GM 6L90E Transmission

The GM 6L90E Transmission is a heavy‑duty, 6‑speed longitudinal automatic transmission used in trucks, vans, and high‑performance GM vehicles from roughly 2007 through the 2020s. It’s a stronger version of the 6L80E, rated for up to 700 lb‑ft (≈949 Nm) of torque, and was deployed in Silverado/Sierra 2500HD‑3500HD, Suburban 2500, GMC Savana/Express cargo vans, Camaro ZL1, Cadillac CTS‑V, and more 

2. Types of transmissions for sale & price ranges

a) OEM remanufactured (zero‑mile)

• Fraser Transmissions offers a GM 6L90E Transmission (“zero mile”, upgraded) for US $2,524 standard or US $3,124 for the “HD” version with extended 5‑year/unlimited mile warranty 

• Core deposit is standard; final pricing depends on your VIN/fitment.

b) Performance/Stage transmissions

• Zero Gravity Performance lists built units starting at US $3,800 for their Stage 1 (up to 550‑600 hp), rising to US $7,300 for Stage 3 upgrades (up to 1200 hp), plus wiring, harness, and torque converter options 

• WP Developments offers a “Super Stock” 6L90E for US $4,000, plus US $2,000 refundable core charge on checkout 

c) Remanufactured / rebuilt used units

•  Seller Automatic Transmission Warehouse lists a reman 6L80E/6L90E for US $2,599, including torque converter, one‑year warranty, and free shipping 

d) Used inspected units

• LKQ Evans Heavy Truck Parts offers:

  • Used, inspected non-OE reman 6L90E for US $3,500 

  • A similar listing at US $4,010.90 (same supplier) 

  • A lower‑priced used 2017 unit at US $1,800, no warranty 

e) Low-mileage used unit

 listing of genuine GM 6L90E Transmission diesel transmission with ~80 K miles for US $1,550, no returns but backed by guarantee

3. Price tiers at a glance

4. Core charges and shipping

• Many sellers charge a core deposit, typically US $2,000, refundable once your old transmission (core) is returned undamaged 

• Shipping is often quoted separately. Some vendors (e.g. Fraser and sellers) include free shipping within contiguous U.S., but international buyers should expect customs duties and possible fees 

• Always confirm shipping costs, core‑return policies, and whether they support delivery to your country.

5. Which option should you choose?

Budget-conscious, DIY or local installer

• A reman unit (US $2,500–2,600) offers a good balance—rebuilt to OEM specs, with converter and warranty./ATW US $2,599 model includes converter and shipping.

High‑performance / heavy towing usage Of GM 6L90E Transmission

• Consider WP Super Stock or Zero Gravity stage builds, especially if you exceed stock torque limits 

• On‑the‑cheap or short‑term

• A lightly‑used, low‑mileage unit (~US $1,550) can be viable if you’re installing it promptly, but it carries risk and often no warranty 

6. What do users actually pay for GM 6L90E Transmission?

Longtime owners on forums report rebuilds typically costing US $3,500–4,200, depending on location and labor

This matches price tiers previously charted.

7. Parts versions & compatibility

• GM 6L90E Transmission covers both 2WD & 4WD variants, and is suited to V8 engines (6.0L, 6.6L Duramax diesel), etc. Vehicle compatibility is mostly defined by engine type, drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD), and VIN code.

• Many remanufactured units are sold with standalone harnesses, and can require programming (especially aftermarket/ performance or valve‑body changes) 

• A rebuilt eBay offering may include converter and upgraded pump, input clutch, etc., but TCM code or tuning might be needed after install 

8. Installation & labor considerations Of GM 6L90E Transmission

• Labor cost varies widely (can be US $1,000–2,000 depending on region) and may include drain/refill, crossmember, mount removal, TCM programming, and torque converter installation.

• Some users report needing new converter, pump, valve body upgrades or billet front half converter to avoid failures 

• Ensure transmission fluid is replaced regularly; AMA forums emphasize proper cooler flushing and pump inspection

9. Tips before buying A GM 6L90E Transmission

1. Verify vehicle fitment: Request VIN or vehicle year/model info.

2. Confirm warranty: 1‑year vs 3‑year vs 5‑year coverage, parts and labor included?

3. Ask about converter: Many units include converter; if not, budget extra.

4. Core return policy: Know what penalty applies if core is damaged or not returned.

5. Shipping and duties: Particularly for international buyers—confirm customs obligations.

6. Programming requirement: Some units may require re‑flashing TCM or using custom harnesses.

7. Labor cost ahead of time: Factor into total cost of replacement.

10. Sample buying scenarios Of GM 6L90E Transmission

• Scenario A – Mid‑range reman: Order GM OEM reman via Fraser: $2,524 plus shipping & core deposit. You send your old core, install locally, maybe pay $1‑1.5k labor. Total $3.5–4k, with 18‑mo warranty.

• Scenario B – Rebuilt budget: Purchase $2,599 rebuilt reman from ATW on eBay. Core included; free domestic shipping. Pay ~$1k installer. Total ~$3.6k, 1‑yr warranty.

• Scenario C – High‑power upgrade: Buy WP Super Stock or Stage 2 from Zero Gravity (~$4,000–5,500 plus core deposit). Ideal for vehicles up to ~800hp or frequent towing. Total ~$5.5–6k + labor.

• Scenario D – Cheapest used: $1,550 used unit, no warranty; only viable if you do your own inspection and replacement. With labor, possibly ~$3k total—but high risk.

11. Final evaluation

• For most users needing a reliable, warrantied rebuild, expect to pay US $2,500–4,000 for the transmission itself, with total cost including labor falling in the US $3,500–5,500 range.

• If you need high-torque or enhanced durability, specialized builds at US $4,000+ make sense, albeit with a premium.

• Extremely low-cost used options exist (< $2,000) but come with significant risk and usually no warranty.

12. Closing remarks

When you’re ready to make a purchase, evaluate based on:

• Your vehicle and engine application

• Required warranty period

• Whether you’ll tow or produce high horsepower

• Whether shipping or import costs apply

• Your local labor costs

If you’d like, I can walk you through identifying the best unit for your vehicle year/VIN or help source a reliable seller with shipping to your location.

Sources

• Zero Gravity Performance stage kits pricing 

• WP Developments Super Stock listing 

• Fraser OEM reman unit pricing and options 

• Automatic Transmission Warehouse eBay rebuilt listing 

• LKQ Heavy Truck used assembly prices  

• Used low-mileage listing 

• Community pricing and rebuild experiences 

• 6L90 specification & vehicle fits