LS4 to 4t80E Swap - What It Takes - PT 1

This short video highlights some of the modifications necesary to bolt a 4T80e transaxle to the LS4. This is not intended to be a step by step.
Few things not mentioned in the video to consider:
-When chosing a 4t80e, try to stay pre 99. Pre 99 models had a 3 switch manual pressure manifold identical in output to the 4l80e where as post 99 only had a 2 switch manifold.
-Converter bolt pattern on the 4t80e is 4 bolt square as opposed to 3 bolt triangular from the 4t65e. You will need to have your ls4 flexplate indexed and redrilled for this pattern.
-In the w-body chassis the complete engine/ transaxle package will need to move forward a minimum of 1" to clear the steering rack.
-Transmission cooler line fittings in the 4t80e case are male -6 AN o-ring.

[@samgove7871]

strait up genius dude.

[@LS4King]

Thanks man!

[@FirstLast-tx3yj]

@@LS4King whats the weight of the 4t80??

[@marvinellis1517]

Tru HOTRODDING at its VERY BEST.......I was really worried that this kind of art all but disappeared from the scene ,then I saw an article in the august Car Craft of Your Monte Carlo...WOW ! You just saved a butt-load of Cadillacs ,not to mention Mid Engine transplants and other Front drive applications. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK !

[@LS4King]

Thanks for the kind words Marvin!

[@AREyouSTUPID...]

Excellent, knowledgeable tips for the next guy like me, doing it all, myself. Thank you very much for taking the time to break it down and show us.

[@BenModified]

Thanks so much for the information!

[@LS4King]

No problem!

[@omaralvarez9764]

Whats up Brandon, I have alot to learn. This video is very informative and love the detail you explain everything.

[@rossconverse7038]

Hii Brandon, thanks for sharing very interesting. Nice to see a shop like yours in New England I'm in Maine. what a cool package this could be for a custom mid-engine vehicle! Thanks again, Ross

[@eazhar]

Awesome video man! Settled a lot of my questions!

[@LS4King]

Glad you liked it!

[@Youno1313]

Thanks for the info brother. I’m trying to go with this setup on my 90 Deville. Trying to figure everything thing out before I get started.

[@David-yh5po]

Thank you for sharing this video with us.

[@stevenmoreno1737]

Now I know what I'm going to put in my 1977 grumman olson stepvan for fwd.thanks the info.

[@LS4King]

Sounds like a killer project

[@Akwardturtle]

I hope your recovering great. I haven't seen any post in months. Look forward to seeing what you do next.

[@LS4King]

Thanks for checking in Josh! Recovery is coming along...2020 is going to be HUGE

[@andrewhopmann]

Great info! I'm looking to swap the other way. Looking to build a 1/4 mile record 'stock engine' Oldsmobile Aurora. It has the factory 4.0L V8 with the 4T80e. Looking to swap in an LS4 once/if I blow up the 4.0L, but first things first. Nitrous!

[@staylit_jay]

I always want a all wheel drive Grand Prix gxp

[@JTLeyva]

I would love to see a Cadillac DTS with this done

[@Digiglobal]

Good shit Furchase!!!!!

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

jesus those things are HUGE

[@LS4King]

ShadowOfDeath24 yea the 80e is no joke. My dude works out 💪 lol

[@bobbycuesroadhouse2204]

John Reynolds did this swap into a 65’ Corvair with a turbo and drilled and tapped a hole for a 5th bellhousing bolt

[@chisleferguson6367]

Let me buy one for my LS4 I'm dead a*s serious you've earned a sub

[@civicsr2cool]

Thanks for the video. I’ve been wanting to switch from the 3800 scene to the ls4 but it looks like I’ll just be swapping transmissions all of the time instead of engines. I’m thinking the f60 tranny is the better option.

[@joeschlotthauer840]

At 6:28, that block looks ventilated...🔧

[@LS4King]

That's just an access hole where you can deposit more money!

[@joeschlotthauer840]

@@LS4King And to think I thought it was for the PCV...

