180k 4L60E vs. Fresh L36: Is a Corvette Servo/Shift Kit safe or a risk?

Rebuilt3800 · 12-31-2025, 10:31 PM

Hey everyone, I just picked up my first car a 2001 Camaro Convertible a couple months ago. It's the 3.8L L36 with the 4L60E automatic. The body has 180k miles, but the engine was just freshly rebuilt and only has 1,800 miles on it.

I've already started with the basics NGK 55 Copper V-Cut plugs and Ultima Select wires. My ultimate goal is to mod this car to out compete a stock LS1 V8. I know it's a big task for a V6 Vert, but I'm ready to put in the work.

I'm planning a transmission service (pan drop/filter) very soon and want to know if it's "safe" to add a Corvette Servo and a Shift Kit at 180k miles, or if the increased pressure will blow out my old seals?

beowulf556 · 12-31-2025, 10:42 PM

The amount of money you’ll spend getting to the ls1 level isn’t worth it, IMO.

Rebuilt3800 · 12-31-2025, 10:47 PM

I appreciate the perspective, and I know the 'dollars per HP' usually favors an LS1 swap. However, I've got a unique situation, my L36 is a fresh rebuild (1,800 miles), and I have access to a hookup for cheap parts.

beowulf556 · 12-31-2025, 11:26 PM

What kind of parts though? Btw I had a 96 vert V6 and a 2000 SS back in the day, if memory serves me right the v6 stock was ~200hp, the ls1 ~325. It really is a big difference in power so curious to see your plan and be proven wrong

bishopts · 01-01-2026, 12:54 AM

3800 series 2 + turbo= win
I think those were p59 pcm but i dont really remember. Zzp might have some parts for the grand prix gtp that could help you get there.

I think the thing was. Cable throttle was p01 and drive by wire was p59

12-31-2025, 10:31 PM	#1
Rebuilt3800 Drives: 2001 Camaro Vert 3.8L Join Date: Dec 2025 Location: Ohio Posts: 2	180k 4L60E vs. Fresh L36: Is a Corvette Servo/Shift Kit safe or a risk? Hey everyone, I just picked up my first car a 2001 Camaro Convertible a couple months ago. It's the 3.8L L36 with the 4L60E automatic. The body has 180k miles, but the engine was just freshly rebuilt and only has 1,800 miles on it. I've already started with the basics NGK 55 Copper V-Cut plugs and Ultima Select wires. My ultimate goal is to mod this car to out compete a stock LS1 V8. I know it's a big task for a V6 Vert, but I'm ready to put in the work. I'm planning a transmission service (pan drop/filter) very soon and want to know if it's "safe" to add a Corvette Servo and a Shift Kit at 180k miles, or if the increased pressure will blow out my old seals?

12-31-2025, 10:42 PM	#2
beowulf556 Drives: Camaro SS 1LE M6 Join Date: Feb 2024 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 351	The amount of money you’ll spend getting to the ls1 level isn’t worth it, IMO. __________________ 2018 Camaro SS 1LE M6 Stainless Works Headers & X pipe \| Redline Axleback \| E85 \| Rotofab \| Soler Ported TB \| LT2 Manifold

12-31-2025, 11:26 PM	#4
beowulf556 Drives: Camaro SS 1LE M6 Join Date: Feb 2024 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 351	What kind of parts though? Btw I had a 96 vert V6 and a 2000 SS back in the day, if memory serves me right the v6 stock was ~200hp, the ls1 ~325. It really is a big difference in power so curious to see your plan and be proven wrong __________________ 2018 Camaro SS 1LE M6 Stainless Works Headers & X pipe \| Redline Axleback \| E85 \| Rotofab \| Soler Ported TB \| LT2 Manifold

12-31-2025, 10:47 PM	#3
Rebuilt3800 Drives: 2001 Camaro Vert 3.8L Join Date: Dec 2025 Location: Ohio Posts: 2	I appreciate the perspective, and I know the 'dollars per HP' usually favors an LS1 swap. However, I've got a unique situation, my L36 is a fresh rebuild (1,800 miles), and I have access to a hookup for cheap parts.

01-01-2026, 12:54 AM	#5
bishopts Drives: 2017 2ss 6mt Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: dallas Posts: 941	3800 series 2 + turbo= win I think those were p59 pcm but i dont really remember. Zzp might have some parts for the grand prix gtp that could help you get there. I think the thing was. Cable throttle was p01 and drive by wire was p59

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