4L80E retrofit question from new guy

Bugsdad · Newbie Joined: Sep 17, 2004 Posts: 5

I haven't purchased the controller yet, just reading through the manuals trying to see if it's what I need. So far it has much more control than others on the market.

What I'm trying to do is hook the controller up to a 1993 GMC typhoon. It's just a basic TPI setup with TPS, 2 bar MAP(some people run 3 bar),IAT, VSS signal, ECT.
There are several references in the manual that says not to "piggyback" signals going to the stock ecm. This left me confused as to how I'm supposed to get the signals from the stock sensors to the PCS unit. Is there a wiring schematic available to do such a retrofit already available using the PCS wiring harness that you folks make for the 4L80E?

A typical schematic of how to hook the PCS unit up using your 4L80E wire harness would be so outstanding. I'm digging through the software and downloads now and just can't find anything.

I apologize in advance if this topic has been covered before.

I can post up copies of any and all stock wiring schematics if anyone needs them to help and I have a thorough understanding of how the stock syty ecm system works.

jballenger · Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 12:29 pm Post subject:

Our transmission controller would be a good fit for your project. Our transmission controller does offer a very different level of control as compared to our competitors. Our wiring diagrams are located here http://www.powertraincontrolsolutions.com/downloads-cat5.html .

For most 4L80E transmissions there is an 11 way circular gray connector that is plugged directly into the transmission. There is also a 2 way connector going to your vehicle speed sensor and another 2 way connector going to your turbine speed sensor. Our harness for the 4L80E transmission comes with these connectors already built into the harness and ready to plug directly into your transmission.

We also include unterminated wires for RPM (to be connected to your tach line), Brake light, TPS, MAP, & CLT. You will be able to connect our TPS wire directly to your TPS sensor output without affecting the signal to the ECU. This is also true for our MAP wire & CLT wire; these can both be connected to your CLT sensor and MAP sensor outputs. Your brake light wire should be connected to your brake pedal switch output wire.

Our analog inputs 1-4 will work as "piggyback" wires that can be connected to your stock ECU. Our analog inputs 5&6 have pull-up resistors built in, which is required for direct measurement of temperature sensors. Because these technical issues can be confusing, we simply label the corresponding wires for most wiring diagrams with their intended function (ex TPS, MAP, CLT).
_________________
James Ballenger
Forum Administrator

Bugsdad · Newbie Joined: Sep 17, 2004 Posts: 5

Thanks so much!! You answered several questions I had already. The turbine speed sensor. Is that on the case of the 4L80E somewhere? The syty doesn't have one.
I have an image gallery and a scanner. I'll take my particular wiring diagram pics and edit them to include your wiring harness, put them in my gallery and post them here. I'll also explain any pertinants like our VSS and DRAC.
For example, the VSS, mounted on the transfer case, has an analog signal of about 2000 pulses per mile and that signal gets fed to the DRAC which turns it into a digital signal of 4000 pulses per mile. For example, should I just run it off the VSS or off the DRAC?
I'll post up the wiring diagrams and it'll be much easier I think.
Thanks so much! I'm looking forward to using the controller!!

jballenger · Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 12:19 pm Post subject:

The documentation I have for a 1993 GMC Typhoon shows a 4L60E, what year is your 4L80E and what application is it originally from?
_________________
James Ballenger
Forum Administrator

Bugsdad · Newbie Joined: Sep 17, 2004 Posts: 5

That's the problem with ALL publications except for the Helms that GMC had made. I've seen publications say they had everything from 4L60Es to 4L80E, to TH400s. There was so few of them made in comparison to other vehicles that most no one knows what they are....including many dealers Shocked

They came with a 700r4/4L60. Only electronics was the ECM could control TCC lockup through an on/off type solenoid. Everything else was hydraulicly controlled through the valvebody with throttle line rise done through the TV cable.
I have the proper wiring schematics and the books are pretty good about explaining exactly what the voltages are and what type of signals you get.