[@uqwerttyyu]

This dude named John Reynolds made a fix for that 5th bolt

[@anomamos9095]

@5:19 you can run all the bolts. The dowel hole can be drilled for a bolt others have done that with no issues, they remove the dowel tap the hole with a large tap and make a new dowel that is threaded inside and out . The other hole can be drilled and taped. To do so I recommend getting a bit of flat bar aluminium that is the thickness of the step. Drill a hole through the flat bar to set it on the dowel or bolt it to the dowel hole so that it hangs down over where the hole in the block needs to be drilled, mark the block either side of the flat bar then remove the metal between the marks until the flat bar will sit flush against the block and be level with the rest of the mounting surface. Make a centre punch out of a bolt that is a tight fit in the bell housing and place the transmission on the motor and centre punch the flat bar. Remove everything and use the centre punch mark to drill a pilot hole in the bar place the bar back on the motor and centre mark the block, now drill out the block and tap the hole. You can use the bit of flat bar as a template to make others so don’t drill that one out to full size. With the flat bar in place the bell housing can be fully fastened down in all bolt holes.

[@Somanybeats]

You did the swap?

[@anomamos9095]

@@Somanybeats Not that particular swap but a lot of experience doing others so I can often spot what needs doing.

[@TheBPHero]

Great vid man. Love the work you’re doing with the LS4 platform! How does the 80 mount up in the car? Any tweaks? What about electronics? If you’ve covered it somewhere and don’t wanna post it all again, I’ll gladly read any links.

[@LS4King]

Thank you! The 4t80e pre 99 uses identical shift logic to the 4l80e, therefore any 4l80 controller or program will work. As for mounts, mine are custom machined solid pieces that I have been testing. So far so good!

[@LS4King]

@Swadian Knight They are heavy for sure. There are stock CVs available. I've made 800+whp no problem.

[@RGIIIBOXING]

@@LS4King HERE'S A QUESTION FOR YOU" I HAVE A 2004 CADILLAC DTS WITH A FWD NORTH STAR 32V V8...IT DOESN'T RUN...BAD HEADS / RAN HOT" I GOT THE CAR FOR $500 ... COULD I PUT THIS SET UP IN THAT CAR...THERE IS DIFFERENTLY MORE ROOM...AND DO AWAY WITH THE NORTH STAR SET UP" ...LOL"

[@erikthered3601]

Great info!!

[@brayannexon4613]

Now I want try to ls swap my cadi deville N* is doing fine but I think an LS4 is the move that needs to happen.

[@waynep343]

at 5:18 can you slip a stripper or Die bolt thru the block hole.. and have a drilled and single studded plate to go over to the bell housing.. something like a square Jaw J bolt set up .. would pull the right bell housing tight against the block really easily. only issue would be to have a spacer to prevent it from just busting the ear off the block.

[@LS4King]

wayne p take a look at my follow up video that goes more in depth. I share a prototype solution I developed similar to what you are describing to address the issue.

[@mosephjichael2762]

"If you've never done these kind's of modification's it can be very nerve wracking." Yeah to say the least im already scared😂

[@LS4King]

javelinthrowerdips spence i hear ya, the follow up video goes a little more in depth. Hope you find them useful!

[@mosephjichael2762]

@@LS4King they are both very in depth, thank you for the content. Im absolutely in love with the green/purple monte!

[@LS4King]

javelinthrowerdips spence thanks!

[@TimSpaw1leg]

Just asking for some ideas.. I have a 95 Cutlass with an LS4/4T80 already swapped in to it. Do you think a transfer case from a Pontiac Aztec would fit the 4T80 and handle the trq. I know the rear doesnt get as much power as the front.. think it runs 40-60.... or do you know of a transfer case that would work?..

[@djcarkhuff]

Do you have details to share or update on the starter/ oil pan situation. I am in the process of bolting a ls4 up to a getrag 284 and need to solve the starter issue.

