Im thinking about changing over to a 4L80E, besides the trans what else will do i need to make it all work? The motor is pretty much a stock 71 454 with a turbo 400 behind it. Just trying to get a basic idea on cost an parts, along with what it takes to install and how much fun am I going to have doing it? Last but not least best places to get the parts. Thanks Dave.

From what I know of it, it's an electronic controlled trans, for lock-up etc. Maybe TCI or Gearstar, or another trans outfit will have the answers and parts you will need. A search online may be the way to go.

Hey ratman, you might look at running non 'E'. I'm considering running the 4L80e manually. Check out - http://www.the-transmission-center.com/ They have a Quadzilla stage 3 that's interesting, it's using a transgo 3 kit that runs manually but no automatic features and runs without the computer. There are a couple of venders making a manual valve body for them now and TCI even has a transbrake. The options for these tranny's are growing as the crowds catch on. I have to run the 4L80 because of the motor/nitrous and I'm going to drive it to carshows once together so it only makes sense to go OD. I'm just not sure which way I'm gonna control it yet either.
There is three or four different companies making computers you can run them with now (have in bookmarks somewhere) the options are there ,just gotta dig around.

Here's a press release from TCI

Product: TCI® GM 4L80E Transbrake Valve Body
Part Number: #274500 (1991-1996 4L80E models);
#274501 (1997-Current 4L80E models)
Features & Benefits:
• Full manual Pro Tree transbrake valve body with reverse
shift pattern – no electronics/TCU needed
• Retains torque converter clutch engagement in overdrive
• Does not require the use of an aftermarket transmission
control unit or increased depth transmission pan
• Delivers more aggressive starting launches, quicker
reaction times, improved consistency & better ETs

Take a look at the size of the 4L80E before you spend your money. They are a great trans, but they are also very large and need a lot of tunnel room. The 700R4 will fit about anywhere a TH350 will fit, but the case on the 80 does not taper until a long way from the bell housing.

The parts you'll need are a transmission, lockup torque converter, transmission controller (I don't think there's a non-E version of this transmission), and you'll probably want a transmission fluid cooler. You'll also need to shorten your drivesaft, and you'll probably need to move your crossmember back a bit. Your shifter will probably need to be replaced. You may need to do some work on the tunnel, but I don't think so (it'll probably be a tight fit).

A kit contining the "must have" parts is available from Pace: http://paceperformance.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=197492

They also have a TCI version of the 4L80E that's been modified for six speeds: http://paceperformance.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=255780. You'll ned an adapter plate, as this is designed to bolt to an LS-series engine.