Motorsports can set me up with a brand new 6L80e transmission (6spd) and everything to make it work for around $6k plus shipping.
Been emailing back and forth about this.

I love the thought of having the 6spd auto. I've driven new 1500 chevy trucks that have the 5.3/6L80 combo, and it's great.


What are your thoughts on this? I can get a brand new GM 4L60e with warranty from my GM parts buddy for less than $2k out the door, which is definitely cheaper, but that 6spd is enticing....


Link to TBMS site:


http://www.tbmsport.com/6l80gm6spdinformation/6l8090eswapcomponents.html
 
S

SedonaBound

Guest
adventr said:
Yeah, definitely not normal. So far, I've called the 2 best transmission shops in this area this morning. Both sounded kinda dumbfounded by my results.... One thinks that it may be a computer issue, but I don't know what that issue would be.

As a "Plan B", I've got my GM parts buddy on standby, ready to order me a brand new transmission. Other than my issue, the vehicle drives great, so it's not a super pressing issue at the moment. I've posted this up on LS1Tech to see if any of those guys might know what's going on.
Click to expand...

I advise letting a good trans tech diagnose it before blindly dumping several grand on a new trans. They can't check out a trans over the phone. If it is a computer problem, a new trans may get you nothing but a huge bill. The "E" in 4L60E is for electronic, and it is largely controlled by the PCM.

The idea to go to a 6-speed is technically interesting but, imo, not at a $4K premium plus labor unless cost is no object. If it was an straightforward/reliable mod, this forum would have plenty who'd have done it.
 
A

adventr

Well-Known Member
Messages
500
Location
United States
Not so sure that I trust the local trans shops that I spoke with.

The better of the two pretty much said that if he opens the trans up at all, it's getting a full rebuild. That's just how he does it apparently. Probably an ok shop, but he's at $1700 for the rebuild with a 12mo warranty.
New GM trans is $1850 with a 3yr warranty.


The other shop was Aamco, and the guy seemed willing enough to try and diagnose it, but didn't sound confident that they could figure it out.
From the responses on the other forum, it's a general consensus that either the overrun clutches are worn out, or there is a valve body issue.

I mentioned overrun clutches to Aamco guy, and he said no way... Lol


Personally, based on the condition of the vehicle, I'd lean towards valve body issue rather than the clutches. Apparently they also apply in 3rd gear, which works well for me with engine braking.


It's all speculation, but if someone could confidently tell me that they could diagnose it, I'd be dropping it off there tomorrow.
However, at this point, I'm probably going to let it ride for a month or so and see what happens. Maybe some other issue will pop up and make diagnosis easier.

My trip to Moab isn't scheduled until September, so I've got some time.
 
CaseyS

CaseyS

Well-Known Member
Messages
755
Location
Louisiana
Good luck on that 6L80e. 1) it wont fit without relocating the torsion bar cross member rearward, into the fuel tank. 2) your transfer case won't bolt to it, different spline shaft and different bolt pattern. 3) that trans has its own TCM and shifts only by comm connections to the ecm, so all that has to be compatible and worked out
 
A

adventr

Well-Known Member
Messages
500
Location
United States
CaseyS said:
Good luck on that 6L80e. 1) it wont fit without relocating the torsion bar cross member rearward, into the fuel tank. 2) your transfer case won't bolt to it, different spline shaft and different bolt pattern. 3) that trans has its own TCM and shifts only by comm connections to the ecm, so all that has to be compatible and worked out
Click to expand...


I didn't figure it would be a bolt-in affair. I doubt I'll be going that route, BUT, in case anyone is researching this:

- TBMS machines an adapter plate so that the H3 transfer case will bolt up to the 6L80e
- They will even clock the t-case in any position, as each adapter is a one-off
- TBMS also machines an input shaft for the transfer case, so that it will match the 6L80e
- TBMS provides the wiring harness, control box, and PCM programming to make the electronic side work.

All of the above was included in the price that I tossed out earlier.

The only issue may be that torsion bar crossmember. I know he had said that they do these 6L80e swaps in trailblazers and colorados, so not sure how much different the H3 crossmember would be.
 
A

adventr

Well-Known Member
Messages
500
Location
United States
Ghostbuster said:
That's crazy that a brand new transmission is only $150 more than that someone tore into and rebuilt...
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Yeah no doubt... That's the main reason why I don't really want him to troubleshoot it if he has to tear into it. If it's gotta go that far, I'd rather just toss in a new GM trans and be done with it. Good warranty to boot.
 
T

twozero1

Well-Known Member
Messages
52
Location
NJ/NYC area
The only free wheeling issue I have with the 4l60 trans is when turning a corner. Even when I had a top of the line built FLT trans when I did a 2wd conversion on my TBSS it did the same thing. It hangs up if speed is not high enough. Like if you decide to go WOT on the highway and you get that violent kick down and engine revs to catch up and you go nowhere. Manually dropping into 3 helps. Or the same when slowing to almost a full stop and then get back on the throttle. The trans is automatically down shifting into first while in D and there is no trans braking. The trans freewheels if your foot is not on the gas so as soon as you touch the pedal it will flare up to match speed with transmission. If I put the trans in low gear it doesn't happen but I don't drive around like that.
Even my friends have issues with this and I fix it in the trans tuning. Every trans seems to have its own little sweet spot but it's only 1-2 mph change.
I also hate the converter constantly locking and unlocking but that's a personal issue.

I know now the guy from TBM. He's a good guy. Good luck if you decide to go that route.
 
F

Former User

Guest
Your guys rigs use engine braking? Mine uses drag for it's engine brakes. lol. Jokes aside, the 5.3/4l60e is a decent set up for engine braking. I have a heavy duty torque converter and sprag kit installed, so it's even a little better than stock. But even stock it was good. Especially for offroad.
 
F

Former User

Guest
I'm very curious if the 6l80e will fit. I've always wished for a 6spd auto in this thing. It would make the motor feel like it had more power too.
 
amrg

amrg

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The 1st to 3rd gear ratios are considerably higher, I think 30% more torque in each gear is reasonable! Even 4th is 15% more than 3rd in the 4L60! The 6th gear is slightly lower though!
 
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