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Transmissions for an LS swap: 4L60E to 8HP70
What bolts to an LS, how much torque it takes, and what it needs to shift. Electronic automatics need a controller; see the table below.
| Transmission | Type | Gears | RPO | Torque (lb-ft) | LS fitment | Controller |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4L60E | auto | 4 | M30 | Stock ≈300–360 lb-ft (≈300–400 hp street); built street units ≈450–500 hp; fully re-engineered 800+ hp (Speedway) | GM LS-family bellhousing; LS versions use 300 mm input shaft / LS converter (non-LS 298 mm) | Factory GM PCM, or Holley Terminator X Max (built-in 4L60/4L80 control) |
| 4L80E | auto | 4 | MT1 | 440 lb-ft (MT1); 4L85E (MN8) 690 lb-ft | GM LS-family bellhousing | Factory GM PCM, or Holley Terminator X Max (built-in 4L60/4L80 control) |
| 6L80 / 6L90 | auto | 6 | Not confirmed | GM LS-family bellhousing | Factory GM ECU/TCM, or Holley Terminator X Max + 558-499 6L80/6L90 kit | |
| 8L45 | auto | 8 | M5N / N8R | 550 Nm (~406 lb-ft) | GM bellhousing | |
| 8L90 | auto | 8 | M5U (8L80: MFC/N8X) | 900 Nm (~664 lb-ft) max gearbox torque (GM estimate); 420 bhp max engine power | GM bellhousing (LS/LT family) | |
| ZF 8HP70 | auto | 8 | 8HP70/75 family ≈ 700–750 Nm factory (ZF, per HPA); often run well above with torque management | Adapter required. Case/bellhousing is OEM-specific: kits exist for Ram/Hemi-pattern 8HP (e.g., LOJ) and for BMW-pattern 8HP (e.g., PMC Motorsport). Confirm the adapter matches your exact 8HP source (even two BMW 8HP70s can differ). | Standalone TCU required; choose the TCU before buying the transmission (support varies by 8HP generation and OEM; e.g., some controllers support Gen 1 8HP45/70/90 only). | |
| 10L80 / 10L90 | auto | 10 | Not confirmed | GM bellhousing (10L); Ford 10R80 is a different case | ||
| T5 (World Class) | manual | 5 | MK6 (1988–92 F-body) | 300 lb-ft (WC with hardened 1st gear, from ~1990); Standard/NWC 265 lb-ft | Found in S-10, Camaro/Firebird; LS use needs bellhousing/adapter | n/a |
| Tremec TKX | manual | 5 | 600 lb-ft; 8,000 rpm capable, shifts at 7,500 rpm | Aftermarket; LS bellhousing required | n/a | |
| TR6060 | manual | 6 | Not confirmed | GM LS/LT versions in Camaro SS/ZL1, Corvette C6, CTS-V, G8 GXP, Chevrolet SS | ||
| Tremec Magnum | manual | 6 | 700 lb-ft | Aftermarket; GM and Ford variants | n/a | |
| Tremec Magnum-F | manual | 6 | 700 lb-ft (949 Nm) | Replaces T56 in 1998–2002 F-body; also for 1993–97 LT1 F-body (needs flywheel/clutch/slave changes) | n/a | |
| Tremec Magnum-XL | manual | 6 | 700 lb-ft | GM variant available; includes SFI steel bellhousing, crossmember, trans mount, isolated shifter; reuses OEM hydraulic release | n/a |
T56 part numbers: identify a used T56
The T56 was built for GM, Ford, Dodge, Holden and Aston Martin. The tag number tells you which one you have; bellhousing, input shaft and shifter location differ.
