Let's talk engines and trans

[Alan H Stott]

People tell me I should go for the 6.0 L96 (Flex Fuel Version paired with a 4L80 trans is this a good combination for a 2004 Chevy Tahoe? I am not the most mechanically inclined individual so I am going to ask if that is even a possible pairing. I want to beef up my SUV and I am sure I need a new engine or need to rebuild my engine anyways so i figured I'd ask about what I should do.

Or is it possible that I could just Opt for a 6.2L vortec engine.

Which I know will need to be ran on 93 octane.

I am also wanting to keep my 4WD capabilities sl what am I doing in regards to this. I am asking so that I am fully aware of all I need to work on in getting this right. I mean I like the flex fuel tech but I'd be happy to take the better HP and torque specs too. I am simply shopping at the moment.

So y'all are aware my dad is an ASE certified master mechanic and I will have his help when I do this swap. So please help me learn as much as I can.

 

[swathdiver]

Yes it is but I'd rather have a 6-speed. I have heard about kits to make the Gen IV work in a Gen III but do not know what it entails, especially with regards to the cluster and brakes and such.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Other folks will chime in.

 

[Alan H Stott]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Other folks will chime in.

Well I do plan on being active in the forums quite a bit. But I don't know if i am knowledgeable enough to give advice.

 

[Dantheman1540]

6.0 4l80 combo is a proven workhorse and possible powerhouse if built with performance in mind. Both should fit and adapt to your Tahoe without any crazy undocumented modifications. Since your Tahoe is a 2004 I would steer away from a L96 and look for an LQ4 or LQ9 because they are the same generation and will fit without any modifications to your sensors or wire harness. L96s came in later year trucks and require a few things to be relocated not to mention they are typically more expensive.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Well I do plan on being active in the forums quite a bit. But I don't know if i am knowledgeable enough to give advice.

You do not need to be knowledgeable to participate. Reporting and discussing any truck-related experiences on this Forum, good or bad, adds to our collective knowledge base. The more that you read and interact with folks on this Forum, the more that you will learn.

 

[Alan H Stott]

6.0 4l80 combo is a proven workhorse and possible powerhouse if built with performance in mind. Both should fit and adapt to your Tahoe without any crazy undocumented modifications. Since your Tahoe is a 2004 I would steer away from a L96 and look for an LQ4 or LQ9 because they are the same generation and will fit without any modifications to your sensors or wire harness. L96s came in later year trucks and require a few things to be relocated not to mention they are typically more expensive.

Thank you for the engine suggestions. The reason i was thinking about an L96 is because it is the flex fuel type like my current engine but if there is better options then I'd prefer that over the L96 any day.

 

[Alan H Stott]

You do not need to be knowledgeable to participate. Reporting and discussing any truck-related experiences on this Forum, good or bad, adds to our collective knowledge base. The more that you read and interact with folks on this Forum, the more that you will learn.

That is the most welcoming statement i have heard in any forum. Thank you.

 

[Dantheman1540]

This place is definitely more friendly than most other forums.

I believe the only real difference between the flex-fuel motors and non flex-fuel is the injectors themselves which are easy to swap out. However if your truck wasn't originally flex-fuel capable you will need a different fuel pump and an alcohol meter so the engine knows how much flew fuel its getting.

If it were me I'd find an lq4 or lq9 and save the difference from getting the older 6.0 and put a cam in it.

 

[S33k3r]

This place is definitely more friendly than most other forums.

I believe the only real difference between the flex-fuel motors and non flex-fuel is the injectors themselves which are easy to swap out. However if your truck wasn't originally flex-fuel capable you will need a different fuel pump and an alcohol meter so the engine knows how much flew fuel its getting.

If it were me I'd find an lq4 or lq9 and save the difference from getting the older 6.0 and put a cam in it.

Aren't the flex fuel engines sealed differently, to prevent the alcohol from destroying the seals?

 

[Dantheman1540]

Aren't the flex fuel engines sealed differently, to prevent the alcohol from destroying the seals?

