6R80 Swap...Real Details

BigPoppa

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So we have a sticky for pics of lowered cars, but no sticky for the MT-82 to 6R80 swap......really?

Like many of you, I have scoured the web for coherent information about the swap, but many "how to" articles are vague and information on the swap is "here and there".

So I have a couple of questions where I have a rough idea of what I need, but want to verify before I go with what I think is correct and find out too late it is wrong.

Car is the '13 base GT in my sig.

1) If I use a F150 6R80, are there any years that will NOT work?
EDIT*** >> YES! Cannot use pre-'11 (research actually indicates pre-'10....need to verify) F150 6R80 transmissions as they have trans controller built into them and will not work with the Copperhead ECU......Also, in 2015, the truck V6 units started getting a start/stop pump added to the outer housing, so I would avoid those until it can be verified that they will fit or a block off plate can be easily fabricated. In April of 2014, the truck units started using a different main pump which is only compatible with the associated torque converter hub. Not sure if this applies to the 2015+ Mustang units. If it does apply, you would simply need to make sure the torque converter is for the correct year of the transmission. The F150 also has extra friction plates than the GT 6R80. (note: I'm working to verify the main pump changes for 15+ transmissions)

2) If I use a F150 6R80 and don't want to bother with changing the case, who sells a shifter linkage bracket or does someone have pics of a bracket so I can fabricate one?
 
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BigPoppa

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3) Apparently, according to the parts manuals, the transmission crossmembers for the MT-82 and the 6R80 are the same and you DO NOT need to replace them when swapping. I keep seeing "need crossmember" pop up in various posts, but there is no different part number between either transmission.....
 

BigPoppa

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4) Swap parts list (editing as I go along):

- 6R80 Transmission
Mustang 5.0L 6R80 BR3P-7000-BA
Mustang 5.0L 6R80 BR3P-7000-BB
F150 5.0L 4x2 BL3P-7000-AA
F150 5.0L 4x2 BL3P-7000-AB
You "can" use the V6 trans, and it has been done, but you have to replace the case with the V8 version and upgrade clutches, so it really isn't "cost effective". The V6 also has less friction plates than the GT or the F150. The Mustang trans is direct swap, where the truck will bolt up fine, but lacks the same shifter linkage setup as the mustang. You can spend money on a new Mustang case or simply fabricate a bracket to mount the Mustang linkage to it. One benefit of the truck 6R80 is that it has one more set of friction plates than the GT. The truck transmissions are significantly cheaper.
$250-$1500 used
6r80trans.jpg

- Torque converter BR3Z-7902-GA
You can use OEM, but you already have the transmission out and ready to put a better one in, so go for it. Turbos, centris, and N/A cars like higher stalls. Positive displacement blowers will respond just fine with stock stall speeds. Your preference. You will need bolts also. Circle D is one of the most popular choices.
$334.89 oem - $1300+ aftermarket
CIRCLED__18466.1387898162.jpg

- ECU for automatic car
This will need to be flashed with your VIN and the solenoid strategies from the label on the side of the 6R80. You can buy new or get used. Try to stick with the same year as your car for ease, but if you want select shift, you'll need the '13-'14 ECU
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1404328465.207303.jpg

- Positive Cable DR3Z-14300-G
Transmission specific battery cable
$150.98
battery cable.jpg

- Shifter
Pick the one that matches your ECU model year for ease. You can use different year, but you'll have to do some re-pinning of connectors.
s-l1600.jpg

- Shifter bezel AR3Z-7E391-AA
$35.21
bezel.jpg

- Flexplate BL3Z-6375-A
$33.30
flexplate.PNG

- Transmission cooler and lines
OEM works fine, but you can upgrade if you want.
181275ce63f55fb9b02187841f7537e6.png

- Ford VCM Tool
These things can be reliably purchased out of China very inexpensively and come in handy. You'll need one to program the VIN and strategies to the ECU, program keys, do a crank relearn, etc. Honestly, if you're at a level where you're doing transmission swaps in your Mustang, then this is a handy tool to keep in your box. If not, you will need to find a dealer with a competent technician to do this for you. You've been warned. Don't come in here crying like a sissy because you "took it to the dealer 15 times and they still can't get it right". That or find a reputable shop that can do it for you. The ABS module must have a PMI (Program Module Initialization) to marry the ABS module to the ECU. This is not the same as simply entering the "as-built" information, but does include that during the PMI. You may need to also initialize the yaw sensor on a new module or if you get a yaw sensor code. Don't forget to clear the codes if you have any on the ABS, many guys do a PMI and can't figure out why they still have the fault codes. A PMI does not clear existing fault codes. After the codes are cleared, run the self test again.
vcm-ii-diagnostic-tool-for-ford-20.jpg