| Part number | Originally for | Ratios | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1386-000-003 | 1992 Dodge Viper | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 30 |
| 1386-000-005 | 1993–1995 Dodge Viper | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 30 |
| 1386-000-006 | 1993 Camaro/Firebird w/2.73 final drive "M28" | 3.36:1 / 2.07:1 / 1.35:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.80:1 / 0.62:1 / 3.28:1 | Input splines 26, output 27 |
| 1386-000-007 | 1993 Camaro/Firebird w/3.23 final drive "M29" | 2.97:1 / 2.07:1 / 1.43:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.80:1 / 0.62:1 / 3.28:1 | Input splines 26, output 27 |
| 1386-000-009 | 1994–1995 Camaro/Firebird | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 27 |
| 1386-000-011 | GM Aftermarket | 2.97:1 / 2.07:1 / 1.43:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.80:1 / 0.62:1 / 3.28:1 | Input splines 26, output 27 |
| 1386-000-012 | Mustang 5.0 Aftermarket | 2.97:1 / 2.07:1 / 1.43:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.80:1 / 0.62:1 / 3.28:1 | Input splines 10, output 31 |
| 1386-000-013 | Holden | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 27 |
| 1386-000-014 | 1996–2002 Dodge Viper | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 30 |
| 1386-000-016 | 1996–1997 Camaro/Firebird | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 27 |
| 1386-000-017 | 1998 Camaro/Firebird | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 27 |
| 1386-000-018 | 1996–2002 Dodge Viper | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 30 |
| 1386-000-019 | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines, output | |
| 1386-000-020 | 1999–2002 Camaro/Firebird | |2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 27 |
| 1386-000-021 | Aston Martin | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.79:1 / 0.63:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 30 |
| 1386-000-022 | Holden Commodore | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 27 |
| 1386-000-023 | Corvette C5 (MM6) | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 27 |
| 1386-000-024 | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines, output | |
| 1386-000-025 | Corvette Z06 C5 (MZ6) | 2.97:1 / 2.07:1 / 1.43:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.84:1 / 0.56:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 27 |
| TNET-1077 | 2.97:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines, output | |
| TNET-1247 | Dodge Viper | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 30 |
| TUET-1259 | 4.6 Mustang Aftermarket w/mech speedo | 2.97:1 / 2.07:1 / 1.43:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.80:1 / 0.62:1 / 3.28:1 | Input splines 10, output 31 |
| TUET-1260 | 4.6 Mustang Aftermarket w/elec speedo | 2.97:1 / 2.07:1 / 1.43:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.80:1 / 0.62:1 / 3.28:1 | Input splines 10, output 31 |
| TUET-1452 | Chevrolet Corvette | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 27 |
| TUET-1453 | Chevrolet Corvette | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 27 |
| TUET-1576 | Aston Martin | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.79:1 / 0.63:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 30 |
| TUET-1660 | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines, output 27 | |
| TUET-1694 | 2003–2004 Mustang Cobra | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.79:1 / 0.63:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 10, output 27 |
| TUET-1806 | Dodge Viper SRT-10 | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 30 |
| TUET-2022 | Cadillac CTS-V | 2.97:1 / 2.07:1 / 1.43:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.84:1 / 0.56:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines, output |
| TUET-2060 | Mustang Cobra | 2.97:1 / 2.07:1 / 1.43:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.80:1 / 0.62:1 / 3.28:1 | Input splines 10, output 27 |
| TUET-2062 | Dodge Viper | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 30 |
