4L80E into a 1995 1500 2WD SUBURBAN

[95 SUBURBAN 5.7]

OK Gents, I have 95 TBI 350 2WD Suburban, and I will be installing a 96 2WD 4L80E tranny at some point. My 4L60E is not broke, but I'm just planning ahead for the inevitable. OK, I got a 4L80E from a 96 vortec 350 2WD 2500 work truck with ~ 100K miles for free. I also got the 2wd crossmember, stock torque converter, flexplate, and so on. I've taken critical measurements under the suburban, and the 4L80E will install as stock, and the driveshaft will work with the special 4L80E Slip-Yoke from Dennydriveshaft. This 4L80E is the same type like OLDRED95's unit. I'm not planning on EVER taking this down the TRACK!!! I will be rebuilding the 350 to a more powerful 9.5:1 mill with ~300-320 HP, with ported CI L-98 heads, an LT-1 cam, Edelbrock RPM intake, and 454 T.B. and injectors, 1.6:1 roller-tip rockers, GIBSON 100 OBS headers, and I already have true 2.5" dual exhaust system. I live in Florida, so how benificial is the OPEN ELEMENT 14X3" intake mod in such regions? I know they breath better, but Florida is Florida :). I would assume that an actual CAI would be more prudent. I just want a "Bullet-proof setup", that is the real reason for going down the engine upgrade and 4L80E route.

I have a few specific questions for you guys:

1- Do I still need to install a TRAN-GO 4L80E HD2 kit, since I will never race the vehicle? I will be towing a 24' PONTOON boat occassionally, and maybe a trailer from time-to-time. I've read about the benifits of this kit, and I like them, but how harse are the SHIFT. My wife will drive this SUBURBAN at times, with my two young daugthers. I DON'T WANT THEM COMPLAINING!!!

2- Has anyone done this swap with the 2WD 1-PIECE DRIVESHAFT OBS setup before? I've searched, but could not find any.

3- How many have installed a deep sump TRANS PAN, how necessary is it on the 4L80E? I have a JEGS DEP-SUMP ALUMINUM 4L60E/700R4 pan on my current 4L60E, it works great, but is the STOCK 4L80E pan adequate with a larger external cooler? What size coolers are you guys running?
4- If I install a TRAN-GO HD2 kit, would it be a good idea to perform the modification on a spare 4L80E VALVE BODY? There is a trans shop selling GOOD 80E VB CORES, for $15-$20 each. All replies are welcomed

Thanks Everyone

V/R, Ashley

[95 SUBURBAN 5.7]

I'm really suprise that NO ONE has replied to my post. Should I have asked this in another forum? LMK, I can copy it over to another forum, if it would help. Please help a fellow FSC member out. I value all suggestions and insights :).

V/R, Ashley

[NEUMANNZZ]

do you plan on burning and tuning your own proms?

100k miles on a 4l80e. I would get it rebuilt and a new torque converter. hd2 shift kit shouldnt make it too harsh in shifting. its all in the chip tuning.
get a trans temp gauge to monitor temps if your worried about burning it up. you wont need a deep pan if you get an aux cooler.

[95 SUBURBAN 5.7]

Thanks for the reply, I have been thinking about having it rebuilt, since I won't be using it for quite some time. I will start gathering parts for the rebuild. Yes I plan on fine-tuning the PCM as well :).

[94Stroker]

Rebuild that trans
New Converter
Driveshaft will have to be shortened... no big deal. Or just measure once it's in and get a new/better one
Trans crossmember will move back into "other" holes
Will need stand alone controller or reprogram current ecm with wiring harness mods
IF you are not towing lots in heat, then stock pan with stock radiator cooler + external cooler is just fine

As far as driveability: lose a little out of the hole (2.48 1st gear vs 3.06) AND 4th gear a little more highway rpm (.75 vs .70 4th gear)
The behavior is up to your programming and how it's built

[95 SUBURBAN 5.7]

Hey 94STROKER, thanks for the reply, have you done such a swap before? I will PM you with a few more questions, if that is not a problem :). BTW, I will be using a 1995 G-30 VAN TBI350/4L80E MEMCAL as the baseline for this swap. Thanks again.

[94Stroker]

Yes, my 94 2wd is a 4l80e now.. I really liked the 4l60e better, but couldn't keep one together under
my torque output.
Not a horrible swap. Just take your time and you'll be happy. I control mine with Compushift stand alone controller.
There is a newer better version of it out now that I guess can reference MAP, but mine doesn't.... So I'd give it a "B-" overall