[@richardsmoczynski5022]

Can u weld a flange onto the base then drill and tap for hole .i mean it would at least hold it better than none

[@erict9220]

Just found your channel thanks to Sloppy Mechanics. Your content is good. The LS4 has always caught me as an interesting challenge to use for swaps. Do you know if any of the V6 Camaro manuals (AY6 or T5) bolt up to it?

[@LS4King]

Thanks! Any GM small metric pattern bell housing will work!

[@jerryspringer3343]

I want to do my 97 oldsmobile aurora like this. the autobahn one

[@Vklymenko93]

What’s the length of the ls4 with the 4t80e to see if any of my ideas will work.??? Thanks

[@marshallmcfarland7555]

I would love to put a LS into a Cadillac Eldorado 2002 I’m just wondering what that would take

[@E550Boi]

I have a question... Will that modified pan for the starter also work on the F40 6speed Manual trans as well? Any idea???

[@GrimmNastyy]

Say I'm great with my own fab and mechanical work but (almost) completely clueless with computers and tuning... Could your shop or someone you know of provide a tune to make a 4t80e mated to an LS4 work in all 4 gears, O.D. lockup, etc? I've only done my own minor tuning on my 3800 s/c setup but I'd love to do this swap. I've only put about 3 years on my stage 2 TEP 4T65E making like 300hp and I already have chain stretch issues.

[@mikerunsolo4441]

My friend, im getting 09 Impala ss outshop next week, it just had engine swapped. Any recommendations?. And more info on swapping trans for 09 ss.

[@lesterhardyiii2803]

Hey, I love this video. I currently have a 02 Monte Carlo SS that I had planned on top swapping and supercharging. After watch a few videos and getting more information I'm leaning more towards a LS swap now and have found a complete 2003 5.3 (from Tahoe or avalanche I can't recall) that I'm leaning towards. Do you have any suggestions or advice?

[@lesterhardyiii2803]

It's an 04 avalanche

[@Akwardturtle]

Question. How would this hook up to 06-09 SS Impala or Monte? I know you used the 02-05 Monte body. These trans are really a weak link even after being rebuilt to handle more power.

[@LS4King]

It would all work no problem, but you would have to really spend some time on the electronics.

[@boomboom2673]

will work for 2003 dts

[@H3mif4v5r]

Quick question before I continue building mines.. are these cars good for a roll build?

[@fjb666]

HA! I love that you called the 4t65 a cute little guy, and tiny piece of shit. Its so true. So many of those transmissions have been eaten by ls4s. On the 4th in my lady's Grand Prix Gxp. And are you the reason its difficult to find ls4 oil pans?

[@trelllandry1003]

Where are you located and how much do you charge to put the 4t80e in? I have a 2006 impala ss

[@ricardoruiz6139]

New to this man are there any good kits for the 4t65 to beef it up car instead of oem clutches it is all stock and has plenty of power for my wife so i wont be going above the normal hp rating 06 imapla ss

[@lonmiller5265]

would you have to trim the transmission pan or transmission mounting tab if you use the Moroso oil pan that you've developed?

[@LS4King]

Lon Miller yes, you’ll still want to clearance those areas to have adequate clearance.

[@ewaltsauto]

What about bolted to a 3.8 engine?

[@kyler6729]

Any chance you would know how tight the 4t80 is in a w body? I have an idea for a motor plate that could possibly simplify the swap

[@LS4King]

Kyler im not sure i know the best way to answer that. I’ve swapped plenty of them so I am well versed. Feel free to PM me on Facebook @Brandon Furches

[@patcallahan1050]

Would an F40 6 speed out of a Regal Turbo be able to take LS4 abuse? I'd love to LS swap my 91 Z-24, but don't want to neuter it (has 5 speed in it now, more fun to drive) Also, the LS4 is an aluminum block, right? So that might not add much, if any weight to replace my iron V6? (Given I stayed with a lighter manual trans) Just curious...

[@LS4King]

Pat Callahan there are quite a few ls4/f40 Fieros running around. I think if you keep the chassis light and power moderate you will be golden.

