Just as the title says. Is there actually any real hard part changes from the newest Duramax powered vans ( and probably even 6 liters) with the 4L90E versus the 4L80E from a 6 liter truck beneficial for strength? I am looking for a trans to use behind my 94's LQ9 and was wondering if anyone actually knows. Google came up with nothing other than a post of my own on another board from a while ago, lol. I am looking for something low mileage that I can add a shift kit and stall too and then forget about.

 

4L90E? Are you sure your not talking about a 6 speed?

 

Ive heard of a 4l85 but not a 90.

A 4L80e will be plenty for what your doin.

 

Good god no, you can keep the 6L90E contraption, lol. 4L90E is what lives behind the Duramaxes in the vans because they don't use the Allison. Older models had a 4L85E in them as well. I imagine there is an internal difference between them and an 80E increasing it's torque rating.

Maybe people are screwing up and calling the 85E a 90E but it's what the 2010 and 2011 diesel van guys say they have.

85E's are not tough to come across and probably the route I will take. An 80E will be fine most likely, but my LQ9 is not staying a bolt on stock affair. Price difference is nill so I will buy the best I can get initially.

 

Maybe there is no 4L90E and just the 85E. The 85 has a 5 gear planetary set in among other improvements over the 80E making it more appealing. I am hunting vans for transmissions as finding 2 wheel drive trucks up here is not easy in the wreckers. 85E it is!

 

You do know this is what I do for a living right? I honestly have never heard of a 90E in the 20+yrs Ive been at this. Here is a thread that I posted some info in last week. However I did see a couple of comments about straight cut planets and that does not make a unit an 85 either. https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...erence-492862/

 

Chevrolet Performance Parts

Copy from above page.


24221098 - 4L85-E Four speed rear-wheel-drive, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transmission with a torque converter clutch. GM has changed the part number on this transmission to 24227618. P/N 24227618 is a remanufactured transmission with a core charge. GM may bring back P/N 24221098, we are trying to get more information on this from them. We can only order P/N 24227618 at this time.

This is the best performance four speed automatic transmission that GM Performance Parts offers, rated for a maximum engine torque of 460 lb.-ft. This 2 wheel drive version of the 4L85E automatic transmission and includes torque converter. It is used in the current model GM Heavy Duty Trucks. Using a die cast aluminum case keeps the total transmission at only 255lb. The gear ratios are 1st - 2.482, 2nd - 1.482, 3rd - 1.000, 4th - 0.750, and reverse is 2.077. The converter size is 310mm (diameter of torque converter turbine), with maximum shift speeds at 5200 RPM for all gears.
Technical Note: This transmission has the conventional Chevrolet bolt pattern for attaching to engine. Use DEXIII fluid type.

4L85E gear ratios: 1st 2.482, 2nd 1.482, 3rd 1.000, 4th 0.750, Reverse 2.077.
Engine Range: 4.8L - 8.1L Gasoline, 6.5L Diesel (MN8)
Maximum Shift Speeds: 1-2 5200 rpm (MN8), 2-3 5200 rpm (MN8), 3-4 5200 rpm (MN8)
Maximum Engine Torque: 460 lb-ft (MN8)
Maximum Gearbox Torque: 885 lb-ft (MN8)
Converter Size: 300mm (MN8) (reference), Diameter of torque converter turbine.
Fluid Capacity (Approximate): Bottom Pan Removal 4.0L - 6.0L (4.2 qt - 6.3 qt)
Case Material: Die Cast Aluminum
Assembly Sites: Ypsilanti, MI
Technical Notes: Use with transmission controller P/N 12497316. (No core charge required on this transmission)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

24221100 - 4L85-E Four speed rear-wheel-drive, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transmission with a torque converter clutch. GM has changed the part number on this transmission to 24227619. P/N 24227619 is a remanufactured transmission with a core charge. GM may bring back P/N 24221098, we are trying to get more information on this from them. We can only order P/N 24227619 at this time.

This is the best performance four speed automatic transmission that GM Performance Parts offers and is rated for a maximum engine torque of 460 lb.-ft. This 4 wheel drive version of the 4L85E automatic transmission includes torque converter. It is used in the current model GM Heavy Duty Trucks. Using a die cast aluminum case keeps the total transmission at only 255lb. The gear ratios are 1st - 2.482, 2nd - 1.482, 3rd - 1.000, 4th - 0.750, and reverse is 2.077. The converter size is 310mm (diameter of torque converter turbine), with maximum shift speeds at 5200 RPM for all gears.
Technical Note: This transmission has the conventional Chevrolet bolt pattern for attaching to engine. Use DEXIII fluid type.

4L85E gear ratios: 1st 2.482, 2nd 1.482, 3rd 1.000, 4th 0.750, Reverse 2.077.
Engine Range: 4.8L - 8.1L Gasoline, 6.5L Diesel (MN8)
Maximum Shift Speeds: 1-2 5200 rpm (MN8), 2-3 5200 rpm (MN8), 3-4 5200 rpm (MN8)
Maximum Engine Torque: 460 lb-ft (MN8)
Maximum Gearbox Torque: 885 lb-ft (MN8)
Converter Size: 300mm (MN8) (reference), Diameter of torque converter turbine.
Fluid Capacity (Approximate): Bottom Pan Removal 4.0L - 6.0L (4.2 qt - 6.3 qt)
Case Material: Die Cast Aluminum
Assembly Sites: Ypsilanti, MI
Technical Notes: Use with transmission controller P/N 12497316. (No core charge required on this transmission)

 

Most of the 4L90E stuff I see is when people are actually talking about the 6L, but they typed it wrong.

 

I'm pretty sure the performance version is built right here in the Chicago area.

 

GM has been putting the 6l90e with the Duramax vans in 2010 and 2011...
2009 and prior had 4l85e.

I guess the 6l90e is so good they can't even tell the difference....