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6L80 Performance Transmission Rebuild Kit - Level 3

Rated up to 750 RWHP. HP ratings are contingent on numerous factors, such as tune, vehicle weight, power adder, use, etc.

Detailed Instructions Included | FREE UPS Ground to the contiguous United States (lower 48)

The 6L80 Transmission Rebuild Kit is designed with 45-tooth 4-5-6 clutch plates. Circle D Transmission's billet 4-5-6 clutch hub and intermediate shaft (CDT part number 104680-45) are included in this kit. The 4-5-6 clutch pack provides 50% more surface area than a stock clutch set-up, and the 3-5-R clutch pack offers 50% more clutch area than stock.
Availability: In stock
In stock items ship within 1-2 business days.
Picture for representation purposes only. Actual contents may vary as we continue to develop our products.

This performance transmission kit comes with printed instructions for all of the items in the kit except for the Sonnax items. For installation instructions for Sonnax items, click here. If you would prefer printed instructions please click the checkbox below:

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$2,895.00
SKU: CDTL3PK/80-P

CDT456L3/80 (4-5-6 CLUTCH KIT)

  • (7) Alto G3® Clutches
  • (9) Heat-Treated Steels (varying thicknesses)
  • (1) Stepped Apply Plate
  • (1) Wide Backing Plate
  • (1) Snap Ring
  • (2) Hi-Per Blue® Bonded Pistons

The CDT456L3/80 offers 50% more clutch apply area than stock. G3® friction material is formulated to achieve minimal wear and maximize heat resistance. Our steels are heat-treated and cooled in air, producing a stable and consistent plate that resists warping and ensures smooth clutch operation. This process improves durability and promotes even wear when paired with premium friction materials. Hi-Per Blue® Pistons are manufactured with upgraded High Performance Blue AEM material for superior thermal and chemical resistance, with better fit and performance.

104680-45 (1-PIECE BILLET INTERMEDIATE SHAFT & 4-5-6 CLUTCH HUB)

The 104680-45 billet intermediate shaft and clutch hub is a critical upgrade for maximizing performance and durability in 6L80 transmissions, especially in high-horsepower builds. Forged from premium 300M billet steel, this component is heat-treated and shot-peened to deliver unmatched strength, fatigue resistance, and long-term reliability under extreme torque and temperature conditions.

Engineered as a one-piece design, the shaft eliminates common failure points seen in multi-piece factory shafts. It significantly boosts transmission performance by doubling oil flow to the 4-5-6 clutch pack, enhancing heat resistance and extending clutch life, even in demanding applications like heavy-duty trucks, performance cars, and nitrous-assisted vehicles.

Designed to fit seamlessly with 45-tooth clutch plates, this shaft provides increased control and improved power transfer. Its OE damper-less design reduces internal friction and rotational mass, contributing to smoother clutch shifting, quicker response times, and better overall automatic transmission efficiency.

Whether you’re upgrading for racing, towing, or high-load street use, the 104680-45 delivers the material quality, precise specifications, and performance-focused components required to handle increased torque without compromise.

CDT35RL3/80 (3-5-R CLUTCH KIT)

  • (6) Alto G3® Clutches
  • (6) Heat-Treated Steels (varying thicknesses)
  • (1) Steel Plate
  • (1) Apply Ring
  • (1) Backing Plate
  • (1) Snap Ring

The CDT35RL3/80 offers 50% more clutch apply area than stock. G3® friction material is formulated to achieve minimal wear and maximize heat resistance. Our steels are heat-treated and cooled in air, producing a stable and consistent plate that resists warping and ensures smooth clutch operation. This process improves durability and promotes even wear when paired with premium friction materials.

CDT26L3/80 (2-6 CLUTCH KIT) 

  • (5) BorgWarner® High-Energy Clutches                                      
  • (5) Steels                                                 
  • (1) Snap Ring                                              
  • (1) Hi-Per Blue® Bonded Piston

High-Energy friction material handles more heat and load than standard OE frictions. Designed with advanced fiber reinforcement and oil-holding porosity, it delivers stronger holding power, cooler operation, and longer clutch life. Hi-Per Blue® Pistons are manufactured with upgraded High Performance Blue AEM material for superior thermal and chemical resistance with better fit and performance.

CDT1234L3/80 (1-2-3-4 CLUTCH KIT)

  • (5) BorgWarner® High_Energy Clutches
  • (5) Steels
  • (1) Backing Plate
  • (1) Snap Ring
  • (1) Spiral Snap Ring
  • (1) Snap Ring Kit
  • (1) Hi-Per Blue® Bonded Piston

High-Energy friction material handles more heat and load than standard OE frictions. Designed with advanced fiber reinforcement and oil-holding porosity, it delivers stronger holding power, cooler operation, and longer clutch life. Hi-Per Blue® Pistons are manufactured with upgraded High Performance Blue AEM material for superior thermal and chemical resistance with better fit and performance.

CDTLRL3/80 (LOW-REVERSE CLUTCH KIT)

  • (5) BorgWarner® High-Energy Clutches
  • (5) Steels
  • (1) Hi-Per Blue® Apply Piston

High-Energy friction material handles more heat and load than standard OE frictions. Designed with advanced fiber reinforcement and oil-holding porosity, it delivers stronger holding power, cooler operation, and longer clutch life. Hi-Per Blue® Pistons are manufactured with upgraded High Performance Blue AEM material for superior thermal and chemical resistance with better fit and performan

CDTVBPKL3/80-90 (VALVE BODY & PUMP KIT)

  • 2 Boost Valve Springs
  • 2 Clutch Regulator Valve Springs
  • 1 Center Support Seal Kit
  • 1 Pressure Regulator Valve Kit
  • 1 Line Pressure Booster Kit
  • 1 O-Ringed End Plug Kit
  • 1 Pump Slide Spring

The valve-body and pump modifications in our 6L80 Level 3 Performance Rebuild Kits are a carefully selected combination of TransGo and Sonnax components. We chose these brands because, through testing and experience, they deliver the best results for pressure control, shift quality, and long-term durability. Each part is designed to work together as a system, ensuring maximum performance and reliability. For this reason, we don’t recommend substituting or adding other components, as doing so can upset the hydraulic balance and reduce the effectiveness of the kit.