Not that I have ever heard of.

 

[79jasper]

If you have raw fuel sitting on seals, you have bigger issues to worry about. Lol

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[Alan H Stott]

This place is definitely more friendly than most other forums.

I believe the only real difference between the flex-fuel motors and non flex-fuel is the injectors themselves which are easy to swap out. However if your truck wasn't originally flex-fuel capable you will need a different fuel pump and an alcohol meter so the engine knows how much flew fuel its getting.

If it were me I'd find an lq4 or lq9 and save the difference from getting the older 6.0 and put a cam in it.

My truck does have FF Tech so if possible I'd like to keep the FF tech and have a bit more Horse power and torque rather than switch it all up and have to change out a whole lot of parts because as stated above I am not the best when it comes to mechanics (I might be selling myself short due to lack of confidence), however, if it would be better to switch out the FF tech then I will also consider this too.

 

[Alan H Stott]

If you have raw fuel sitting on seals, you have bigger issues to worry about. Lol

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I'm okay there so no worries about that lol. I am just looking into a new engine as my current engine has over 360k miles on it and I'd much rather start looking into a swap now rather than after my current engine gives up for ghost.

 

[justirv]

People tell me I should go for the 6.0 L96 (Flex Fuel Version paired with a 4L80 trans is this a good combination for a 2004 Chevy Tahoe? I am not the most mechanically inclined individual so I am going to ask if that is even a possible pairing. I want to beef up my SUV and I am sure I need a new engine or need to rebuild my engine anyways so i figured I'd ask about what I should do.

Or is it possible that I could just Opt for a 6.2L vortec engine.

Which I know will need to be ran on 93 octane.

I am also wanting to keep my 4WD capabilities sl what am I doing in regards to this. I am asking so that I am fully aware of all I need to work on in getting this right. I mean I like the flex fuel tech but I'd be happy to take the better HP and torque specs too. I am simply shopping at the moment.

So y'all are aware my dad is an ASE certified master mechanic and I will have his help when I do this swap. So please help me learn as much as I can.

Hi everyone,
Did I miss something here?
While I fully agree that the LQ4 and LQ9 (Gen 3) would be the easiest and most cost-effective to install, I'm getting hung up on the reference to the 4L80(e). If I'm not mistaken, significant fabrication on new trans mounts and driveshaft(s) modifications are required. A well-built 4L60/65/70e would drop right in.

 

[Alan H Stott]

Hi everyone,
Did I miss something here?
While I fully agree that the LQ4 and LQ9 (Gen 3) would be the easiest and most cost-effective to install, I'm getting hung up on the reference to the 4L80(e). If I'm not mistaken, significant fabrication on new trans mounts and driveshaft(s) modifications are required. A well-built 4L60/65/70e would drop right in.

But can they handle the stresses of a super charger

 

[ivin74]

But can they handle the stresses of a super charger

@Rocket Man
Has a 02 Denali with a supercharger, he can give some details on what kind of mods a 4l60 needs to run a supercharger.

 

[justirv]

@Rocket Man
Has a 02 Denali with a supercharger, he can give some details on what kind of mods a 4l60 needs to run a supercharger.

My question would be the intended level of the build? With S/C, streetable SUV, maybe 550hp/tq max? I'm a firm believer in Sonnax and recommend a little research there for build info.
https://www.sonnax.com/tech_resourc...ips-for-optimizing-your-transmission-upgrades
Good luck and it sounds like fun no matter which direction you choose to go.

 

[justirv]

And this:
https://d2q1ebiag300ih.cloudfront.n.../Sonnax_4L60E_Build_Sheet.pdf?v=1578587271804

 

[RobsFreeland]

Hey Allen, I also am a newbie, don’t fret lots of knowledgeable folks here. I just bled my brakes from tips on here. The 04 Tahoe 4x4 flex that I have has bigger injectors which I will need when I swap out cam and rebuild. Over 200k on the rig. I too would like to know more about 6 speed tranny. Thanks folks.