Magnuson Supercharger, Valve Train and other supporting mods. 2007-2013, 5.3L Chevy Tahoe

[67RS427]

it is a 6 speed

It will certainly be the weak link. Not much you can do to them except a full rebuild like I did with billet planetary and billet intermediate shaft so you can use powerglide clutches. Torque converter will make a world of difference in how it feels and drives, Circle D, no question. I've rebuilt my transmission 3 times already but I can't stress this enough, tune tune tune... Tuning will make or break your transmission. Lots of guys run stock still, you just need to find someone that actually knows how to tune the 6L80. Lots of people think they know how to tune it but there are only a few that really know how to make these things last in our heavy trucks. When/if you do rebuild, use all the Sonax stuff you can (cheap insurance). There really aren't a lot of parts for these, it's all in the tune.

 

[Chrismnj]

It will certainly be the weak link. Not much you can do to them except a full rebuild like I did with billet planetary and bullet intermediate shaft so you can use powerglide clutches. Torque converter will make a world of difference in how it feels and drives, Circle D, no question. I've rebuilt my transmission 3 times already but I can't stress this enough, tune tune tune... Tuning will make or break your transmission. Lots of guys run stock still, you just need to find someone that actually knows how to tune the 6L80. Lots of people think they know how to tune it but there are only a few that really know how to make these things last in our heavy trucks. When/if you do rebuild, use all the Sonax stuff you can (cheap insurance). There really aren't a lot of parts for these, it's all in the tune.

Basically what you saying be ready for $4,500 - $5k bill coming up.

 

[mikeyss]

It will certainly be the weak link. Not much you can do to them except a full rebuild like I did with billet planetary and bullet intermediate shaft so you can use powerglide clutches. Torque converter will make a world of difference in how it feels and drives, Circle D, no question. I've rebuilt my transmission 3 times already but I can't stress this enough, tune tune tune... Tuning will make or break your transmission. Lots of guys run stock still, you just need to find someone that actually knows how to tune the 6L80. Lots of people think they know how to tune it but there are only a few that really know how to make these things last in our heavy trucks. When/if you do rebuild, use all the Sonax stuff you can (cheap insurance). There really aren't a lot of parts for these, it's all in the tune.

Can the 6 pinion front planetary gear set from the 6L90 be used in place of the 4 pinion one in the 6L80? I know the rear planetary gear set in the 6L90 is MUCH bigger than the 6L80 and cannot be interchanged. Is the front planetary even an issue in the 6 speed trans?

 

[67RS427]

Can the 6 pinion front planetary gear set from the 6L90 be used in place of the 4 pinion one in the 6L80? I know the rear planetary gear set in the 6L90 is MUCH bigger than the 6L80 and cannot be interchanged. Is the front planetary even an issue in the 6 speed trans?

Unfortunately not... You can get a modified stock one with a billet cover like mine for $1,200 or so less a core charge. Mike @ Century Transmissions is the man... It's either him or the big dollar big name companies like Circle D and alike.

 

[12BlackTahoe]

Do you think you be able to recoup the money when selling to privet party? I know trade in is out of a picture.

 

[Chrismnj]

Do you think you be able to recoup the money when selling to privet party? I know trade in is out of a picture.

Highly doubt it, who ever is ready to spend that kind of cash on a 7 year old truck most likely would do the mods themself. IMHO.

 

[12BlackTahoe]

Highly doubt it, who ever is ready to spend that kind of cash on a 7 year old truck most likely would do the mods themself. IMHO.

If you don't mind me asking what is total $$ spent so far?

 

[Chrismnj]

If you don't mind me asking what is total $$ spent so far?

Stoped counting long time ago lol, I know I did save a lot by doing it my self, but a good estimate is around 20k with suspension, engine, audio, and some other.

 

[12BlackTahoe]

Stoped counting long time ago lol, I know I did save a lot by doing it my self, but a good estimate is around 20k with suspension, engine, audio, and some other.