[@das11270110]

Wouldn't it be easier to build an internally stronger 4t65e?

[@kingofthekettle]

I have a '98 Deville Concours that I bought with a blown motor so seeing if it'd be wise to get away from a Northstar and go with an LS4 while keeping my original trans. Not looking to create too much power, mainly looking for reliability. I have been searching for info from anyone who's done it already but haven't been able to find anything.

[@billyhowell4427]

Have you had any luck? About to do this to 96 deville

[@uqwerttyyu]

Is this better then doing the stage builds in the 4t65e?

[@michaeldonley7741]

Will this work for my 2015 Chevy impala Ltz?

[@marcellushicks4728]

Ls4king how can or where can I order the motor and transmission I have an 08 ss impala I’d love to do this too

[@jonathandonnell1146]

Tapshift work?

[@amgrealyfe]

Since those transmissions are in a 4.0 Olds Aurora, would I be able to do a LS4 Swap into one?

[@LS4King]

Enough time and money...the sky is the limit.

[@MyMothers-Son]

Curious if this would work for the gxp since it has tap shift. Would this need a different pcm to rid the tap shift?

[@LS4King]

OEM LS4 powered cars utilize a seperate TCM in addition to the PCM to control the transmission. You would need a tcm with a 4l80e calibration and yes you would lose tap-shift.

[@MyMothers-Son]

@@LS4King tap shift isnt that cool anyways haha. Thanks chief

[@Somanybeats]

How much you charge to do this on my 06 Monte Carlo?

[@brianthart]

What state are you in? I need a 4t80e put in my 2007 Chevy Impala SS

[@petervey4966]

Were there drive shaft or suspension modifications you had to do in order to fit the 4T80 in there?

[@LS4King]

The 4T80e does use different axles, but no suspension changes.

[@yzguyfl63]

@@LS4King do you need the axles from the 4T80e car?

[@MistahMan_420]

​@@LS4King what axles do you need?

[@Sn00pyb0ttz82GTI]

LS4 King your post has motivated me to swap a LS4 into my 1989 Cadillac Allante! My car has no PAS or resistor keys. I have a LS4 (160k mile engine) that is going to get refurbished and now finding your video I have a solid trans option! Would you have options or ideas for engine mounts, wiring for the trans, wiring for the LS to my cadillac, getting things to sync up? I am a mechanic so most if not all the work will be performed by me in my shop I just need a little guidance! Would you have a website or contact details? Car will be recieving air ride and 17"BBS RS (i am FAR from a purist :) )

[@dariuschrisp8315]

I have a 98 Seville and I’m thinking about a ls4 swap how did you’d go

[@davidbilodeau9895]

I have a 90 Allante do you sell this already set up

[@Jocro999]

Have you ever heard of anyone doing an LS4 swap into a Beretta? I was considering a rear wheel drive conversion, but this might be a little easier and less $$$$$$. What do you think?

[@LS4King]

I know of a late 90s Cavalier that was swapped. Similar chassis.

[@marcussumler4385]

Hey I want to put that same set up 04 Buick lesabre limited would that be compatible?

[@LS4King]

sure would

[@Krossf1re]

Can a 4t80 be bolted to a BBC? I have a 632 that I want to try and fit in either my Fiero chassis or a custom frame car (if required). I saw you made 700+rwhp, so I think it could hold the output....can these be modded like a 4L80?

[@LS4King]

4t80e will not bolt to a big block without some type of adapter.

[@Krossf1re]

LS4 King I gotcha. I’ve seen some interesting adaptors, and I know a shop that could fabricate a bellhousing sandwich plate. I was thinking the block clearance would be the issue, if you have to grind it for a sbc.

[@LS4King]

Krossf1re unfortunately I cant answer that question.

[@00grandprixgtp]

Have you ever tired this with a 3800 engine?

