E38 compatible with 6l80?? (originally had 4l65)

[Kiwiguy]

Hey team, I'd really appreciate some insight on whether this E38 PCM I have will be capable of controlling a 6l80 I have purchased when apparently it was originally paired up with a 4l65e not this 6l80.
The E38 service no is 12603892
I think the part number is (large numbers across the top) 12607217.

The TCM on the 6l80 apparently is not original to that transmission but it's numbers are 24256124

If they are compatible I'll splash out and buy the hp tuners kit and try reflash them but I'm completely green to this GM stuff... I'm hoping that it's possible to flash in a tune that will work as it will cost me about $1000 to get HP tuners vs $2800 for the Haltech rebel+ trans controller another $2000.

Any insight would be much appreciated thanks

[Kiwiguy]

IMG20250408202814.jpgIMG20250408193450.jpg

[blindsquirrel]

Nope. The ECM service number is for '06-'07 only, and the TCM is for 2010-up only. The only OS you can put in the ECM speaks a different flavor of CAN than any OS you could put in that TCM. You need either an early ECM & early TCM, or a late ECM & late TCM. The breakpoint is pre-2009 and post-2009. If the ECM has an injector flow rate limit of 63lb it's early, if 127lb it's late ('2009' is not a hard and fast thing, depending on the platform/engine some 2009s will be 'early' while other 2009s will be 'late').

[blindsquirrel]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/partsear...rtnum=12603892
https://www.rockauto.com/en/partsear...rtnum=24256124

[blindsquirrel]

Also note that HPTuners is not a replacement for a dealer-type reprogramming tool+software. A *.hpt file only has 6 segments in it, the Gen 4 ECM has 8 segments. To change the OS on a Gen 4 ECM you need some kind of J2534 tool (Tech2, MDI, Mongoose, etc.) and a Techline subscription. That is really expensive if you are only doing one or a few ECMs. Searching Ebay for the service number you need plus 'programmed to your VIN' is much much cheaper for a one-off.

[Kiwiguy]

Legend, thanks blindsquirrel!
You just saved me $1000 only to find out its fit for the bin.
Strange tho, I was under the impression it was from a 2011 Holden VZ... Sounds like Haltech are currently working on a 6l80 controller for their Rebel so I think that will be worth the wait... appreciate you taking the time

[blindsquirrel]

All you would need is a 2009-2010 12625455 E38, or 2010-up 12633238 E38, pre-SPSed to a compatible VIN. You should be able to find either number for less than $150, they are all over Ebay.

There isn't any such thing as a T42- or T43-compatible ECM or ECM OS, just that there is a difference between early and late. T42 & T43 have the same requirements for the CAN protocols, they both changed at the same time and either TCM will talk to the same ECM hardware & same (auto trans specific) ECM OS. ECM must be programmed with an automatic trans VIN, a manual ECM OS won't work with any auto TCM, either T42 or T43.

[Tre-Cool]

Legend, thanks blindsquirrel!
You just saved me $1000 only to find out its fit for the bin.
Strange tho, I was under the impression it was from a 2011 Holden VZ... Sounds like Haltech are currently working on a 6l80 controller for their Rebel so I think that will be worth the wait... appreciate you taking the time

VZ finished in 2006. I've converted an 06 vz e38/t42 to run a 6l80e with a 2008/09 tcm os just fine, but none of the current tuning software has the parameters defined to do it. I added in the options myself.

As for haltech, I wouldn't hold my breath. I've been waiting 5 years for something to come out. There's been a few attempts with 3rd party modules but imo I would rather have the ECU-TCM comms direct with no middle man canbus translation. I contact Link & had a firmware to test within a month & it actually works.

[Kiwiguy]

Hey really appreciate the help guys! As I said this is my first venture into GM/LS stuff so the learning curve is real when it comes to what you can and can't use.
So I probably should explain what I'm trying to do...
I have a L76 that came with that ECU and factory loom, I have fully rebuilt it doing the DOD delete with a big ole cam... And I've just purchased a 6l80 to go behind it (think it's from a VE commodore) 2wd obviously. I am planning to machine up an adapter to mate it to a 4x4 transfer (lt230) and it's all going into a land Rover defender.
So the ECU requirements are for it to be a stand alone setup with trans control and preferably cruise control, tip tronic and a few other niceties if possible but not essential.
So re the VIN for OEM ECU, I don't have this and don't really care what car it came from as long as I can get them working and I can tune for the changes I'm doing.

Re Haltech, so I was talking to them yesterday and they are well on the way with the 6l80 trans controller (they already have the 4l controller) so this the next logical step... They've apparently already sold off all the 4l gearbox cars and purchased the different varieties of 6l, and he said if I can hold off to the end of the year they should have something for me...

[Kiwiguy]

Very interesting! So what link ecu are you running? Storm? Im interested to know how you wired it up if you care to explain?

[Kiwiguy]

I contact Link & had a firmware to test within a month & it actually works.

Very interesting! So what link ecu are you running? Storm? Im interested to know how you wired it up if you care to explain?

[Tre-Cool]

using a G4X storm. 6L can is wired to can1 port on ecu. Other pair of can wires from trans go to an obdi plug for programming, logging etc. The rest of the wires on the trans plug are just your usual power/gnd, switched 12v & tapshift control.

Theres not really any dig differences in the 6l over the years apart from the 2 main year differences for programming. I.e can load a 2010 gearbox with a 2016 os just fine. There is going to be no getting around the end user NOT having access to HPT, Efilive or some other tuning software to adjust the transmission tune.

[Kiwiguy]

Going with your advice I will purchase HPT and stick with GM components...
Will this work?

PCM GM E38 12633238
https://turboindustries.com.au/produ...76-l98-6-0l-v8

Harness
https://shorturl.at/VKVlG

I have the silver bladed throttle body I hope will work?

Not sure what Pedal to get but presume that will depend on the OS?

If I get that E38 above, I'm not sure what OS/Vin to ask for... any pointers will be appreciated.
Just to re cap I have a L76 i have cammed and DOD deleted, to be paired with a 6l80 which I will adapt to a 4x4 dif on a Land rover Defender... Im hoping the stock stall will work but cross that bridge when I get there. Any input will be greatly received thanks!!

[blindsquirrel]

Pretty much, the pedal that best fits the swap (physically) will dictate which OS/VIN will work best; some years car and truck pedals will interchange, other years not. Then use whatever TB that combo requires. Do! Not! pick an application/VIN based on some small part you already happen to have like a throttle body.

You can have that service number programmed with any VIN that works with that service number. Before you commit, go to any of the GM dealer parts lookup sites (gmpartsdirect, gmpartsgiant, etc.) and run the VIN, check to make sure the service number matches.

[Kiwiguy]

Thanks again blindsquirrel!
Besides Throttle Body, Pedal, TCM is there any other parts that need to be vin specific? I'm presuming the air con and alt will work with anything? All the other sensors cross over too?
Also do you think I should be keeping the MAF sensor or can you tune these ecu's good enough for an all weather daily without it?
Sorry about all the questions... Thanks for your time

[blindsquirrel]

The best the MAF can do is not make it run worse than it does in pure speed density. They aren't magic.

A/C is between you and your truck and your decisions about what kind of blend of Land Rover parts and GM parts would work best.