I'm still waiting on the core to come in for the 4L80E. I'm getting a 1999 core so it has the improved internals, lubrications system, and the upgraded wiring harness. Is there a certain model you recommend?
I have to have the output shaft of the 4L80E machined down and new splines ground into it to mate up with the BW4472 AWD transfer case as well as make a transmission to transfer case adaptor. So far it looks like I can use a 2wd core, take off the extension housing. The longer 2wd shaft will leave me the additional length required to put in a custom 6 bolt adaptor(4L80e End)and have it bolt up to the stock transfer case adaptor (4 bolt end that bolted to the 700). Front driveshaft has to be lengthened and rear driveshaft has to be shortened and the transmission crossmember will have to have an extended shelf welded onto it to move the transmission mount back.
It's not gonna be a cheap retro. That's why I wanted to make sure I had the best controller available to start with before the hard parts start coming in. B&B Gear and machine is doing the output shaft and adaptor work for me. They do excellent work.

I've called on MANY controllers. Yours is the best. It is the most difficult to hook up because it has been made so versatile. Everyone elses has the proper through pigtail type adaptors and everything just plug it in and go but have zero control over TCC lockup. Only one model enabled TCC lockup at WOT but it is a mystery what that is. Yours excels in that region.

jballenger · Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 11:00 am Post subject:

I did see the 4L60 with TCC lockup control only in the 1993 Typhoon and that was the primary reason for my question. I wanted to double check with you to ensure there aren't any mix-ups.

A 1999 core 4L80E is an excellent candidate for your swap and it sounds like you have the details handled pretty well. We do offer a fully different level of control than competitors capable of controlling this (or any other) transmission. With regard to TCC lockup, a new feature will be released with our firmware and software version 2 which will significantly increase your level of control for TCC lockup (to our already class-leading TCC lockup capabilities).

Something to note is that our harness for the 4L60E/4L80E is nearly identical to some of our competitors who sell harnesses ONLY for this model of transmission in terms of the connectors. Our harness does have the standard GM connectors which simply plug into your 4L80E.
_________________
James Ballenger
Forum Administrator

eliot · Newbie Joined: Feb 20, 2007 Posts: 5 Location: UK

PCS · Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 10:43 am Post subject:

Yes, the VSS is the 2 pin connector above the main transmission harness going into the side of your trans. Are you interested on using one of are TCU to control your 4L80E?
_________________
Powertrain Control Solutions thanks you for your current or future business @
www.Powertrain Control Solutions.com
Phone: 804-752-6025
Fax: 804-752-3516
E-mail: mike@ptcs.us

eliot · Newbie Joined: Feb 20, 2007 Posts: 5 Location: UK

I was speaking to Richard Alder @ Alders automatics in the UK who pointed me this way. Was looking at the TCI controller, but have heard that the support is very poor.

There's a few of us looking at putting 4l80e's into range rover based cars, via the Marks Adapter for the LT230. Marks 4WD do sell a VSS that attaches to the back of the LT230 transfer box, but I couldn't see the need for one, given that the 4l80e had its own output shaft speed sensor built-in - hence my question.
_________________
Eliot
www.mez.co.uk

PCS · Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 1:19 pm Post subject:

Well we do have alot of support and experience with the 4L80E Trans. so if you have any questions needing answers feel free.
_________________
Powertrain Control Solutions thanks you for your current or future business @
www.Powertrain Control Solutions.com
Phone: 804-752-6025
Fax: 804-752-3516
E-mail: mike@ptcs.us

Iain_B · New Member Joined: Aug 21, 2006 Posts: 12

quickstopUK · Newbie Joined: Nov 25, 2007 Posts: 6

What harness did you order for the 4L80E and the Typhoon? I too have a Ty and am putting in a 4L80E.

I saw the options - should I go with the universal unterminated or just get the 1993+ 4L80E harness?

The trans is a 1997 - wasn't sure if the harness year was truck or trans related.

Thanks,

Mark

Russ · PCS Employee Joined: May 12, 2004 Posts: 286

Mark,
The harness years we specify are transmission related. There are 2 versions of the 4L80e. 91-92 had a different main connector. 93 and up are all the same.

Russ

quickstopUK · Newbie Joined: Nov 25, 2007 Posts: 6

OK,

so I am going to order one from you guys. Here is what I think I need:

4L80E 1993+ harness
PCS TCU controller

I have a laptop so don't need anything else for my Typhoon. Is this correct?

My 4L80E is ready to go into the truck!

Russ · PCS Employee Joined: May 12, 2004 Posts: 286

That should be all you need unless your laptop does not have a serial port. If not you will need a usb to serial adapter.

Russ