6R80

[BigBlueIron]

Awhile back there was talk about adapting the FE to the 6r80 that raised questions. I recently found a you tube vid of someone utilizing one. Gives a few quick views of how it fits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeWZg9YfXb4

Sweet ass build too.

[Gaugster]

Thanks for the link. My C6 is on its way out. I have been researching options and will do a complete drivetrain upgrade over the winter. Looking at a built electronic Overdrive transmission or perhaps a old school powerglide with a gear vendors behind it. Need to get a handle on the overall cost of each option.

[mbrunson427]

I think he may be using a speed gems adapter? I messaged him and asked him.

Personally I like the adapter setup that Broader has for the 4R70W trans. Maintains an FE bellhousing and starter setup. Looks less headache prone.

[TomP]

That starter solenoid couldn't be in a worse spot. Not sure why that isn't turned to the bottom. That adapter looks very thick, i assume that flexplate is on a spacer on the crank flange.

The electronics to control that tranny are quite expensive.

[Gaugster]

So far I am aware of the Bendsten's Speed Gems adapter or the Wilcap Co. adaptor as options. I've seen Broader Transmissions but not any adaptors yet. Have to look into that. Might be another adapter out there but only available in the used marketplace. Torque converter options for the AOD, 4R70(W), 6R80 etc.... are also a big deal. A lock up converters sounds like the best way to go. Overall I'm hoping to find a setup that is just as efficient than a C4 w/Gear Vendors. It will need to fit without cutting my floorpan. Ideally lower cost OR more efficient with a justifiable cost up. This should keep me busy all winter.

[turbohunter]

Broader setup mates to a C5 bell iirc. I was wondering also if a 4r70 body is bigger or same size as a C6. Thinking about it for the wagon but would rather not cut the floor.

[mbrunson427]

I was just looking into all of this stuff. Trying to find a transmission that has overdrive and a lockup converter.

I found this:
https://www.fordfe.com/4r70w-transmission-is-done-t110660.html

The 6R80 is pretty big, plus the adapter plate that speed gems makes pushes the transmission backward. I'm afraid in a Galaxie or Mustang it would set the transmission smack in the middle of the firewall.

[mbrunson427]

Here's an article from Gearstar I just read.

https://gearstar.com/lets-talk-high-performance-4r70w-transmissions/

[turbohunter]

Those links are helpful Mike thanks.
Just looked up the price for the controller that kid with the truck is using. $585 for the full featured unit and $455 for the daily driver style.
4R70W can be set up with or without controller.

https://www.usshift.com/pricing.shtml

[Gaugster]

Thanks for the links. I've read that the 4R70W up to 2001 still had a mechanical speedometer input. After that they go away on the main units. Doubt any 6R80's have a mechanical speedometer feature when you exclude the transfer case for trucks. There's always solutions but they keep adding $$$

My FE is getting tired so the vacuum is barely enough for the accessories. I'd like to go electronic and not have the transmission characteristics impacted by the vacuum signal. I won't be getting into the motor until 2022 probably but want to cruise next season.

Here's the end of a series where a 4R70 goes into a wagon. It's a small block car though. If the FE with an adapter pushes the whole assembly back it looks to be real tight at the output shaft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qn-alvw1mc

[Falcon67]

> i assume that flexplate is on a spacer on the crank flange.

Hard to see but does not appear to be.  Could easily use a custom converter to do that, or spacers between teh converter and flex.  But yea, that's not some .250 thick rear motor plate for sure. 

[Gaugster]

Both adapters I've seen are an inch or two thick. My guess is lots of material so that the starter perch will stand the test of time. Makes the Cruise-O-Matic bell housing splice an interesting concept.

[TTA89]

The gear ratios in the 6R80 are pretty awesome for a street car.  I'm def going this route in my 67 Mustang.  The controllers are expensive but the transmissions are pretty strong from the factory and there are deals out there to get a used one. if you search through the internet you'll see coyote mustang stick to 6R80 swap guys running in the 9s on junkyard pull out 6R80s.

I'm pretty sure you can find one for $500 or less locally which doesn't make the controller that big of a deal.

[Gaugster]

Once I pull the C6 out I'll be looking into picking up transmissions to check for size etc... The torque handling is another factor as well. I'm committed to a 4.375 forged crank and Jay's new heads. Everything else is TBD.

[jmlay]

 I have read 01 was the last year for cable drive speedo. Have also read 02 was a transition year where some will have the correct output shaft and some will not. I have 2 4r70w from ex police cars, 03, that are untouched internally. Mine do have the appropriate output shaft and tail housing to support a cable drive speedometer. Just. Ecause it has the hole for the speedo cable does not guarantee it will have the correct output shaft! Make sure you peep in the hole before spending laying down your hard earned cash.

There are several posts around the net where a 4r70w have bee installed in 65/66 mustangs behind a small block with no tunnel modification. Side by side the c6 and the 4r70w are not much different width wise. I will see if I can get some side by side pictures this weekend.

Myself I did not want to deal with the adapter as the space between the firewall and the back of the block in a 69 Mustang is tight already. I chose the QuickTime bellhousing. This requires the the old bell to be cut off and bolts on to the pump. Note there are 2 part numbers, older version that supported a smaller converter and the newer part that supports a larger converter.