CDTMKL3/80 (MASTER KIT)

  • 1 High-Performance overhaul kit engineered utilizing premium materials for racing
  • 1 Bonded OE Valve Body Plate 
  • 1 Bushing Kit (includes extension housing bushings)
  • 1 Pan Gasket
  • 1 Filter
  • 1 Oversized Pump Washer

 

We do not include welded hubs in the Kit. At the beginning of R&D on this transmission, we thought this area needed strengthening. However, in all the units that we've rebuilt, we've NEVER seen one broken, so we deemed it unnecessary. Also, we do not include a billet pump rotor because, unlike the 4L60E, the factory pump rotor has proven itself reliable (we have never seen one broken). 

We recommend the Billet Reinforced Output Carrier for vehicles producing over 750 RWHP, Nitrous, or Heavy Vehicles (including trucks, SUVs, and CTS-Vs). Note: We have seen the stock output carrier (planetary) break in vehicles with less than 750 RWHP. We do not warranty the stock output carrier (planetary). We highly recommend that you purchase the billet-reinforced output carrier. We offer a 6L80 Level 4 Kit that includes this part.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this kit suitable for daily driving as well as performance builds?

Absolutely. The kit provides excellent durability and performance upgrades while maintaining drivability. It is a solid choice for both street use and track/towing builds up to the rated power.

Do I need any special tools to install this kit?

Yes. Installation requires professional transmission tools such as clutch spring compressors, seal installers, and precision measuring equipment. For best results, installation should be performed by a qualified transmission builder familiar with GM 6L80 units.

What tuning requirements should I be aware of?

Proper ECM/TCM tuning is mandatory. The 6L80 is a torque-based shift unit, so accurate torque signal calibration is critical. Incorrect tuning can cause premature clutch failure and void warranty coverage.

What causes clutch failure in 6L80 transmissions, and how can it be prevented?

Clutch failure in 6L80 transmissions is often due to heat buildup, inadequate fluid flow, and low-grade friction materials. Upgrading to high-performance kits with enhanced clutch packs, billet shafts, and improved fluid dynamics helps reduce wear and extend service life.

Do I need to install a transmission cooler?

Yes. We strongly recommend a stacked-plate auxiliary cooler rated at 25,000 GVW. Operating temps should be kept at or below ~180°F for best results.

transmission specs worksheet

Recommended Transmission Tools

  • Transmission holding fixture
  • Calipers
  • Dial Indicator Set
  • Bushing Drivers & Arbor Press for Bushing Installation (Bushings should only be replaced as needed)
  • Sealing Ring Protector and Sizer
  • Various Clutch Spring Compressors
  • Output Carrier/Shaft Lifting Tool
  • 1-2-3-4 & 3-5-R Clutch Housing Installer
  • Large Snap-Ring Pliers
  • Pump Alignment Tool

Misc. Transmission Information

Upgraded Parts: If you have an early pump cover (stator) that does not utilize anti-rotational tabs on the sealing rings or an early 1-2-3-4/3-5-R clutch housing that does not have the matrix stamp, you will need to install a factory-upgraded pump cover and clutch housing.

Transmission Tuning: Please understand that proper tuning of the TCM and ECM is mandatory. All 6L80/90’s are torque-based shifted units. The torque signal is calculated through the ECM. Therefore, transmission performance and longevity are directly dependent on the delivered torque signal that’s calculated in the ECM. If this is not done properly, you will experience premature transmission failure. We also do not recommend maxing out pressures or deleting torque management completely because it will cause seal failure and/or hard part breakage.

Flushing Cooler & Lines: We cannot stress enough the importance of flushing the transmission cooler(s) and lines, even if they are new. We recommend using a Hot Flush Machine Flush Machine or something comparable.                                      

Auxiliary Cooler: You need to install a stacked plate auxiliary transmission cooler (not a tube and fin style cooler) rated for 25,000 GVW. The ideal operating temperature for this transmission is 180°or less. These transmissions tend to run very hot, so the cooler will lower the operating temperature and recovery time, which in turn will extend the life of your transmission.

Transmission Rebuild Kit Warranty

Limited Warranty Statement

Circle D's Transmission Rebuild Kits carry a 1 year, parts-only warranty, exclusively against manufacturer’s defects. The warranty period begins at the date of purchase. There is no warranty under the conditions listed below. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Improperly Stored
  • Improperly Installed
  • Improperly Tuned (EMC or TCM)
  • Misapplication
  • Altered, either by Owner or Their Technician
  • Torque Converter Failure
  • Inadequate Flushing of Transmission Cooler
  • Improper Fluid Level
  • Water/Engine Coolant in Transmission
  • Excessive Power
  • Accident
  • Neglect

Circle D Transmission will not pay for any fluids replaced in the event of a rebuild kit failure.

Under no circumstances shall there be any labor warranty or other warranty coverage on Circle D Transmission Kits beyond the replacement of individual rebuild kit components. We will not provide you with any cash refund except as may be required by law. Consequential and incidental damages are not recoverable under this warranty and are expressly excluded.

There is no warranty on broken parts such as, but not limited to, twisted splines, broken shafts, or broken planetaries.

Warranty issues will be considered on an individual basis.