I am considering a SC as well, will you be doing the install yourself? Do you or any one else know what set up like this would cost to install at the shop? Defiantly wouldn't attempt to do it myself.

 

[67RS427]

Stoped counting long time ago lol, I know I did save a lot by doing it my self, but a good estimate is around 20k with suspension, engine, audio, and some other.

Sounds about right lol. I had a spreadsheet updated and stopped. Still not bad, I can't think of a new car or truck for $35k or less that can compete with mine as it sits.

 

[Chrismnj]

I am considering a SC as well, will you be doing the install yourself? Do you or any one else know what set up like this would cost to install at the shop? Defiantly wouldn't attempt to do it myself.

Literally you are like 3rd or 4th person that this thread convinced to go with blower, I should be getting some kickbacks from blower manufacturers. Lol, as far as install cost no clue, I would guess 3,4 days of labor x hourly rate?

 

[Chrismnj]

AFM off withe the tune correct?

 

[Chrismnj]

Don't replace with the factory style engine mount.

The mounts on these trucks are a hydraulic mount meaning they are basically an oil filled bladder to help reduce vibration.

With all the extra power adders your running you should either go with the solid mounts from AFP....
https://atomicfabandperformance.com/product/07-14-gmt900-poly-motor-mounts/

Or if you want less vibration and a more durable (solid) rubber mount, go with the passenger side engine mount from the Hummer H3 with the 5.3l...

GM part # 25847739

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/263071877011

It is a direct fit for both sides of our trucks. It is also what most Police departments and fleet maintenance use on the PPV Tahoes.

after doing research on Hummer GM OEM 08-10 H3-Engine Motor Mount Torque Strut 25847739 decided to go with that option. Thank you for the idea.

 

[Chrismnj]

@67RS427 would you recommend putting electric fan?

 

[67RS427]

@67RS427 would you recommend putting electric fan?

For your heat exchanger, trans cooler or radiator? I have dual fans on my heat exchanger and my transmission cooler. High temps will also kill the transmission pretty quick. Try to keep the trans under 185, 160 to 180 is optimal operation temp. Anything over 200 and you are starting to burn up clutches.

 

[Chrismnj]

radiator, I will try to fit bigger trans cooler in there,
Moroso Heavy Duty Transmission Cooler/Filter
Part Number: 710-41205
not sure where to put it don't want to black radiator too much there is also a SC cooler going in, maybe under a truck closer to transmission.

 

[12BlackTahoe]

AFM off withe the tune correct?

yes, definitely.

 

[12BlackTahoe]

radiator, I will try to fit bigger trans cooler in there,
Moroso Heavy Duty Transmission Cooler/Filter
Part Number: 710-41205
not sure where to put it don't want to black radiator too much there is also a SC cooler going in, maybe under a truck closer to transmission.

View attachment 215577

got to fight that additional heat wave.

Edit.

I would also recommend going with a bigger radiator, 2-row core with 1.0" tubes.
here is one.
http://www.speedcooling.com/1999-20...MIhcefkumf4AIVg56zCh0UnwcwEAQYAyABEgKehPD_BwE
or
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Row-Radiator-2008-2013-Chevy-Tahoe-07-13-Silverado-1500-GMC-Yukon-2010-2009/153310829151?_trkparms=aid=555018&algo=PL.SIM&ao=2&asc=20160908110712&meid=824f8b31bdfe487bbc94156d707b239f&pid=100677&rk=2&rkt=30&sd=231630686840&itm=153310829151&_trksid=p2385738.c100677.m4598
also since our truck don't have fuel filter add a high flow filter under the hood for easy maintenance.

 

[Chrismnj]

I think they do have a fuel filter in gas tank. Wondering what was the logic behind this?

 

[Chrismnj]

is the radiator change necessary? I get the point of doing it. Thought stock one was pretty good.