Omega-6L45/50/80/90 FAQs

 What’s the advantage of the Omega6 speed transmission vs my four speed (200R4, 700R4, TH400, 4L60-70, 4L80)?

· 3 primary advantages. A) Gear ratios values. During initial acceleration a numerically higher 1st gear provides more torque multiplication to the axles across the entire engine RPM. Conversely, a numerically lower final O/D gear ratio means that the engine operates at lower RPM’s at steady highway speeds, consuming less fuel. B) Gear ratio spread. Smaller steps between gears means less RPM drop/fluctuation & engine load/power necessary to perform acceleration work. C) Superior HP/Torque/RPM capabilities. D) Compact design (6L45/50).

I’ve heard of a 6L80 and 6L90, but what is a 6L45/50?

· In the early 2000’s SAE engine power rating standards changed & smaller I4/V6 engines became more & more powerful, making more power than big V8’s a few years prior. GM designed a new size & torque scalable GM transmission (6L45-50-80-90). However, because the 6L80/90 was introduced & only available in V8 applications, the equally capable 6L45/50 was ignored. And because the 6L45/50 was ONLY available for GM’s new line of global engines, the bellhousings were not interchangeable. Until now! 

Why would I want a 6L45/50 instead of a 6L80/90?

· Packaging. TBM has been retrofitting the 6L80/90 since 2007. So we’ve learned a few things. Like what fits, what works, what does not. But more importantly, instead of simply accepting that something won’t work, we went the extra mile to find practical alternative solutions. That said, the 6L80/90 transmission simply will not fit in older vehicles that have floorpan transmission tunnels that sharply taper to accommodate older transmissions unless major sheetmetal surgery is performed. 

Aren’t the GM 6 speed transmissions difficult to install and program?

· Only for the unintiated. After initially determining the minimum critical components and features necessary to make the 6LXX work, TBM immediately began work to develop the Omega6 speed automatic transmission system to be as user friendly for the DIY, which means it’s even easier for the professional service center. The key to achieving this goal is our adaptable patent-pending modular system, a robust flexible control system, preloaded basic parameters, & easy to follow software instructions. In cases where your vehicle already uses a GM CAN bus ECM/harness with T42 4speed (e.g. E40, E38, E67, etc), it’s even easier to install an 6 speed using our T42 Interface. 

What controls the transmission? 

How will I be able to control the transmissions shifts?

· TBM Omega6 system uses the same basic control modules as GM Performance Parts transmissions, but with a proprietary CAN Bus enabled operating system & customizable computer programming software. This allows normal fully automatic performance where up/downshifts will depend on engine load, throttle position, RPM, speed, etc. Tap Up/Down shifting is ready to go if you wish to add your own control switch activataion (paddle, button, etc). Manually engaging lower gear detents will limit upshifts. See further down for Tap and Shifting Details

Will I have to change my shifter or instrument panel PRNDL display?

· Technically, no, but it depends on the existing auto trans set up & the importance of manually engaging low gears. All GM 6 speed transmissions have mechanical detent shift lever features for Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, L3, L2, L1. A 2 speed setup will likely only engage PRND-L3; a 3 sp will access L2, etc. In all cases, non-accessible ranges rely solely on the custom electronic transmission programming to shift the 6 forward gears. Shiftwork kits are available. 

How can I use Tap Up/Down shifting?

· The transmission, our controller and harness are all native to tap shifting. All you need to do is select which type of switching activation system works best for your specific application and then connect the single wire to said switch. Instructions will provide details of switch requirements.

Will this work with my current engine management control system?

· Yes. Our transmission control system, unlike the 6LXX applications in production GM vehicles works independent of the engine management system. 

Can I use the Omega6 transmission kit on my carb or cable throttle body engine set up?

· Yes. Our transmission control system, will only need an electronic throttle position signal from the engine. Our vehicle specific kits will have this based on your particular vehicle application. Otherwise you can purchase a solution from several current aftermarket supupliers. 

What about my reverse lights and/or neutral safety start?

· As different vehicles and/or platforms activated their reverse lights and neutral safty switches differently, we cannot provide 1-size fits all solution for this specific matter. However, there are lots of existing aftermarket components or cost effective DIY solutions out there that we have evaluated & therefore made out system easily accommodate so that this feature will be the least of your retrofit concerns.

Will the Compact Omega6L45/50 fit in my vehicle without modifications?

· Maybe. Transmissions are complex & awkwardly shaped; varying greatly from one design or generation to the next. Relevant physical dimensions are: bellhousing diameter, primary drum/cluth case diameters (front vs rear), vertical & horizontal girth of overall case shape, lengths (bellhousing to mount/back of case), & external case space/locations for auxiliary components (cooler lines, shift linkage, etc). That’s why we reference the ubiquitous TH400/4L80-700R4/4L60 & photographic comparisons.

What are the relevant dimensions of the Omega6L45/50/80/90? 

Will I have to change/modify my crossmember?

· This depends on the vehicle, current transmission installed & chosen Omega6 tail housing configuration. Standard 4L60-70 bellhousing dimensions. The Omega6L45/50 patent-pending modular system allows for crossmember clearance as short as 24.25” (6L45) or 25.50” (6L50) from engine/bellhousing flange. The narrower case diameter (vs 4Lxx) starts at 11” and tapers to 9.5” so that most crossmembers can simply be sectioned in the middle without changing frame mounting point. Pan depths start at 1.5”

· However, the GM 6L45/50 transmission bellhousings do not fit any traditional V8 engine bellhousing. So, by using TBM's patent-pending adapter plate, we adapt ANY 4L60-65-70 bellhousing.

