6.0 Chev + auto

[Jethrow]

Hi all.

As part of my cobra research, I am wondering if anyone has build a cobra with the 6.0L LS2 with the 6 speed semi-auto gearbox as found in a typical VE SS.

Would like thoughts or experiences on using the semi-auto. The auto side has some appeal for easy cruising and extra pedal room!, but the manualised sequential shift would appear to give best of both worlds?

Comments?

[Gav]

Ahhh the joys of semi auto Jethrow.
I have fitted a TCI controller to my 4l60e box and are very happy with it.
I have had some teething problems however.
Ensure you have either a new or rebuilt box as removing to repair is a major pain.

The autos work well in a cobra, and work great on the track.

Dont they Andrew?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Jethrow

Hi all.

As part of my cobra research, I am wondering if anyone has build a cobra with the 6.0L LS2 with the 6 speed semi-auto gearbox as found in a typical VE SS.

Would like thoughts or experiences on using the semi-auto. The auto side has some appeal for easy cruising and extra pedal room!, but the manualised sequential shift would appear to give best of both worlds?

Comments?

Hi Jethrow,

That's exactly what I have installed - See my 'Gallery'. I have a new crate 307 kw LS2 coupled to a six speed 6L80E tiptronic automatic transmission. The car is still waiting on RTA rego so I only have done about 800 k's on Permits.

So far, so good. My principal reason for this choice was to provide more foot room around the pedals and it's certainly achieved that. I couldn't find anyone who had attempted this setup previously.

There were a few big headaches with getting the gearbox computer talking to the engine ECU. Jimmy and Justin from Sideshow Performance Tuning eventually sorted this out by installing a miriad of micro switches etc., etc around the selector and inserting a Corvette tune. Now it's working fine.

If I ever have a major explosion in the box, I think I would change the ratios in 1st and 2nd as they seem too low, but it certainly launches off the line in its present configuratiion.

Hope this helps.


Baz

[Modena]

Originally Posted by Baz

If I ever have a major explosion in the box, I think I would change the ratios in 1st and 2nd as they seem too low, but it certainly launches off the line in its present configuratiion.
Baz

what diff ratio are you running Baz?

[Jethrow]

Thx for the replies guys. I think I am leaning this way.

Baz, a couple questions if I may.

Firstly, why could you not use the std holden ECU and tune say from a VE SS?

And secondly, after researching some your older posts, I notices a comment saying your trans does not align to the diff. Why is that?

Thx

Tim

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Modena

what diff ratio are you running Baz?

3.3:1 Modena.


Baz

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Jethrow

Thx for the replies guys. I think I am leaning this way.

Baz, a couple questions if I may.

Firstly, why could you not use the std holden ECU and tune say from a VE SS?

And secondly, after researching some your older posts, I notices a comment saying your trans does not align to the diff. Why is that?

Thx

Tim

Hi Tim,

The problem arises with all the additional electrical gear on the original donour vehicle that the ECU is programmed through. Take my HSV Grange for instance. There is the security system check, then there is the safety equipment check e.g. air bags, seat belts, sound system etc., and many more. When the key is initially turned, the car's computer activates all these precautionary checks and won't give the o.k., to start unless all of them check out. As the Cobra doesn't have any of these systems installed, the electrical compilation designed by Sideshow tricks the computer into thinking that all these checks have been carried out and are right to go.

I'm no Electrical Engineer, so if either you Jimmy or Justin are reading this thread, you might like to comment further.

I chose to have the Jag rear end and unfortunately the diff line is about 15 degrees off the centre line from the main transmission shaft. That's why I needed the specialised tail shaft.



Baz

[Gav]

TCI build a 6 speed controller and loom for the 6l80e that operates the same as the 4 speed one I use.
For the money I don't think you could go wrong.
My controller, loom and billet paddle shifter cost under 2k.

