Thanks!!!Nice job! You've pioneered another "mod" for the GMT 400! LOL
What gear ratio does your truck have? I've read some comparisons on 4L vs 6L on the ls1tech forums and some guys say the fist gear of the 6L is too steep (maybe for a f-body?) I don't know.
I did recently buy a passenger 3500 van with the 6.0/6L90e/3.42, so I'm getting used to the transmission...my other trucks have the 4L80e/4.10 and I think I like the 4L80 more, but I think it's the rear gearing difference and the fact that the van is a big, heavy vehicle. The vans only come with 3.42, but the HD trucks came with 3.73s.
Also, what was the mileage on the transmission? Those seem to fail at around a certain mileage and send metal into the transmission and can cause a lot of damage. Maybe around the 150k mark? An aftermarket converter solves the problem though.
Let us know how you like it. Very interesante mod!
My truck has 3.73 gears. I could see why folks would consider 1st gear too steep, however, it may be personal preference. I think with my current combo, it's just right for daily driving, considering the weight of a crew cab and it being an L31. I have a '14 Silverado, also with a 6L80 and 3.42 gears...the difference between the two (aside from the obvious) are night and day when it comes to normal driving. I feel like the '97 makes better use of it's new first gear getting up to speed. So, I do agree it's gearing difference. I just remember when the 6L's were introduced, one of the hypes were how they were geared and take-offs were much much faster off the line. Again, maybe personal preference and/or depending on one's build.
Most people won't believe this, but my 6L has 195k on it (I know, crazy right?!). The guy I bought it from assured me it was maintained properly and it shifted through all gears with no problems or slippage. The L83 it was mated to became a victim of the DoD lifter failure, locking up the lifter and trashing the cam. Shortly after bringing it home, I pulled the pan and filter, and to my surprise, the fluid was bright red and the magnet was fairly clean. Of course, I was releluctant until recently when I finally drove it a couple days ago and confirmed he was right.