· The 6L80 transmission uses a wide and tall transmission case that starts at 12.5" in diameter at the base of the bellhousing and tapers to 11' at the tailshaft. Virtually a straight log. The 6L90 is approximately 1” longer.  

What are the output shaft spline counts of the 6L45/50/80/90?

· 6L45-80 use 32 count spline shafts just like the 4L80. The 6L90 uses a monster 29T spline count like most Dodge/Ram trucks. TBM offers our 4WD transmissions with 27 spline counts to mate up with popular OEM GM transfer cases input shafts.

What about 4WD and AWD vehicles? 

How do I mate the 6L45/50/80/90 to my GM or OEM style transfer case?

· That depends. Many GM transfer cases maintain a similar bolt pattern & you can use the factory 6L80/90 transfer case tail house adapter. Be mindful that there are different depth/lengths to these GM OEM adapters, so make sure you get the right one to match up the rest of your drivetain and/or crossmember trans mount. 6L45/50 OEM tail house adapters will not fit any older vehicle’s transfer case.

· As with more popular transmission models, 6L45/50/80/90 transmissions were made available with output shafts to accommodate a traditional RWD slip yoke, flange yoke or transfer case input shaft. Further assuring fitment, TBM has gone a step further to create its own available cast aluminum transfer case adapter and 27 spline count shafts.

· TBM offers our universal transfer case adapter can bolt up to to the 6L45/50/80/90 and has the necessary diameter on the transfer case face side to accommodate most large OEM transfer cases. These adapters are universal bc they are not pre-drilled. 

Does the compact Omega6 transmission address my Torque Arm suspension & Speedometer tail housing?

· TBM believes in comprehensive solutions. So, we have VSS Tail House adapters for both the 4-bolt pattern 700 R4 & 4L60 transmission tail housings. C4 Corvettes will require relocated drilling of C-beam holes (TBM includes new bolts & braces). F-bodies will require body mounted torque arm relocation kits (not included). Vehicles still using mechanical speedometers can opt for a secret perk (electronic motor driven conversion kit).

Can I use this kit for a manual transmission vehicle?

· Technically, yes. But we do not currently support or offer parts for vehicles that were not equipped from the factory or set up as an automatic transmission vehicle.

What about serviceability of the Compact Omega6 transmission?

· This was another very important consideration & criteria that lead to our patent-pending modular design. All normal wear and tear item components (clutches, seals, gears etc) are universally available from leading transmission parts suppliers. The combination of these components to hold certain power limits is proprietary. As such, service, diagnosis and repair of our transmissions can be performed at any reputable transmission service center.

What’s included in the Compact Omega6L45/50 Do-It-Yourself (DIY) kit?

· Engine-specific bellhousing, TBM Patent-Pending 6L50 transmission bellhousing adapter, -6AN fittings for cooler lines, Stand-alone transmission electronic controller & harness, Specific programmed transmission control module, 4L60-700R4 Harness Plug, Shifter brackets, Engine specific flexplate, Specific 2000-2200 RPM stall torque converter, Park-Neutral switch/lever kit, Dipstick and tube. (If applicable: 4-bolt style tail housing adapter, 27 spline output shaft).
 

What should I know to successfully source my own DIY transmission?

·First off, low mileage/abuse 6L50’s can be had for less than $1000 DELIVERED with NO core charge. That is just what a 6L80 core will cost you, let alone shipping and crazy high rebuild miles!

·Next, it all boils down to OS (operating system) compatibility between the ECM (engine control module) and TCM (transmission control module). The rule of thumb is that your T43 TCM should match your ECM OS model year and original installed model. There are literally thousands of OS's out there, making the compatibility possibilities in the millions. So there is a chance that different model years and models may work contrary to this rule. Additionally segments can be swapped using certain software. 

· Our standalone system uses an ECM-Emulator and it too requires a specific set of TCM OS's in the T43 TCM.

· When in doubt, just order our remanufactured or new T43 with the right OS already programmed in for your project.

Will I need extra or custom parts to complete this retrofit? If so what are they?

· This will depend upon A) which kit you purchased B) what the engine/vehicle application is C) model year of engine/vehicle and D) what modifications you’ve made to the vehicle/engine.

· TBM parts closely match or exceed OEM levels of servicing/repair & to higher performance/durability standards when possible. Our systems attempt to require the absolute LEAST amount of fabrication or custom parts to complete installation. Due to the nature of retrofitting so many different vehicle applications that are easily over 20 years old, it’s unlikely most will have OEM parts still in place. 

What warranty do I get?

· 1 year DEFECT warranty. Unlimited miles. All components require proof of professional installation or industry standard practices being applied during installation and break in. All transmission require user to have TCM calibrations professionally adjusted for specific applications.  Warranty does NOT cover labor, shipping, damage (e.g. poor tuning calibrations, exceeding limits of build spec, user negligence/error, etc). Fulfilled orders will be provided with direct customer support telephone & email contact information.