[Modena]

My understanding of these vehicles is that you actually WANT the diff slightly off centre. If the diff is directly in line with the gearbox output shaft, because the tailshaft is so short then the tail shaft will have very little (or even zero) angle, this in turn makes the uni's very straight, and they can wear out quickly like this. To compensate for the short tailshaft, offset the diff slightly to one side and this provides the angle in the unis to stop premature wear.

I don't know if this right, but is sounds plausible to me.

Baz: I think auto VE's use 2.92:1

Ben

[sideshow]

its easy to run the standard holden set up just fiddly
even the later 09 setups has the auto blip revs up as u down shift
all this can be done as we have the technology to do this hehehee
and also its easy to srtup buttons on steering wheel for up and down gears
usually much cheaper than going aftermarket
the tci setup is expensive due to the paddles and u dont need an extra auto ecu
since the 6 speed tiptronic has auto ecu inside the valve body area so u get it when u buy it
if u want to know how they go just go and road test a late model ve auto

[Gav]

Hey Sideshow, I wasn't aware that the six speed has the controller on board.
That being the case, if you have it sorted out, and set up shift buttons on the shifter or steering wheel it would be a top arrangment by the sounds of things.

The TCI paddle shifter has however the ability to display numerous things on its display, such as gears, revs, speed, presseure, temps ect.
Without a standard VE style dash I doubt it would be easy to do this.
The 4l65e with a 2800 stall converter requires few gear changes on a track like Wakefeild, however being able to change manually at full shift pressure and minimal time is what sets the TCI controls apart from the standard PCM with the earlier autos.
Is the shift time and pressure the same with a manual shift versus the manual shift with the 6 speed?

[Doubledip]

Originally Posted by Gav

TCI build a 6 speed controller and loom for the 6l80e that operates the same as the 4 speed one I use.
For the money I don't think you could go wrong.
My controller, loom and billet paddle shifter cost under 2k.

99% certain TCI dont make a controller for the 6L80E

you need to run the Factory Trans ECU and also Engine ECU at this stage.

[Doubledip]

Originally Posted by Jethrow

Firstly, why could you not use the std holden ECU and tune say from a VE SS?

you do use the STD Holden ECU and TCM from the VE SS.. its just the operatin software/Tune that is different... this is to avoid using the BCM in the conversion car (which is saving money)

[sideshow]

Yes the tci unit is good unit
Have been asked about it afew times
With running all factory Holden ecus then
U can program it just like u program the
Factory engine ecu so I presume u would get
A sheitload of adjustments
It's just that hardly anyone knows how to set
Up the factory way. We have had to fix afew
Jobs from other similar shops
It's just that we have and alway do alot of research
Which most out there cbft
The tci paddle shift is nice
Im chasing paddle levers of some very late jap cars but
Very hard to find in japan unless u want to buy new

[Gav]

Originally Posted by Doubledip

99% certain TCI dont make a controller for the 6L80E

you need to run the Factory Trans ECU and also Engine ECU at this stage.

Sure do! They recently started advertising in GM performance magazine a package deal for the trans, controller and paddles.

[Doubledip]

Originally Posted by Gav

Sure do! They recently started advertising in GM performance magazine a package deal for the trans, controller and paddles.

hmmmm

are you sure its not their 4L80E-based TCI® 6x Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ???

they have had that for a while

[boxhead]

Only Taxi's run autos

[sideshow]

Go tell that to an f1 driver and see what they say
Hehehehe
A good auto will always beat a manual

[Jethrow]

Hi sideshow.

so to ask then, if I get a motor and auto from a VE SS, along with the factory ECU, is there anything else I need to make sure I get, and also, whats it roughly worth to get the bits I need from you guys to make it all work?

Can I use the stock shifter setup?
Can I run the wires myself?
Given I am in WA, its gunna be hard to get you to work on the car!

Thx

Tim

[Gav]

Originally Posted by sideshow

Go tell that to an f1 driver and see what they say
Hehehehe
A good auto will always beat a manual

Oh and one did, didn't it Andrew?