[@jonasgrumby1093]

You should put e starter under the intake manifold like the North Star

[@mrlastname3065]

JONAS GRUMBY can you see the 8 "towers" on the LS4 block~ in the area where the northstsr starter is mounted? They would not allow a starter to be mounted. Not to mention, the starter would get drenched in motor oil there. That area, on the Northstar motor is dry.

[@patcallahan1050]

The Northstar engine is OHC, there would be no room with a push-rod cam on an LS4.

[@jeffchan9176]

So the lower torque Cadillac engine comes with a bigger and better transmission. What was GM thinking?

[@StrykerV8]

Weight. 4t80 is much heavier

[@LS4King]

I feel it had a lot to do with the cars of the era. All of Cadillacs huge limos were powered by Northstars and they needed a transaxle that could last reliably pulling around such heavy loads for extended periods of time.

[@pmotorsports8276]

Although the Northstar was smaller cubic incht. Same horsepower

[@trillshyt36]

P Motorsports and if you build a northstar right it’ll be a lot faster then the ls4

[@Boobie5936]

Will the 4t80e bolt up to the 3800 sc engine? Have you thought about making and putting the custom oil pan and mounts up for sale?

[@turboL67]

Yes but you have the same problem with the one bellhousung bolt like mentioned. No clearance problems though with the oil pan or block. I did it about seven years ago but toasted my 23k mile 4T80 in short order with a turbo L67 at ~500 whp. It was a completely stock 4T80 and I had it in low gear doing a burnout so it may have only been engaged in the band because the low/reverse band slipped after that.

[@miker8567]

@@turboL67 Wow I remember that car from years ago on Sloppy. Any updates on it?

[@turboL67]

@@miker8567 It's been sitting in my shop for almost 5 years now. Building a 3800/4L80 Volvo wagon instead .

[@ICrane88]

Does it matter what year the 4t80e was made I want to do this swap need as much as info as possible

[@LS4King]

There are two generations basically... 93-99 & 00+ In my opinion the 93-99 is easier.

[@jacobashburn8934]

Wanna try this on an 03 camry 😂😂😂

[@pablo69143]

Could I do something like this to a 2009 GMC Arcadia all wheel drive

[@LS4King]

With enough time, money and interest anything is possible.

[@s8bre101]

Is it worth having TEP or Cartuning rebuild the 4T65HD I’ve heard good things but there charging a fortune

[@LS4King]

Each direction has its pros & cons. If you can fabricate and wrench, the 4t80 may prove to be more affordable. If you have to pay a shop to do the conversion, your potential savings may quickly go out the window...however in my opinion the 4t80 will be a more robust and continuously reliable unit.

[@slowdailys7914]

The only thing that Sucks, is the low Whp rating from TEP

[@kevinhumphrey932]

Do build the oil pan to sell thank you

[@dreadmant750]

Is this the same trans in the caddy deville?

[@LS4King]

Indeed

[@whaddayawant2197]

Is the internals of the 4t similar to the 4l? And does anyone know if the 4l similar internals to the 400 turbo?

[@LS4King]

There are no interchangeable parts between the 4T & 4L

[@MegaGravediggerfan]

Anybody ever done this swap on an H-body (Buick LeSabre)?

[@austindoud273]

what about adding a shift kit is is just like a regular 80e

[@LS4King]

No shift kit exists for the 4T80. A properly built one won't need it anyways.

[@stevienitti6750]

You think I can put the LS4 in rear wheel drive car ? Even tho is for fwd??

[@Akwardturtle]

No, because the block is specifically for FWD applications. However the RWD equal is the 5300 Vortech. Its the same engine same displacement only its an iron block not aluminum and is for RWD apps. But its the exact same engine. Its in the trailblazer SS and most of your Denali's.

[@pmotorsports8276]

@@Akwardturtle trailblazer is aluminum

[@charlesfry6020]

So I have some questions how could I contact you

[@billymcveigh5393]

What would you charge for this

[@robertchambliss4098]

would you sell a oil pan already made for the starter ?

