4L80E controller questions!

mikereeh · Newbie Joined: Oct 05, 2006 Posts: 2

new user here, im glad ive found this website.. Its been a while since ive searched on 4L80E controllers, but the time has come, and Im about to replace the 700R4 that has let me down ONE too many times, with a 4L80E....

for the longest time there was only the compushift/TCI/diesel controller/full manual valve body options.... none of which excited me very much.

this unit looks very promising.. but I have a few questions that I need answered before I commit...

first of all, there are no buttons/switches/etc on the box, are there? ALL modifications are done thru the computer software.. is this correct?

secondly- Im going to be putting the 4L80E into a '77 gmc K25, which is carbureted.. What sensors are manditory and/or recommended to be installed on the engine? I need to get an idea of how much time Im going to have to put into this project. Is a TPS required? There are no sensors on the truck, currently. As for VSS, what are my options? Its a 4WD truck which means there will be no tailshaft on the trans... the transfer case has the old style mechanical speedo output... Again these are all obstacles that I know are capable of being overcome, but I want to know exactly what Im getting into so I can start gathering parts & information, and more importantly I want to make sure that this setup is feasible before I drop a couple thousand dollars on parts...

If you could give me any advice or an overview of whats required, and answer my questions, I would really appreciate it... Also anything you think I may have missed.. I have been researching this project for quite some time, but Im sure theres stuff Im not aware of yet...

THANKS!

mike

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

Mike,
The controller has no external adjustments. All changes are done through a PC using our software.

Our controller requires at a minimum throttle position and rpm. We sell a throttle position kit for use with carbureted engines.

The VSS should not be an issue. You should be able to keep the cable driven speedometer that is driven from the output of the transfer case. The 4L80E has a vss/output shaft speed sensor located on the tail housing between the transmission and transfer case. Our controller uses this sensor for speed measurement.

As for other issues, make sure you own or have access to a laptop with a serial port. If the laptop does not have a serial port you will need to purchase a USB to Serial adapter. You can get one from us when you order the controller or they can purchased from places like Best Buy or Circuit City.

Russ

mikereeh · Newbie Joined: Oct 05, 2006 Posts: 2

can you tell me why I should chose this product over this-- http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?perfPackages=1&pkgid=119

??

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

Mike,
First off there is nothing wrong with the TCI/GM parts direct transmission controller. There are several advantages our controller has. First is better torque converter control. We offer torque converter lockup/unlock tables for each gear based on load. We have downshift tables instead of a set mph offset from the upshift. We offer many more features like dual calbrations, additonal inputs and outputs, shift inhibits based on vehicle slip, etc. Our price is a little better after you add in the throttle position kit. Both controllers will do the job on a 4L80e and both are good options for your project.

Russ