1991 Cluster for 4L80-E Swap?

[Green79Scottsdale]

Here's the situation. Guy at work has a 4L80-E out of a 2003 that is mine, all I need to do is pay and pick it up. In the thought process of this swap is the issue with the speedometer. Theoretically, a cluster from a 1991 Burb should be able to use the VSS from the 4L80-E with no problams right? Just want to make sure I am seeing this clearly. I happen to run across a cluster today on CL for a good price...

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/pts/4773803506.html

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Is that what the box is on the back of the housing? For the speedo? Can this possibly be swapped to an older housing for the purpose of using a tach also? Just getting ideas here.

 

[MadOgre]

I don't know if that cluster will operate from the same frequency as the 2003 4L80

 

[MadOgre]

Are you swapping in your old/current transfer case behind it? cause that would eliminate the need for a cluster swap unless you need a speed signal to operate the transmission

 

[kleedus]

the 4l80 needs the out put speed to operate

if its a 2 wheel drive you can use the rear speed sensor on the tranny but a 4x4 would need to be on the t-case so when you use 4 low it reads right

I put a vss on a 205 for my 4l80 in my crew cab

 

[kleedus]

and yes the 91 cluster will work with the 4l80 vss


the 4l80 has a input speed sensor and a output speed sensor on the left side 4x4 transmissions may not have the rear sensor since it has one on the t-case.

In my pics above you can see the speed sensors on my 4l80 I was going to use the rear sensor on the tranny until I figured out how to put the sensor on a 205

 

[Green79Scottsdale]

I don't know if that cluster will operate from the same frequency as the 2003 4L80

and yes the 91 cluster will work with the 4l80 vss

Sounds like one question is answered. I was pretty sure on this, just wanted confirmation.

Are you swapping in your old/current transfer case behind it? cause that would eliminate the need for a cluster swap unless you need a speed signal to operate the transmission

if its a 2 wheel drive you can use the rear speed sensor on the tranny but a 4x4 would need to be on the t-case so when you use 4 low it reads right

I put a vss on a 205 for my 4l80 in my crew cab

the 4l80 has a input speed sensor and a output speed sensor on the left side 4x4 transmissions may not have the rear sensor since it has one on the t-case.

In my pics above you can see the speed sensors on my 4l80 I was going to use the rear sensor on the tranny until I figured out how to put the sensor on a 205

I forgot about the speedometer being driven off the transfer case. I was planning on keeping my current transfer case, 203, so purely from that point, I can keep my current speedometer set up.

The transmission is from a 4x4. 2003 HD 6.0 combo to be exact, for what it's worth. I knew that the computer needed a VSS signal to operate the trans, but that doesn't necessarily need to be associated with the speedometer, does it? Should I start researching adding VSS to my 203?

What is the input speed sensor coming from? I assume the output sensor goes to the computer? I haven't decided on a controller for it yet, if that matters.

Thanks for your help guys. Still trying to get this all sorted out in my head.

 

[MadOgre]

I believe the TCI/FAST controller only requires a TPS signal to make it work. Im gonna double check that now as this is my next transmission upgrade that im gonna do as well.

 

[MadOgre]

You can get a vss sender that goes inline with your mechanical speedo cable

 

[Green79Scottsdale]

I have heard those vss to mechanical convertors are hundreds of $$$'s. That would be more than the transmission...

I just thought that cluster could be a cheap easy alternative to a box. $35 compared to $350. Then I could get the tach/fuel combo gauge and use a small gauge in the factory spot for dual gauges to my dual tanks. Just pre-planning right now. If that box in the picture is needed for the speedo, and I could swap it to my older tach housing, I would buy it just to have it around for an alternative.

 

[kleedus]

the computer uses the input speed and the output speed sensor.
you can get the sensor that goes inline with the speedo cable from jags that run.
http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/SpeedSensors_Speedometer.html

your 203 will have to be from a turbo 400 or the spline count will be wrong and the adapter needs to be from a 400.

your adapter will need some machine work to fit the 4l80

I would not put the time and money into a 203 unless you plan to run a doubler.

advance adapter 4l80/205 kit and a 205 would be the best way to go
http://www.advanceadapters.com/prod...fer-caseadapter-kit-replacing-th350-or-sm465/

 

[kleedus]

if you can find a 241 from a turbo 400 it might be able to bolt up with the 4l80 adapter. but a 205 would probably be easier to find.


with the advance adapters kit you can use a 205 from a 4 speed they are easy to find.

and if you don't mind throwing money at it northwest fab sells modified 205 tail housings with a vss. they are they same as the way I done mine.

 

[MadOgre]

If you get a 4L80e with the 4L80e adapter I believe either the TH400 208 or 241 bolt up stock. The first 4L80s came with a 241. The 241 late 89 and up was VSS

This is how I plan on doing mine. Although Im still trying to figure it all out.

 

[MadOgre]

So it seems that the FAST controller only requires a TPS but if you want full programmable functions you would also need the speed sensor. But it will run with out it.