| TUET-2066 | Pontiac GTO/Holden Monaro | 2.97:1 / 2.07:1 / 1.43:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.84:1 / 0.56:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines 26, output 27 |
| TUET-5044 | Cadillac CTS-V (M12) | 2.97:1 / 2.07:1 / 1.43:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.84:1 / 0.56:1 / 2.90:1 | Input splines, output |
| TUET-6450 | T-56 Ford N/A XR6 | 3.35:1 / 2.07:1 / 1.35:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.80:1 / 0.63:1 / | Input splines 23, output 31 |
| TUET-7477 | T-56 Magnum Chevy Aftermarket | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.80:1 / 0.63:1 / | Input splines 26, output 31 |
| TUET-7484 | T-56 Magnum Ford Aftermarket | 2.66:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.30:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.80:1 / 0.63:1 / | Input splines 26, output 31 |
| TUET-8274 | T-56 Magnum Ford Aftermarket | 2.97:1 / 2.10:1 / 1.46:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / | Input splines 26, output 31 |
| TUET-8277 | T-56 Magnum Chevy Aftermarket | 2.97:1 / 2.10:1 / 1.46:1 / 1.00:1 / 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 / | Input splines 26, output 31 |
Transmission controllers
| Controller | Kind | Controls | Transmissions | DBW | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Factory GM ECU/PCM (junkyard) | factory_ecu | Engine + the electronic transmission it was paired with | Matches donor (e.g., 4L60E/4L80E with Gen III truck PCMs) | Cheap, often comes with a junkyard engine; needs a standalone harness (bought from ~$500, e.g., BP Automotive, Speartech, PSI, Howell, or built from the donor harness) plus tuning. DIY total can be ~$400 if you already own ECU/software (LSX Magazine). Each GM ECU is designed for a specific vehicle/engine/trans combo. | |
| Holley Terminator X | aftermarket_ecu | Engine only | 0 | Self-learning EFI; better suited than a GM ECU for heavily modified or boosted engines (LSX Magazine). | |
| Holley Terminator X Max | aftermarket_ecu | Engine + drive-by-wire + electronic transmission | 4L60E / 4L80E built in; 6L80 / 6L90 with Holley 558-499 transmission kit | 1 | Includes engine and transmission harnesses (LSX Magazine). V3 software adds 6L80/6L90 control via separate harness kit. |
| Standalone 8HP TCU (TurboLamik, CANTCU, etc.) | standalone_tcu | ZF 8HP transmission | ZF 8HP (support varies by generation/OEM) | Choose TCU before buying the transmission (HPA). |
Transmission questions
- Best transmission for an LS swap
- Best manual transmission for an LS swap
- Will a 4L60E bolt up to a 5.3 or 6.0?
- ZF 8HP70 swap behind an LS
- How much horsepower can a 4L60E handle?
- 4L80E swap behind an LS
- 6L80 swap behind an LS
- Why does a 1999–2000 LQ4 need a different flexplate?
Sources
- GM 4L80-E transmission — Wikipedia
- GM 4L60-E transmission — Wikipedia
- Borg-Warner/Tremec T-56 transmission (identification table) — Wikipedia
- The Ultimate ZF 8HP Swap Guide — High Performance Academy
- LS/LT to Hemi 8HP / ZF8 transmission adapter package (product listing) — LOJ Conversions
- Adapter Kit GM Chevrolet LS - BMW ZF 8HP (product listing) — PMC Motorsport
- GM 6L transmission — Wikipedia
- GM 8L transmission (spec table citing GM Powered Solutions) — Wikipedia
- Ford–GM 10-speed automatic transmission — Wikipedia
- TKX 5-Speed RWD Manual Transmission — TREMEC
- Magnum 6-Speed RWD Manual Transmission — TREMEC
- Magnum-XL 6-Speed RWD Manual Transmission — TREMEC
- Magnum-F 6-Speed RWD Manual Transmission — TREMEC
- Tremec TR-6060 transmission — Wikipedia
- Borg-Warner T-5 transmission — Wikipedia
- Holley's Terminator X Vs. GM Standalone ECU For LS Swaps — LSX Magazine
- Holley Terminator X Max LS swap controller (reseller listing incl. 6L80/6L90 transmission kit) — PSI Conversion
- Holley EFI 558-499 Terminator X Max Transmission Kit - GM 6L80/6L90 (search-result title; holley.com blocks automated access) — Holley
- 4L60 Transmission Complete Guide | Diagrams, HP Ratings, Swap FAQ — Speedway Motors