Torque converter recommendations 6l80e

[Doubeleive]

as the title states, I believe I am in the market for a torque converter I am fairly certain mine is taking a shit (stock transmission)
2012 yukon xl denali AWD @130k
looking online the 278mm Circle D comes up often I am not currently planning on doing launches or other ridiculous stuff but I do drive pretty hard so a slight seat of the pants performance is nice but not required. My preference is a mix of both performance and longevity, I don't want to have to replace it 2 years from now because it took a shit like the stock one is.

you may wonder why I think my TC is taking a shit? well pretty much since I have owned the vehicle every once in a blue moon I would get a random TC shudder at 30-40mph usually while easy on the pedal no big deal I felt it but it was not very often, lately this has progressed to a 1-2 shift pause if I get on it hard and only when I get on it hard, I am also getting shudder at highway speed it's not fully locking up like it normally does I can feel it (afm is disabled it's not that), I am also getting crap for fuel economy but that is nothing new.

I am thinking replace the torque converter and minor rebuild of typical wear items?

looking for recommendations. thanks

 

[Chert_Detective]

If you do confirm it is the converter, you won't go wrong with Circle D. There are some more affordable options if you won't be racing but a sub 3000rpm 278mm would work wonderfully. I run a 258mm Circle D in mine and love it.

 

[Doubeleive]

If you do confirm it is the converter, you won't go wrong with Circle D. There are some more affordable options if you won't be racing but a sub 3000rpm 278mm would work wonderfully. I run a 258mm Circle D in mine and love it.

This one seems to be popping up all over I don't mind the extra cost if it will hold up
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-4365-...omance-gm-278mm-6l80-ls-torque-converter.aspx

 

[01FormulaTA]

The Factory ZL1/CTSV (part 24242552) 300mm converter is built like a tank, it would perform like stock or you could send it to Circle D and they can up the stall speed to ~2500rpm for you...I see one on eBay right now for $397

 

[Doubeleive]

The Factory ZL1/CTSV (part 24242552) 300mm converter is built like a tank, it would perform like stock or you could send it to Circle D and they can up the stall speed to ~2500rpm for you...I see one on eBay right now for $397

any idea what they charge to do that?

 

[Chert_Detective]

This one seems to be popping up all over I don't mind the extra cost if it will hold up
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-4365-...omance-gm-278mm-6l80-ls-torque-converter.aspx

I forgot the 278 is already much cheaper than the 258mm pro billet. Don't ask what I paid, or how much this next one is going to be, $599 is pretty damn good haha

 

[992dr]

I had the same exact symptoms but mine was with the 4spd.

It turned out to be the warn tcc bore leaking fluid by, it would basically lock and unlock a billion times (the shudder) at those exact speeds and during lock-up. I cant tell yah how long it took me to figure out what it was but, a member over at LS1Tech spent quite a bit of time with me helping me pinpoint what it was.

I am not familiar with 6spds and am unsure of what there weak points are but, the tcc bore wearing is a common problem with the 4l60e trans. I got a Fitzall valve to cure the problem. Unfortunately I need a larger gasket because it does still shudder ever so slightly. And I'm not sure if the shop used a boring tool when installing my shift kit jr. I think I need a new valve body all together because of the wear in the bore.

As for a stall. I had a Yank 3200 billet stall in my 2dr with an FLT Trans and in my 07 I have an FTI 2800/3000 billet stall and a shift kit jr. The Yank was very noticeable in the 2dr, probably because of the built trans and it was about 1k pound lighter. The 07 shifts quick through all the gears with no lag but, it has been tuned and I am not sure of the what exactly was done, its been too long.

I daily drove the 2dr for 5 years with zero issues, towed all my shit to NC in a 7x14 enclosed trailer no issues and made several trips from Boston to NC no issues.
My 07 basically the same but took about a hundred 2 hour trips loaded up with zero issues besides the shit the original shop put me through. But, that's another story. I think I may have a thread about it somewhere around here.

Well, thats enough of me blabbing Happy Nov 1st

 

[01FormulaTA]

any idea what they charge to do that?

not sure, you would have to give them a call

 

[Doubeleive]

I had the same exact symptoms but mine was with the 4spd.

It turned out to be the warn tcc bore leaking fluid by, it would basically lock and unlock a billion times (the shudder) at those exact speeds and during lock-up. I cant tell yah how long it took me to figure out what it was but, a member over at LS1Tech spent quite a bit of time with me helping me pinpoint what it was.

I am not familiar with 6spds and am unsure of what there weak points are but, the tcc bore wearing is a common problem with the 4l60e trans. I got a Fitzall valve to cure the problem. Unfortunately I need a larger gasket because it does still shudder ever so slightly. And I'm not sure if the shop used a boring tool when installing my shift kit jr. I think I need a new valve body all together because of the wear in the bore.

As for a stall. I had a Yank 3200 billet stall in my 2dr with an FLT Trans and in my 07 I have an FTI 2800/3000 billet stall and a shift kit jr. The Yank was very noticeable in the 2dr, probably because of the built trans and it was about 1k pound lighter. The 07 shifts quick through all the gears with no lag but, it has been tuned and I am not sure of the what exactly was done, its been too long.

I daily drove the 2dr for 5 years with zero issues, towed all my shit to NC in a 7x14 enclosed trailer no issues and made several trips from Boston to NC no issues.
My 07 basically the same but took about a hundred 2 hour trips loaded up with zero issues besides the shit the original shop put me through. But, that's another story. I think I may have a thread about it somewhere around here.

