6L80e to 401

ScreamerX wrote: GM 6 speed automatic.  Nice gear ratio spread.  Anyone try adapting this to an AMC V8?

You can mate the bloody thing with an GM tranny adapter kit, and obtain an electronic shift convertion kit for older car upgrades. The hardest part is cutting the tunnel and your shifter set up.

To me the 401 is though torqy to use a late GM tranny in low range, so your 6 speed low without launch control will be for burn outs only. It took some getting use to on launching an Exorcist to beat a Demon in street setups.

Far easier to adapt a 6spd manual than to adapt that heavy and bulky beast. Input looked at gear ratio spreads, and you can make a th400 jeep tranny almost equal an 8 speed mopar srt Hemi / v10 truck tranny, with lower gear set, switch pitch convertion and a gear venders over drive. Though, it will cost an wee more starting from scratch.

I think even a late Hemi and tranny combo requires tunnel mods. So, without modding the tunnel being done, the th200 and A500 performance rebuilds will be the only option for more gears.

Edited by SC397 - Mar/26/2019 at 6:22am

I did the 700r4 swap years ago.Worked great.As soon as the newer hydromatics with more speeds become for sale used I will work on that swap.I will avoid a floor shifter and go paddle route.

Unless your going to use it in a really heavy truck, pulling a really heavy trailer I personally think it's a waste of time and money to use a 6L80 in any car. A 4-speed automatic would be more than adequate for any car. If your even considering spending that much money I would really suggest a 200R4 built to the hilt. It's all mechanical, no computer, fits the tunnel really well and has a most excellent gear spread. This is the route I would be going if I wanted a overdrive for an AMC car.  

PROSTOCKTOM wrote: Unless your going to use it in a really heavy truck, pulling a really heavy trailer I personally think it's a waste of time and money to use a 6L80 in any car. A 4-speed automatic would be more than adequate for any car. If your even considering spending that much money I would really suggest a 200R4 built to the hilt. It's all mechanical, no computer, fits the tunnel really well and has a most excellent gear spread. This is the route I would be going if I wanted a overdrive for an AMC car.   Tom

I couldn't agree with you more Tom. I installed a 200 R4 stage 2 built by Bowtie Overdrives and it changed the whole  the driving experience. Also installed their TC rated at 2200 stall for my '68 Camaro. The 200 R4 is dimensionally well suited for muscle cars.  My son installed a 200 R4 stage 3 behind his 550 hp sbc '72 Chevelle and he loves it.