stone150

iTrader: (2)

I'm sorry if this has been asked, I've googled and never got a great answer.

I have a 2016 Tahoe with the L83/6L80e and all around hate the drivetrain. I had a 18' Sierra L86/8L90E and 21' Escalade L86/10L90E and generally liked the drivetrains, but sold both due to the insane used car market these days. I like my Tahoe overall but both the L83 and 6L80E leave things to be desired. I'm sure some tuning could fix some of my 6l80E gripes, but I also hated it in another car.

I've been digging around trying to see if a L86/8L90E or L86/10L90E will swap in. I know dimensionally they will fit as the 15-17 escalade/Denali had the L86/8L90E and the 18+ RST/Escalade/Denali had the L86/10L90E. I'm trying to figure out what is needed to make the electronics work.

it appears it can be done:

Also, I'm well aware of the 8L90E issues, but I'd still rather at least have a 8L90E instead of bolting a L86 up to my existing 6L80E

ZO6Ted

The L86 and 8L will for sure but the 10L probably not. Although I am not 100% certain on the 10L I am pretty darn sure. Oh also the 6 or 8 is great when tuned properly.

stone150

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, for some reason the 10L just seems like a different animal. If I can get a 8L to work, I'd be happy. The two 8Ls i had always had a few quirks, but overall I was happy with them and at WOT the L86 was a blast.

smokinlmm

Just put a blower on the 5.3 and it will destroy any 6.2. The 6l80 can be a great trans it just needs a converter and a tune.

stone150

iTrader: (2)

its not just about destroying a 6.2, but more about building a worth wild package. In a perfect world I'd get a take out 6.2L with a 8 or 10 speed and put a mild cam and blower on it, then swap it in the place of the 5.3L. it sounds like the trans swap is doable, but a major hassle. So then I'm left just taking out the 5.3 for a 6.2, but in the end still left with a trans that just feels craptacular IMO compared to the newer ones.

shakenfake

The 8 speeds have their own issues as well. I've heard a lot of griping over the 8 speeds.

madmann26

iTrader: (7)

A mild tune cleanup on the 6L trans does wonders. We have a ‘15 Yukon and it definitely drives better after I cleaned it up some.

smokinlmm

Stock power train and a blower is wayyyy more reliable than any Frankenstein combo. You can still take it to a dealer and such for diagnostics if needed, plus resale, insurance and emissions testing dosen't require voodoo...