80e Install Pics - Need Help

mrweelr

New member
I'm preparing to install the PG 80e and trying to decide where to cut a hole in the body to pass the TCI controller harness through. I also haven't figured out where to mount the controller yet. I could use some pics showing where others have mounted their controllers and cut holes for the harness. I'm assuming this needs to be done before lifting the transmission up into place? Here's where I'm at with this conversion as of tonight (crossmember to be removed tomorrow):

Underside.JPG

PrimeGears80e4.JPG

PrimeGears80e5.JPG

PrimeGears80e6.JPG
 

skwayb

NWSTP
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

I mounted mine in underneath the center console storage box. MAITIA1993 took my inner box of the storage unit and cut it down so it wasn't as deep. My PCS controller is underneath it. The center colse still looks stock when it is open. It is stealthy. Only thing you can see is the serial cable in the center console when you open it.

I used the rubber grommet that the shift cable went through for the wires so I didn't have to cut any holes. Jeff helped me with that when we were installing the 80e. Worked out great.

Here is a picture of where I put the PCS Controller.

nwwiring003_small.jpg
 

mrweelr

New member
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

Wow, that looks real good :cool: I was thinking about placing the TCI controller down there as well. So I would have to cut the center console for it to fit? I wonder if the TCI harness is long enough to pass through the shifter cable grommet? Thanks for the picture, that gives me some ideas.

CenterConsole.JPG
 

Quickstop [UK]

Combating adversyty.
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

I read somewhere on here that somebody mounted theirs under the seat? I'm hopin to get stuck in with mine soon so will be interested to see what you come up with. Good luck with it!

- subscribed -
 

JSM

Active member
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

Done under seat and center console. I always go through the shifter grommet to avoid new holes.

Done it with GM ECM, Old TCI, and PCS (aka new TCI). Harness is plenty long enough trust me.

Console doesn't need cut, just the pocket inside if that makes sense.
 

mrweelr

New member
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

Done under seat and center console. I always go through the shifter grommet to avoid new holes.

Done it with GM ECM, Old TCI, and PCS (aka new TCI). Harness is plenty long enough trust me.

Console doesn't need cut, just the pocket inside if that makes sense.

Are you guys actually unbolting/removing the shifter grommet or punching a hole through the rubber to push the harness through? I want to make sure the solution is airtight and nothing is kinked. Any more pics would be appreciated, thanks guys.
 
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mrweelr

New member
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

Nevermind. I got the controller installed in the center console today. It won't fit underneath the console as it's too wide. I ran all the wires - all that's left is to splice a few wires into the ECM harness and I'm done. Looks like the wires aren't long enough to reach the glovebox, so I'm going to have to extend them.

TCIController.JPG
 
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TxSy1430

New member
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

sooo how much was this whole package?...trans and controller..etc.
 

denny

Active member
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

sooo how much was this whole package?...trans and controller..etc.


controller
http://www.black-ridge.com/transmission-computer.htm
$675 for the PTC unit and $130 for the harness.

PCS website have it for $750 unit + 150 for the harness.

So far for me -

1800 - ck stage I 4l80e (I had a core free)
1000 - PTC lock up converter
1450 - Blake conversoin kit (bought off another BB member).
800- pcs controller and harness controller
300- misc (had to get different manual shift linkage, the one in GB kit was too long,oil, braided steel cooler lines, etc)
---------


You can buy another SYTY for 6K ....

forgot
100 cut the rear drive shaft
150 Gilbert lengthen front prop shaft


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mrweelr

New member
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

About $9K, but it's worth it to me not having to worry about smoking another trans. I got the TCI controller wired up today, tomorrow is 80e installation time :)
 

MRKING

New Parts for Old Trucks
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

it hurts less if you never add up the figures :)
 

George Blake

DONATING MEMBER
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

300- misc (had to get different manual shift linkage, the one in GB kit was too long,oil, braided steel cooler lines, etc)
--------

