Small Block / Big Block Ford and 6R80 Conversion

[rguest3]

I've been looking into this Conversion for awhile and have been wondering who has already done it? I have a fairly stout 410C in one of my Broncos and I would like to put the 6R80 behind it to handle the torque with no issues.

I want to make a list of parts needed here for the conversion based on my findings and what others have already done.

Advanced Adaptors has the 6R80 crossmember for the Early Bronco and the Tail Housing Adaptor for the D20, Atlas and other Transfer Cases of choice.



Engines with Small Block Ford Bell Housings:

289, 302, 351W, 351C, 5.0l, 5.8l


Engines with Big Block Ford Bell Housings:

351M, 400, 360-428 FE, 429 / 460


Engine to 6R80 Adaptor:

Performance Automatic - PA68507 for Small Block Ford

Performance Automatic - PA68508 for Big Block Ford

Speed Jems - Big Block Ford - Very nice Adaptor Kit with No Transmission Grinding. (Speed Jems is working on a SBF version to be released soon)

Other Adaptors - ???


2011+ 6R80 Transmission (4x4 version for Adaptor and Transfer Case):

5.0L Coyote Bell Housing:

1. - Small Block Ford Motor and PA Adaptor

2. - Big Block Motor and Speed Jems Adaptor


3.5l Bell Housing: Big Block Motor and PA Adaptor


Torque Convertor Spacer Kit and Hardware: (This Kit is needed to compensate for the thickness of the Engine/Trans Adaptor)

Performance Automatic - PA68509 - Does not have good reviews. May not even work at all???

Speed Jems - Included with their Adaptor Kit.


Torque Convertor:

6R80 Convertor (Four Bolt) - Stock Replacement or for Modified Engine.


Block Plate Tin - Automatic Tin From Original Engine.

I'm not sure if this is needed since the PA Adaptor has the Starter mount?

Use Original Block Tin with Speed Jems Adaptor


Flexplate - Automatic Flexplate From Original Engine with Correct Balance

Starter - Automatic Starter from Original Engine or After Market replacement


Transmission Control:

US-Shift - Quick 6

PCS???

Other Controllers?


6R80 Cooling System:

8AN Fittings and Lines are recommended with the Transmission's own cooler.


Transmission Clearance:
A body lift is recommended for the Fat 6R80, possibly up to a 2" BL.
You can also raise the Tunnel on your Bronco.


When using the PA adaptor you will have to "Clearance" the Transmission Bell Housing to clear the Original SBF starter. Not a big job because you would be grinding Aluminum. However, this would probably void any warranty that comes with the Transmission.

When using the Speed Jems Adaptor there is No modifications to the Transmission at all. However, this Adaptor is Thicker and you could have firewall interference depending on your application. This seems to be the better option so far.

Please let me know if there are any other options for Engine/Trans Adaptors and the Trans Controllers. I will list additional info here on this Post #1.

Thanks

 

[Broncobowsher]

Transfer case adaptor as well.
Cooler lines are oversized as well. Expect to need high flow coolers matched to the line size. Not the generic old school stuff.

I'm thinking of it for my old 2WD big block F250.

 

[rguest3]

Correct, install whatever Transfer Case you want with the required Adaptor.

What size cooler Fitting/Lines are recommended? 8AN?

 

[1sicbronconut]

As a Ford technician I've worked on this transmission a bit and I'd advise replacing the lead frame and the o-rings on the wiring bulkhead before using one they're the only real things I've replaced a lot of with this transmission.

 

[rguest3]

Good to know. Thanks for the heads up.

One shop that does A LOT of Coyote and 6R80 Conversions is Fat Fender Garage. They use 8AN Fittings and Lines for the 6R80 Cooling system. Proven system. I will do the same.

 

[nvrstuk]

I swapped in a 6r behind my 460sbf with a ProCase behind that. Ask away.

Perf Auto stuff was designed by a Boy Scout. Not saying a Boy Scout can't do a good job but not with the boy scout issued pocket knife.

How does Speed Gem fit the TC to the crank? Do you have a link? What inch body lift do you have?

Some Super Duty coolers are 1/2". Great size, cools well. Make sure you use 1/2" lines AND cooler.

Check my build thread if you want. I documented most every aspect of the TC issues, converter work, etc.
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=278607&page=33
post #484

Also trans info
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=278607&page=23
post #331 then do some skipping because I had a little shoulder

US Shift Controller 6r80- works good, 3 out of 5. Their old 4r Controller was a 5/5. I ran it for 10+ yrs. Several locals I know have had to reboot, reload new software when bugs have corrupted their tunes. Major hassle if you aren't home, lose 4 custom tunes and have to start all over while on the road.

 

[nvrstuk]

1sicbronconut... didn't Ford have a TSB and fix the lead frame issues when they redesigned from 2013 on?

 

[rguest3]

nvrstuk - I agree with the PA Adaptor review. Does not seem to be up to par. I'll take a look at your build threads. Thanks

Speed Jems - transmissionadaptors.com

I currently have a 1" Body Lift. Hopefully that will be enough room for the Fat 6R???

I already have the Coolant Line fitting that goes on the 6R80. It has the 8AN line fittings on it with a Thermostat for the Fan on the cooler. I found this piece at Fat Fender Garage in AZ.

My other concern is overall length of the Adaptor, 6R80 and Atlas compared to the 4R70W and Atlas.

 

[nvrstuk]

I think you will be fine for clearance. Tcase linkage or anything else you have mounted on the tunnel that hangs down will probably hit the 6r...

I have the lengths and comparisons btw the 4r and 6r on my build. They are almost identical length. If your 4r combo works this will too. That was my biggest concern for me when researching this as I was going to eliminate my doubler

 

[EricLar80]

What about the height of the 6r80? I know you have extra body lift, Nvrstuck, but do you think a 1" body lift would clear the trans?

 

[nvrstuk]

If you have a JBFab cable shifter measure how far it hangs below the tunnel. Or ask someone who has one and measure it.

With my body lift there is interference.

I won't be around till Thursday. Then I can put a block in from underneath and tell you the clearance needed. They are tall and FAT.

Remind me if I haven't gotten back to you by then.

 

[EricLar80]

I appreciate it. Sounds like 1" body lift will make things difficult...

 

[nvrstuk]

Very easy to weld up a tunnel that would be an inch higher... who could ever tell? Eeld it in a 1" extension, grind the welds flat. Won't be able to see with gloss paint.

I used to do this with hospital beds that were chromed after all my welds. You can make it look 100% OE.

 

[rguest3]

I really thought there would have been a lot more members here that would have done this conversion.