7 replies to this topic

[blazin_yota123]

when you consider going manual valvebodies on these electronic trannies, do you actually get rid of the electronics ? im looking to purchase the 4l85e for my 1985 chev with the 8.1 vortec in it( just finished). I dont wanna have to worry about the pcm/tcm... would i be able to make these run like that manaul autos?

[Mr.Duck]

4L60 - yep
4L85 - I don't know

[blazin_yota123]

i guess i could just ask transgo eh! lol thanks DUCK:)

[G-Man]

You could use a stand alone controller that would give mostly manual control with the existing electronic valve body or replace the valve body with a true full manual version. The best stand alone controller is made by Powertrain Control Solutions http://www.powertrai...ranscontrol.php and is the same one that TCI sells. They've also got a simpler cheaper version but the TCM-2000 kicks ass. There are full manual conversions and valve bodies out there but for street driving the constant shifting gets old fast. As well as the very aggressive shifts due to the main line pressure being maxed. The stand alone controller would allow the trans to be used behind any engine/pcm combination as the only input it needs is a tach signal and even that can be read from the turbine speed sensor in the transmission.

[blazin_yota123]

okay, i was reading about it. seems pretty trick... how do you you program shift points ? do i just plug this into the tranny...one problem with this unit is i need a tpi sensor... i had alot of this stuff removed off my 8.1 vortec...

[G-Man]

blazin_yota123, on 08 July 2012 - 03:41 PM, said:

okay, i was reading about it. seems pretty trick... how do you you program shift points ? do i just plug this into the tranny...one problem with this unit is i need a tpi sensor... i had alot of this stuff removed off my 8.1 vortec...

Pretty much any way you want. Almost anything can used or any combination of anything like throttle position, MAP, road speed, or engine speed. All of which can be modified by other inputs like various temperatures and the like.
The most intimidating part of learning how to program this unit is dealing with all of the things that can be changed. But it also comes with a basic baseline type program.
I've got my 4R70 set up to use a throttle position sensor and engine rpm only and I'm happy like a clam with the shift points and quality.
To actually program the unit requires a laptop with a serial port (old school) or a USB to serial adapter ( I used a Belkin) and then play with whatever parameters who want until it shifts when and how you want.
And then after all that, you can have 2 completely seperate programs in the same unit with completely different shift points.

[Soup Man]

blazin_yota123, on 08 July 2012 - 03:41 PM, said:

okay, i was reading about it. seems pretty trick... how do you you program shift points ? do i just plug this into the tranny...one problem with this unit is i need a tpi sensor... i had alot of this stuff removed off my 8.1 vortec...

I know of 2 people running the 85 tranny and they got rid of the electronics, made it full manual.

Only down side is that the line pressure is near or at its max pressure when shifting... makes for hard shifting.,

[wahlstrom1]

Which is awesome.... With the tuner setup high on shift firmness and speed in my 06' 2500HD the truck will chirp tires on a 1-2,2-3 shift when I hold it WOT with a 4L80E.