If the manual shift shaft in the kit was too long then they didn't give you the one they originally had.
The shift shaft is a Sonnax part the shortest available and must be installed at the time of build, so Chris would've had to have installed it at his shop.
If your talking about the shifter "arm" that the shifter cable hooks on to, I included a stainless shifter lever. My bet is that they got a bigger propshaft and just gave you their old shifter lever. Nothing to do with me.
 

mrweelr

New member
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

OK, the 80e is now installed. Clearances are very tight in certain areas. There's about 1/2" between the front of the cab and top of the trans, a few mm between the B&M flexplate and trans, about 1/4" between the top of the t-case and body, and about the same between the t-case brace and cab. Initially, the t-case brace was hitting the cab so I just used a couple of steel spacers to move the brace down and away from the cab - problem solved. Tomorrow, I'm going to cut and reroute the fluid return line from the Derale cooler (under bed) and get all the wiring tied up as well as install the propshaft. Other than that, the truck is almost done. Can't wait to drive her again :cool:
 

V

Donating Member
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

Good info.

Is that the trans crossmember that George Blake sells??
 

George Blake

DONATING MEMBER
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

You put the extension plate that goes on the transfer case on upside down. If you flip it over, you'll see it puts everything in the position that your spacers ended up doing. If it works, leave it in there but if you want the spacers out, flip the bracket over. It's in the instructions how to put it in.
This is the clearancing that I tell guys about. See the plug on the side of the trans?
PrimeGears80e11.JPG

Doing that gives an extra 1/2" clearance between the wiring and the propshaft. The epoxy must be used so it holds everything in place and seals it from the elements. Make sure you get that harness pulled up good enough that the harness cannot droop and get caught on the prop. It has to be pulled up like Jeremy shows here. See how when pulled tight it will be between the trans and the bellhousing brace? You can even zip tie it to the brace so it cannot drop down or you can zip tie it to the open holes on the TIss and TOSS sensors. Whatever you do, keep it away from the prop. It'll rip it off right now if it makes any contact.
Your doing good, Jeremy. That finish on the trans compliments the clean truck well.

Yes, that one of the crossemembers I'm selling off before years end. I have 3 left.
 

George Blake

DONATING MEMBER
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

Nevermind. I got the controller installed in the center console today. It won't fit underneath the console as it's too wide. I ran all the wires - all that's left is to splice a few wires into the ECM harness and I'm done. Looks like the wires aren't long enough to reach the glovebox, so I'm going to have to extend them.

TCIController.JPG
Yours wouldn't fit like their's because it's a newer design with the mounting pads integrated into the housing.
 

George Blake

DONATING MEMBER
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

Watch what Jeggs and Summit does, that price doesn't include the 80e/60e harness. That's another $170 or so.
Also comparing the TCI "price" to the PCS "price" is not clean either. PCS price doesn't include USB to serial converter, harness or converter software. It also does not include an 80e/60e harness. That's another $150 to $170 from them. In the end, once you get everything, the cost is the same but the TCI unit is more tailored to the 80e and is easier to program because of it.
Jeremy got the billet hub, blue and red upgrades and PG custom 2nd piston assembly. I also did something special with the center support to give a cleaner reverse and direct apply. He also got a triple clutch billet 9.5" converter. He can now do WOT lockups all day long. When you use better pieces, it starts adding up. He did not get an ebay trans by no stretch.
 

mrweelr

New member
Re: 80e Install Pics - Need Help

You put the extension plate that goes on the transfer case on upside down. If you flip it over, you'll see it puts everything in the position that your spacers ended up doing. If it works, leave it in there but if you want the spacers out, flip the bracket over. It's in the instructions how to put it in.

Damn, I was thinking that's what happened. OK, I'll flip the bracket and get rid of the spacers. I will get all the wiring tied off and looking clean, no worries there.
 
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