The 6L80E General Motors transmission is a wonder in automotive advancement. It started replacing the 4L60E transmission in many vehicles starting with the 2006 model year, and was used mainly in large vehicles with a V8 engine. For the most part, this transmission has been phased out by the 8L90E, but is still in production.
While the 6L80E was used primarily in trucks, it could also be found in 2006 through 2014 Corvettes, 2008 to 2009 Pontiac G8, 2010 through 2015 Camaro, and the Chevrolet SS. Hughes Performance understands the performance durability of this transmission, and has developed a billet converter that could be considered bulletproof. “All of our high-horsepower converters are furnace brazed. We even silicone-braze each fin,” says Pete Scott of Hughes. We also have a complete billet bottom with triple-disc clutches.”
When the lockup piston applies in a high-torque application, there is a lot of force applied to the lockup piston and torque converter cover. This is especially true in modified diesel engines, and can cause the cover to flex and actually destroy the lockup-lining and piston.
Hughes has done a great deal of research and development on this particular problem, and has come up with a great solution. Hughes manufactures a new CNC billet-steel cover and triple-disc lockup piston assembly. This eliminates “cover flexing” which also protects the piston. In addition, with three discs doing the job of one, the lockup piston can now handle the increased torque capacity without slipping. The material used for the pistons is also upgraded, this, in addition to transmission modifications that are necessary, will allow the 25 to 30-percent increase in torque output of today’s modified diesel engines.
Transmission and torque converter durability is a huge issue for many, and Hughes Performance can help you eliminate that issue with your car or truck.