Well, thats enough of me blabbing Happy Nov 1st

The owner at the local transmission shop told me the weak point in the 6l80's is the TC, he said when they blow they take the pump out with them he also said something (not sure if he meant the TC or not) get's a crack and start's loosing pressure which I am thinking is maybe where I am at with it based on the mileage it hasn't been slipping per-say it has done it a couple times over the last 3 months, mostly I get the low speed shudder and now shudder when just cruising the highway If I am accelerating it has no issue. it doesn't seem to make any difference if it is warm or cold. That shop is rather expensive but trustworthy, I am sure if I just gave it to him that they would fix it up but since it needs work I figured why not try to get a little better than just fixed without breaking the bank.

 

[Foggy]

The lock up clutch in the converter is way too small/weak for our heavy suvs...
So when the converter clutch goes bad it blows all that shit thru a perfectly good transmission
I did the PATC converter. They use a stock GM core and will put the stall whereever
you want. It has about a 40% larger lockup clutch in it...
I believe I paid about $500 for it.. they will want your core back..
I did a 1800 stall which is about 100-200 over stock as I'm using mine for
towing.. I didn't want a "high stall" that would build alot of heat.
I wish I'd done a 2000 rpm stall though.. I think that would be perfect for
a stockish application with a little more umph

 

[Doubeleive]

The lock up clutch in the converter is way too small/weak for our heavy suvs...
So when the converter clutch goes bad it blows all that shit thru a perfectly good transmission
I did the PATC converter. They use a stock GM core and will put the stall whereever
you want. It has about a 40% larger lockup clutch in it...
I believe I paid about $500 for it.. they will want your core back..
I did a 1800 stall which is about 100-200 over stock as I'm using mine for
towing.. I didn't want a "high stall" that would build alot of heat.
I wish I'd done a 2000 rpm stall though.. I think that would be perfect for
a stockish application with a little more umph

Thanks good info I am trying to figure out the best route to go appreciate the input.

 

[Foggy]

Doubeleive , you would also be surprised at how small the
4-5-6 clutches are... frickin tiny.. I can see the 2 OD gears but 4th gear??
I don't know how these stay together at all !!

 

[donjetman]

I installed a Precision of New Hampton tc, # P4646, 2 yrs and 32k miles ago when I had my tranny etc out to do a rear main seal job. $218 and no regrets. I've done 1 used trans fluid analysis since then and everything was good.
https://gopnh.com/

 

[swathdiver]

...loosing pressure which I am thinking is maybe where I am at with it

So what's the Tech-2 say? My pressure is 109 psi all the time. I think you can graph the converter lock up and record it for playback.

 

[Doubeleive]

So what's the Tech-2 say? My pressure is 109 psi all the time. I think you can graph the converter lock up and record it for playback.

I haven't hooked it up yet but I will in the next couple of days, the Silverado has been in the shop for the lift since Friday the lift kit was missing a part it was supposed to be here today but it didn't show up, dropped my *** on the lift kit but I knew the trans was getting funky so just babying it for now mostly, I don't anticipate it just blowing out so I think have a little time to get all my ducks in row.

 

[Doubeleive]

So what's the Tech-2 say? My pressure is 109 psi all the time. I think you can graph the converter lock up and record it for playback.

what pressure am I supposed to monitor exactly? i see the solenoids ramping up to 109 as it changes gears

 

[swathdiver]

what pressure am I supposed to monitor exactly? i see the solenoids ramping up to 109 as it changes gears

That's good, that's the pressure on mine and Tom's. I would also watch the converter clutch and see if you see it locking and unlocking during those vibrations. I'll take mine with me tonight when I take my daughter to volley ball practice and have a look to refresh my memory.

 

[Doubeleive]

Which one is the converter clutch and what does it show? This a picture of what mine shows cruising about 75mph, I didn't notice it doing anything today

 

[swathdiver]

Which one is the converter clutch and what does it show? This a picture of what mine shows cruising about 75mph, I didn't notice it doing anything todayView attachment 261590 View attachment 261591

TCC pressure does vary and that appears normal. I think there's another setting somewhere showing the clutch engagement. I'll be heading out in about two hours and will have a look.

 

[Just Fishing]

Interesting topic, still weighing how deep into my truck i want to actually go.
Right now i have my TCC lockup disabled for all speeds except 5 and 6.

180k on my truck, freshened valve body and pressure switches a few weeks ago, shifts fantastic now...

turning off the TCC makes non tow mode much better.
Before it would lock mid throttle during the 1/2 shift.


Seems like it might be one of those "while i'm in there..." things

I used FTI with my Vette, single lockup clutch, 9.5in, 3200 stall.
I have been very happy with my selection!

Skimming their site, looking at their billet 3 disc clutch versions...
https://ftiperformance.com/Street-Racer-Lock-Up-Torque-Converter-95-6L80E-6L90E-SRL8-3.htm

A wee pricy... lol

Nice thing with FTI, email them.
Tell them what your doing, the cam, truck details like weight, etc. and they are pretty awesome at helping you with the choice.

They suggested a converter up in the 5k range, i was unsure so i went with the 3200
I now wish i went higher, but i'm still very happy with the converter.
They also give you one free stall adjustment, but you need to pull the converter and ship it back and all....