6L80e tq converter going out, any info on aftermarket converters?

00pooterSS · October 1, 2020

I've read/heard a couple of things about people saying they had trouble with aftermarket converters but when I ask them what they didn't like, what brand, what problems.....I get ghosted.

I have been considering doing a 3000-3200 stall anyway but now it looks like I'll have to replace it if changing the fluid doesn't help stop the shudder. (I've had this work many times in the past so it's where I will start)

I've had stalls in the past, I'm just really needing any helpful info on what people have tried and what they did and did not like stalling one of these trucks with the 6L80

Thank you all in advance for any help.

silveradosid · October 1, 2020

research circle d torque converters

flyingfool · October 2, 2020

camaro zl1 is $350 2200-2500 stall

i think circD is close to $900

Edited October 2, 2020 by flyingfool

Scrming · November 10, 2020

I used Circle D in the past. Highly recommend.

lucas287 · November 24, 2020

Stall speed is highly dependent on input torque. What stalls to 2200-2500 on a ZL1 that has 650 lb ft of tq wouldn't stall anywhere near that behind an NA L83.

Just warning you that it might be difficult to control any aftermarket converter with the limited access to the GM TCM algorithms. Read through this thread over on HPT: https://forum.hptuners.com/showthread.php?65233-6l80-TCC-LINE-PRESSURE-ISSUE-CIRCLE-D-3000-HP

M1ck3y · November 26, 2020

On 11/24/2020 at 3:55 PM, lucas287 said:

Stall speed is highly dependent on input torque. What stalls to 2200-2500 on a ZL1 that has 650 lb ft of tq wouldn't stall anywhere near that behind an NA L83.

Just warning you that it might be difficult to control any aftermarket converter with the limited access to the GM TCM algorithms. Read through this thread over on HPT: https://forum.hptuners.com/showthread.php?65233-6l80-TCC-LINE-PRESSURE-ISSUE-CIRCLE-D-3000-HP

I think constantly pulse like that stock?

I know on my truck right before I had the trans flush done the pulse was audible and followed the rise and fall of the rpm fluctuations. Now, maybe 5000 kms after the flush the truck is still smoothish with no rpm fluctuations, but the I'm definitely getting a constant up and down exhaust note in some situations.

I was considering dropping the 1500 cdn and getting a tune that included the trans. But now it sounds like with hp tuners you can't really correct this?

peejaykay · November 26, 2020

On 10/2/2020 at 12:20 PM, flyingfool said:

camaro zl1 is $350 2200-2500 stall

i think circD is close to $900

I'm running the cts-v tq converter on a built 6L80. Feels almost stock. Feels kinda sluggish at low speeds, especially when cold. Shifts are crisper. Didn't even need a trans tune. No codes. Since I just crested 100k miles, going to start massing parts for a top end rebuild (cam, heads, L86 IM/TB).

flyingfool · November 26, 2020

isn't the CTS-V and ZL1 the same? Good to know it works without a tune, i'm sure it will get better with corrected programming. i would down load the zl1 or cts trans file and anylize the stock parameters and compare that to your trucks file. and try and mimic GM's tune for that set up

keep an eye on your trans temp. where does it run after the swap?

Edited November 26, 2020 by flyingfool

peejaykay · November 26, 2020

There was a specific reason the CTS-V from a specific year group was recommended over the ZL-1. I believe their stalls are identical, had something to do with mounting. I don't recall the details. Shop that did the work on trans and converter (my converter failed at 80k, all stock setup but I towed a heavy trailer often) has a world record holding C7 so I'm gonna go with their recommendation.