I plan on installing a 4L80e on my AWD 2003 Escalade. I have a stroked motor in the works, and I would rather not have the stock 65e leave me stranded. I want the 4L80e to take at least 600awhp. I don't want any whiplash shifts like most shift kits add, so what should I do?

 

Parish took a junk yard 4L80e into the 10's in his truck. Put a shift kit in there but put in the softest settings and you should be good to go...

 

FYI Just finished a conversion on an 03 Escalade and the t-case issues add substantially to the cost of the swap. Not to mention the cost of a good 80 converter ($900). I decided to use a case from an SSS so I didn't have to cut down the output shaft of the 4l80 to mate to the BW case that the Escalade comes with. I broke my 65's shaft so the last thing I wanted to do was cut down the output shaft of the trans! Using the SSS case allows you to change the gear in the t-case to mate up to the 32 spline output shaft of the trans keeping all of the 80's strength intact. Also, you will need to completely remake the front drive shaft. About an inch longer and use 2 1/2 in. thick wall tubing. you'll need the room. The NVG 149 SSS case is a nicer case anyways. It has way less torque steer on the launch. We have done a few of these swaps at our shop to date if you have any other questions PM me anytime.

 

Would be cheaper/easier to just get an SSS transfer case? Either way, what am I looking to spend if I do the labor, and have the 80e already?

 

I was under the impression that you just needed to change the input shaft on the t-case and you can use the 80e with no other trans/t-case issues.

Here is the write up about it;
https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...d.php?t=368971

 

Yep, all you need to do is change the input gear. Speed Engineering sells them.

In a nutshell, you need a tranny, t-case input gear, new front and rear driveshafts, new crossmember, new converter (which can be had for a lot less than $900 - I paid about $450 for my Hughes converter). Those are the big parts. Then you have some smaller ones like wiring harness and dipstick tube and such. SE's website has a list of all parts needed.

 

You can't change the T-case gear on a BW case. Most of the Escalades and Denalis come with this case. To mate a BW case you have to turn down the output shaft of the 80 to a 26 spline. To keep the strength in the output shaft you need to switch over to a NVG case. Also, you really get what you pay for when it comes to a converter. We always sell a top name, top of the line converter with our truck builds. They are much heavier than a car and place a great demand on the converter.

 

Should I look for a 4L80e with the transfer case attached from the yard? Since I have an Escalade and an SSS, can I put the BW on the truck, and will it work fine?

let me know if I'm crazy

 

Can I switch the transfer cases is what I'm asking.

 

Yes, that is possible. Get the larger gear from Justin at EAD for the SSS case and bolt it to the 80e. Justin will give you much quicker and better service than Speed Engineering, that won't even give you a phone number. The BW case from the Escalade should bolt right up to the 65e in the SSS. You will only have to deal with a bunch of drive shaft length issues. Maybe you will get lucky because you will have 4 shafts to mess with. Just remember that the front shaft on the 80e will need to be smaller diameter tubing to clear the shift lever.