[@LS4King]

I do sell an oil pan. Please contact [e-mail]

[@v.e.7236]

Yea, Corvair! V8 Corvairs are track monsters, whether its a Crown conversion or one of these front-wheel-drive units (my preference). Can't bring myself to cut up my '65 Monza to do the conversion - yet. Awfully tempting. Sucks that those FWD trannies won't accept a standard LS block.

[@chevyboi600]

Wup time to ls swap a caddy

[@LS4King]

Chris Clark thats whats up!

[@camik1ng36]

Anyway you could fab up that starter and trans mounts to sale?

[@LS4King]

The mounts are repeatable at this point for factory LS4 subframes. I am working on a more universal solution. The oil pan is still in development as of right now.

[@camik1ng36]

Furches Performance alright it’s very interesting did either car have a cam that needed a stall converter? What did you do in that case of the 4t80?

[@LS4King]

@@camik1ng36 both cars were cam'd. I contacted East Coast Converters for a re-stall of an oem core.

[@camik1ng36]

Furches Performance and last one have a price range on the restall and fees from East Coast?

[@LS4King]

@@camik1ng36 it was around 350 if i recall for cut/ clean/ stator change etc.

[@clearanceninja8762]

The 4t65E-HD has 2 trans mounts that aren't addressed in this swap.

[@LS4King]

I'm not sure i follow what you're trying to say.

[@ChrisFennelle]

where are you located

[@jdubb21autoworks21]

Can I swap the ls4 into a 99 Buick Regal GS

[@LS4King]

Time+Money=Your Answer

[@christianmattew5304]

Where are you? And are you willing to do this to my Impala?

[@LS4King]

I am in MA and yes I take in conversions.

[@christianmattew5304]

@@LS4King how do I get a hold of you and/or get details on the service?

[@LS4King]

Christian mattew [e-mail]

[@chasejaburek3083]

Is the case any longer than the 4t65

[@LS4King]

overall it is dimensionally larger almost everywhere.

[@thecarterfamilyfunchannel8608]

Do yall do inhouse work

[@LS4King]

We do, but we are booked until 2022

[@wolvenscout6445]

I've read in articles you managed to find a way to make the 4t80e shift manually. How does that work? Also, would there be any chance a 4t80e would bolt up to one of the L36 3800 engines with the modifications shown in this video?

[@LS4King]

The transmission bolts up to the 3800s without any modifications that the LS4 requires.

[@JR-uy3zo]

@@LS4King how would this shift?

[@JuanNunez-xd2pr]

Would a v6 4t65e fit on a ls4?

[@LS4King]

Only if you relocate the starter to the oil pan! We are working on a production piece for this.

[@conkerhernandez]

Where is this shop located??? I want to swap mine but don’t trust myself 😅

[@LS4King]

We are in western MA but unfortunately we are not taking in swaps at this time.

[@conkerhernandez]

@@LS4King no swaps temporarily or permanently? 😭

[@LS4King]

@@conkerhernandez eventually we may start to accept shop work, But not for the immediate future.

[@kyler6729]

What TCM are u using?!?

[@LS4King]

I am not using any TCM. Mine is setup for full manual, however a t42 with a 4l80e program or any ls based pcm with a 4l80e segment would work.

[@wolvenscout6445]

@@LS4King How is shifting the trans manually done?

[@alexisluna4890]

Is possible to order a 4t80e swap from you or do you not do that

[@LS4King]

I sell the components for the conversion yes. Please go to www.ls4king.com to look at some of the products and use the contact form when ready to order.

[@alexisluna4890]

@@LS4King also did you used an lsd on your Monte Carlo?

[@LS4King]

@@alexisluna4890 negative. 4t80e is open differential and it surprisingly works phenomenal at torque distribution.

[@leslesywilliams4371]

Could you bolt up a ls4 to 4t65

[@LS4King]

they came with the 4t65...

[@christianmattew5304]

Wha... How... Was he paying attention to the video at all?

[@MonzaTom]

John Reynolds has a vid on how to install a bolt through the bellhousing into the block. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4m3k5eEh5umopI Just FYI