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9. GM 10L80 and 10R80 Automatic

10R80/10L80 10-Speed Automatic Transmission Information

The 10R80/10L80 10- speed automatic transmission is the result of a collaboration between Ford Motor Company and General Motors. Ford refers to the transmission as the "10R80 " while GM has designated it the Hydra-Matic 10L80. Looking at the GM and Ford versions of the transmissions, they are physically identical . The primary differences lie in the electronic controls, which are closely integrated with each manufacturer's respective powertrain options.

Physically, the 10R80 and 10L80 transmissions are equal in size and weight. The 10R80/10L80 boasts extremely quick shifts. GM first used the 10L80 in the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which features a 650 -horsepower supercharged V8 engine. Ford first installed the transmission in its second -generation EcoBoost Ford Raptor .

For 2018, GM introduced the 10L80 to several more vehicles, including the Chevy Suburban and Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon Denali. Since 2019, the Hydra-Matic 10L80 has also been used in V8 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 models along with the Chevy Camaro SS. Likewise, the 10R80 has been standard on all Ford F-150 models since 2017 with the 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost and 5.0L Modular V8. The 10R80 is also featured behind the 3.0L Power Stroke V6 in F-150 models; additionally, you'll find it in the Ford Expedition, Mustang, Ranger and Everest plus the Lincoln Navigator.

Why to Use the 10L80

The General Motors Hydra-Matic 10-speed 10L80 automatic transmission is a heavy-duty, high-performance transmission. Small gear steps and sophisticated shift strategies make this 10-speed transmission an attractive option. A deep 4.70 : 1 reduction in first gear contributes to increased off-idle performance and compensates for taller, more efficient ring and pinion combinations. Furthermore, the transmission features three separate overdrive ratios to choose from, maximizing fuel economy while cruising in both highway and city driving conditions.

GM 10L80 Gear Ratios:

  • First: 700
  • Second: 990
  • Third: 150
  • Fourth: 800
  • Fifth: 520
  • Sixth: 280
  • Seventh: 000
  • Eighth: 850
  • Ninth: 690
  • Tenth: 640
  • Reverse: 870

GM 10L80 Features:

  • Ten forward gears for precise shift points.
  • The L is for the longitudinal placement within the vehicle's powertrain system.
  • The 80 is for the robustness level of the transmission (a higher number means it is capable of handling more power).
  • Vehicles equipped with the 10L80 transmission benefit from higher fuel economy and performance.
  • The improved performance is the result of smaller steps between each ratio, maximizing engine power under acceleration. A wide 7.39 overall gear ratio spread and a lower numerical top gear ratio result in improved efficiency by reducing engine revolutions at highway speeds.
  • To adapt this transmission to an Atlas transfer case, use our 0.75-inch long spacer/rotation ring (Part #AS-8603). This adapter allows for proper shaft engagement and proper rotation options. The Atlas should be ordered as a GM unit, not the standard version.

GM 10L80 Oil Capacity

The Hydra-Matic 10L80 holds between 11.5 and 12 quarts of transmission fluid. You can increase the capacity by adding a heavy-duty deep transmission pan. Having more fluid will help it stay cooler and stable, which can help the transmission last longer. The ideal temperature range is between 175 and 220 degrees, though there are reports a 10L80 can run as cool as 145 degrees at cruising speeds when using a high-capacity pan.

Use Dextron-VI ATF-rated transmission fluid for your 10L80 transmission. GM recommends changing the fluid every 97,500 miles for normal driving conditions and 45,000 miles for "severe" conditions. Some owners change it more often if they regularly do extreme off-roading, heavy-duty towing or track day events.