GM 4L80E swap into a 1968 GTX Resto-Mod

[dpaul63]

I know this question is going to possibly piss off Mopar purists, but I ask this question because I have very few alternatives. Let me also say I am a Mopar purist, but in the case of a rest-mod it's all about giving the potential buyer modern conveniences wrapped in a pristine 1968 GTX body. I'm 53, so I do remember driving late 60s muscle cars when I was a teenager. It was a 68 GTX i saw in elementary school that made me a fan of all Mopars. Now my question is has anybody out there swapped a 4L80E into their resto-mod? I've weighed all the possible transmissions I could use, and have a reverse manual shift 727 on standby if everything else falls through due to money considerations. The only problem is that the 727 will cost me more than a 4L80E built to handle up to 1000 HP. Please feel free to make suggestions, but I would appreciate it if the viewer understands that she is a resto-mod and needs to be built with the biggest considerations toward ability to hold high horsepower and be cost effective.I want to make her fun to drive.

 

[themechanic]

I don't know anything about a swap but I bet these guys do.

https://transmissioncenter.net/product-category/dodge/

 

[Mike67]

I know there are some kits available...
http://www.atiracing.com/products/adapterk/akit.htm

 

[Donny]

Do it. I no longer care one crap about a Mopar purist or numbers this and that. the 4L80E mates right up to the Big Mopar engine.

 

[dpaul63]

Do it. I no longer care one crap about a Mopar purist or numbers this and that. the 4L80E mates right up to the Big Mopar engine.

 

[dpaul63]

Donny, I appreciate your words! I've seen threads high jacked by another member just to mock the question they asked. I'm going on the 4th year of the GTX project because I have to depend on other people to do the heavy lifting because after 21 years in my beloved Corps I decided to retire after my second war and multiple combat operations. I worked 6 good years as a DoD contractor, then I dropped all my lower lumbar vertebrates. I was chasing the dream, but shite happens! At any rate, many thanks for your input!!

 

[pturner]

My total resto-mod 68 Roadrunner will have a 4L60E with Power Train Control Solutions controller and push button shifter. It is presently bolted to the Muscle Motors engine ready to slide in the car after paint. Greg Ducato at Phoenix Transmission can do almost anything to a transmission you want, any horsepower you want. send me a message if you want the contact info.
Donnie and I are in total agreement, it is my car and I will do what I want. (it is actually my wife's car).
PT in Tennessee

 

[dpaul63]

I don't know anything about a swap but I bet these guys do.

https://transmissioncenter.net/product-category/dodge/

Mike, many thanks for the link! I'm unfortunately having my engine built by another, but if it has to be done, I'm glad it is Joey Arrington that is building a 433 c.i. Gen III all aluminum hemi. It's being purpose built for forced induction and should hit 700 hp on motor only. My next post will be help on who to talk to about turbo verses blower. For now the tranny is my primary issue for now. Coming up with the bucks to pay Joey in full is my next money issue!

 

[dpaul63]

My total resto-mod 68 Roadrunner will have a 4L60E with Power Train Control Solutions controller and push button shifter. It is presently bolted to the Muscle Motors engine ready to slide in the car after paint. Greg Ducato at Phoenix Transmission can do almost anything to a transmission you want, any horsepower you want. send me a message if you want the contact info.
Donnie and I are in total agreement, it is my car and I will do what I want. (it is actually my wife's car).
PT in Tennessee

pturner, thanks for your input! I don't know how to PM on the new website, but I'd like to talk to you offline if possible.

 

[Mike67]

Thank you for your service dpaul! Keep this going, I was looking for a 700r conversion for a while but came to the realization I was putting the cart before the horse. Any info you find would be apreciated!

 

[dpaul63]

Thank you for your service dpaul! Keep this going, I was looking for a 700r conversion for a while but came to the realization I was putting the cart before the horse. Any info you find would be apreciated!

 

[dpaul63]

Mike67, thanks for your kind words. I never intended to be a "lifer" but days into months, then years. After I hit ten years I talked to my wife and we both agreed that we were too far along to quit. So I stayed and can honestly say that I never dreaded going to work. My biggest problem is symphoning money from my retirement in order to pay for parts to keep the project alive. Somehow I keep this sinking shift afloat. I will post pictures when they ship me my engine. Right now she looks pretty sad, but soon my Control Freak IFS that will include an accuair air ride system on all 4 corners, with a 4 link system on the rear. As always I thank you for replying with a positive post!! V/r Don

 

[Mike67]

Can't wait to see it Don! Sounds like you have a master plan that is top shelf! These things are definitely a labor of love and a certified addiction!!!

 

[BigYellaStella]

Donny, I appreciate your words! I've seen threads high jacked by another member just to mock the question they asked. I'm going on the 4th year of the GTX project because I have to depend on other people to do the heavy lifting because after 21 years in my beloved Corps I decided to retire after my second war and multiple combat operations. I worked 6 good years as a DoD contractor, then I dropped all my lower lumbar vertebrates. I was chasing the dream, but shite happens! At any rate, many thanks for your input!!

Welcome Home!

 

[dpaul63]

Welcome Home!

Welcome Home!

Semper Fidelis!

 

[lxmodguy]

I had a 4l80 behind my 440 in my 64. It is a great transmission. It takes some modification to the tunnel to make it work because it is a big transmission. They can be made bullet proof upwards of 1400 horsepower. In my opinion it is one of the best transmissions for a high horsepower street car.

 

[lewtot184]

there are aftermarket kits available for the swap.

 

[Greg Ducato]

I am using a modified 4L60E in my 66 Charger build behind a mostly stock GenIII 6.1 Hemi. At the power level you are considering a 4L80E would be a great choice. I have not fit one to the B-Body Mopar but I recall Mopar Action installed one in the Bold Beeper project. There maybe something online you could find on that swap that would help.

 

[dpaul63]

I had a 4l80 behind my 440 in my 64. It is a great transmission. It takes some modification to the tunnel to make it work because it is a big transmission. They can be made bullet proof upwards of 1400 horsepower. In my opinion it is one of the best transmissions for a high horsepower street car.

lxmodguy, I always appreciate your advice, and you're also one of the good guys in the forum. I figured there would be some tunnel mods, but the good news is that she is still in the fab phase of the restoration. What's a few more bucks when she has me siphoning money off my mutual funds! I'd laugh my arse off if this wasn't my problem, but old dreams die hard!

 

[Donny]

Glad you were able to do 21 yrs in the military! I also did the same. I deal with the more extreme 'purist' in the Porsche world, they are almost as bad as the Corvette purist. After doing like 200 car blasts so far I see 'em as just a car, Superbirds and Daytona's are the same as their cousin cars, and rust and crud affects them all the same. I think you'll have to cut up the Floor a bit to get GM transmission to fit.