- Brake pedal assembly
While you don't "need" it.....the car will look pretty "shadetree" if you don't replace it.
RenderIllustration.jpg
 
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BigPoppa

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- Body plugs
Gotta close those holes left in the body after pulling the pedals, but you don't have to. If you don't think that isn't important, see above.
PF-826-GR.jpg

- Inspection plate
May be on the trans, may not. If not, it's a cheap part
housing cover.jpg

- Shifter cable BR3Z-7E395-C
The bracket bolts to the transmission, but will not directly fit the F150 6R80. You'll need to fabricate a bracket or buy one already made.
$123.69
shifter cable.jpg

- Transmission spacer plate
One size transmission does not fit all. This plate sets the correct mounting depth.
spacer.jpg

- Console Finish Panel CR3Z-6304567-AB
$193.88
top console.jpg
 
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BigPoppa

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5) What do I need to modify to the 6R80 internals?
Technically, nothing. But, the weakest part of the trans is the intermediate shaft and the clutch packs, both of which can (probably should) be upgraded. It is one of those things where if you need to have someone else do the work, it will be more cost effective to upgrade those parts before you do the swap.
news_article-large_image-237.jpg
exedy-stage-2-6r80-automatic-transmission-clutch-pack-frictions-steels-efk291hp2stl-11.jpg
 
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BigPoppa

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6R80 Gear Ratios:

1st
4.17 : 1
2nd
2.34 : 1
3rd
1.52 : 1
4th
1.14 : 1
5th
0.87 : 1
6th
0.69 : 1
Reverse
3.40 : 1

Fluid:

Mercon LV, 13 quarts
 

sur_real1

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Can you provide step by step on how to use the VCM and IDS to PMI the ABS module and set the chassis calibrations?
 

vic2ory

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thank u for ur great effort
Ive already did the swap for 2012 with 2013 trans and select shift

if u need any help just PM me and i'll be pleasure to help
 

BigPoppa

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Given the extra set of friction plates in the F150 6R80 and the fact you can get a low mileage one for about $900, I've decided to go with the F150 trans.

I've also gone ahead and located the VIN of another same year Mustang GT as mine with exactly the same options except it having an auto and ran the VIN through Ford service to get the as-built data to program the PCM.
 

VADEi2

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Any more updates we currently did a 6r80 swap in my 2017 GT and having issues with the as built data and abs keeps kicking on sending me into limp mode.
 

BigPoppa

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Working on it. I do know that sometimes the ABS module simply won't properly reflash and you have to get a new one to flash.
 

SS lol

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If its strictly a track car good move but there is nothing like rowing gears on the street. Good luck bro.
 

David Gligor

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thank u for ur great effort
Ive already did the swap for 2012 with 2013 trans and select shift

if u need any help just PM me and i'll be pleasure to help
I’m currently about to do mine and stuck on the select shift as I’m still unsure on how to make this work!
 

blckRadda

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Will be putting a 6R80 from a F150 in an older car and going with the with 11-14 F150 ECU to control it, will be deleting PATS and will need to vin match the two together how difficult is this to do using the VCM tool?
 
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dhonnoll

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- Body plugs
Gotta close those holes left in the body after pulling the pedals, but you don't have to. If you don't think that isn't important, see above.
View attachment 92516

- Inspection plate
May be on the trans, may not. If not, it's a cheap part
View attachment 92511

- Shifter cable assembly
The bracket bolts to the transmission, but will not directly fit the F150 6R80. You'll need to fabricate a bracket or buy one already made.
View attachment 92512

- Transmission spacer plate
One size transmission does not fit all. This plate sets the correct mounting depth.
View attachment 92513
I bought a 2013 that had an engine swap and the 7007 plate was left off. I have the plate plan on doing the work. I bet it throws a p0315 code and requires a relearn. But it seems to also shim the starter as my starter when warm/hot will occasionally not make contact with the flex plate. OR my bendix is just not coming out and starter is spinning up. I don't hear grinding just spinning I THINK.
 

dhonnoll

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This has been a great write up thus far. I am curios I have a 2013 F-150 5.0 and a 6r80 transmission. Mine did NOT come with SST (select shift transmission) I am only getting the run around from Ford Service and Ford corporate on activating SST. I have a new instrument cluster (salvage from what that had SST) and a new shifter with the + - buttons. How do I now activate SST? DO I need the strategy of one that has it? Can I only do it with an IDS? Can I find out my "would be strategy" Can I use a VIN of a "twin" truck with SST to find out ITS shift strategy and dump it into mine if I get an IDS? If so, how? All the tune shops even are saying talk to Ford, Ford says we can't Ford locks us out.
 

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