Automatic options

one eyed willy

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I'm considering going auto. I'm a little confused on my options. My car is originally a 3650 car, converted to 6060. I've read about manual shifting valve bodies? I'm not looking to do a $5k swap so I'm just looking at my different options. I really have no clue on the different models of autos and how much they can handle. Can someone shed some light on the subject for me?
 

TexasBlownV8

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Really depends on your power level. I like the 5r55s for 500 and under.
I like my 4r70 with full auto vb and optishift controller; but dont buy a 4r70 from lentech.
 

retfr8flyr

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There are a lot of different cost values involved. First is the choice of trans. There are many choices that will fit, with a little banging, in our chassis. The most popular are a Power Glide, TH400, 4R70w and the GM 4L80E. Then you have the choice of a manual or automatic valve body. A manual valve body is the cheapest way to go. This is basically a stick without a clutch, you have to shift each gear manually. Most of the transmissions have an option of an automatic valve body and you can have it setup with an automatic controller. Then you have the choice of a lock up converter, or a non lockup one. The non lockup setup is actually stronger because it has a solid input shaft but it generates a lot more heat because it is always slipping, so it's better for a track only car.

You will need a new flex plate, to replace the flywheel, some wiring modifications to the harness, a shifter, new driveshaft and either a trans blanket/shield or an SFI certified case. As you can see there are many options and the cost will depend on which way you go, manual or automatic and how much HP you want the trans built to handle. But the basics of what you will need will be the same. I plan on going with the 4 L80E if my 5R gives out. The 4L can be built to handle much more power then the 4R70 can and be more reliable. It's basically an upgraded TH400 with an O/D and the Th400 is one of the strongest transmissions ever built. I have seen too many 4R70 setups fail, to invest money in that setup.
 

one eyed willy

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Really depends on your power level. I like the 5r55s for 500 and under.
I like my 4r70 with full auto vb and optishift controller; but dont buy a 4r70 from lentech.

Thank you

There are a lot of different cost values involved. First is the choice of trans. There are many choices that will fit, with a little banging, in our chassis. The most popular are a Power Glide, TH400, 4R70w and the GM 4L80E. Then you have the choice of a manual or automatic valve body. A manual valve body is the cheapest way to go. This is basically a stick without a clutch, you have to shift each gear manually. Most of the transmissions have an option of an automatic valve body and you can have it setup with an automatic controller. Then you have the choice of a lock up converter, or a non lockup one. The non lockup setup is actually stronger because it has a solid input shaft but it generates a lot more heat because it is always slipping, so it's better for a track only car.

You will need a new flex plate, to replace the flywheel, some wiring modifications to the harness, a shifter, new driveshaft and either a trans blanket/shield or an SFI certified case. As you can see there are many options and the cost will depend on which way you go, manual or automatic and how much HP you want the trans built to handle. But the basics of what you will need will be the same. I plan on going with the 4 L80E if my 5R gives out. The 4L can be built to handle much more power then the 4R70 can and be more reliable. It's basically an upgraded TH400 with an O/D and the Th400 is one of the strongest transmissions ever built. I have seen too many 4R70 setups fail, to invest money in that setup.

Thank you very much, that answers a few questions! I'm guessing $5k range....lol, for all the bells and whistles.

I would want a auto valve body for sure. Needs to be something I can drive on the street reliably. Car is making around 800hp at high boost.

Is there a "stock" auto that would hold that much?
 

retfr8flyr

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retfr8flyr

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There aren't any aftermarket controllers for the 6R, to retrofit it into our earlier Mustangs. It's a strong trans and good for about 600 hp but it's not going to hold a boosted 800 rwhp for very long.
 

weather man

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Bauman 6R80 Controller Update.

Latest and greatest from Bauman. There is light in the tunnel anyway.


Today at 7:49 PM
Hello Brian,

You are right about this being a tough nut to crack!

As you can imagine, 6R80 is a very important project to us.
Unfortunately, it has taken us a while just to get our controller
platform ready to support it. Thankfully that work is now complete. In
the next few weeks, we will begin development on the 6R80, and hope to
be done later this year. However, it will be a month or so before we
know more about the timetable involved.
 

drive_55_not

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Latest and greatest from Bauman. There is light in the tunnel anyway.


Today at 7:49 PM
Hello Brian,

You are right about this being a tough nut to crack!

As you can imagine, 6R80 is a very important project to us.
Unfortunately, it has taken us a while just to get our controller
platform ready to support it. Thankfully that work is now complete. In
the next few weeks, we will begin development on the 6R80, and hope to
be done later this year. However, it will be a month or so before we
know more about the timetable involved.


Just curious how did Ford control the 6R in the 09-10 3V F150's?


.
 

roberts

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well im doing a auto swap and here is where im at with it.

a 4r swap to handle about 800 hp (not reliable) will be 6k-8k for me.

a th400 swap to handle 1,200 witch is more than what I need. the th400 swap has no overdrive so have to re-gear it. Th400 will be about 5k to 6k. Makes sure the th400 is a 1:1!!!!

you can do a C4 but haven't really looked into it. I was told it use less power vs the th400 but I can bump up a pound of boost if I want more.

That's where im at do a 4r is prob not going to happen for me as to spend that much and it take a shit I will not be happy at all!!
 
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retfr8flyr

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A C4 will never hold up in our cars with any power, they are just too heavy. Roberts, check into the 4L80E, if you want an OD. It's basically the TH400 with an OD and can be built to hold the same power levels. You can also get an computer controller for it and have full auto or manual shifting capability.
 

weather man

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Just curious how did Ford control the 6R in the 09-10 3V F150's?


.

I think I remember LITO talking about it having its own computer. There was a reason it would not work on 3V mustangs, can't quite remember why.
 

roberts

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A C4 will never hold up in our cars with any power, they are just too heavy. Roberts, check into the 4L80E, if you want an OD. It's basically the TH400 with an OD and can be built to hold the same power levels. You can also get an computer controller for it and have full auto or manual shifting capability.
I talked to I believe jpc on a 4l80e and it was close to 10 grand. So I will not spend that. Could just sell the car and get something else for that.
 

retfr8flyr

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Well I never talked to JPC but from the research I did on it the swap would be $5k-$6k, just about the same cost as the other swaps.
 

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