10L80 vs 10L90 Broadcast Codes — Salvage Yard Reference
Wicked Wrench Motorsports
10L80 vs. 10L90 Broadcast Codes — Salvage Yard Reference
Decode GM factory tags, identify your core instantly, and avoid buying the wrong transmission.
Disclaimer: The technical information, part numbers, and compatibility guides provided on this page are for general reference and educational purposes only. Wicked Wrench Motorsports is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by General Motors or Chevrolet Performance. Part numbers and manufacturer specifications can change without notice. Always independently verify component compatibility before initiating any mechanical work. Use at your own risk.
Identifying the correct 10-speed automatic core for your powertrain swap can be tricky. General Motors uses a global sequential numbering system for its service assemblies and frequently changes prefixes across production years. Use this master guide to decode GM factory tags and identify your core instantly.
🔍 The 2-Letter Broadcast Code Shortcut
You can identify whether a transmission is a 10L80 or 10L90 just by looking at the last two letters of the bold 4-character code on the white barcode sticker on the case.
| Last 2 Letters | Transmission | Application |
|---|---|---|
| KJ, GJ, FJ, CJ | 10L80 (Lighter-Duty) | 5.3L V8s, standard 6.2L car engines, light-duty 3.0L Duramax |
| MJ, NJ, PJ, PM | 10L90 (Heavy-Duty) | Supercharged LT4, 6.6L L8T gas HD trucks, commercial vans |
📦 Salvage Yard Cheat Sheet
When hunting through salvage networks, use these common broadcast codes to quickly filter your target transmission family.
🔴 10L80 Broadcast Codes — Avoid for Max-Strength 1-Ton Swaps
Paired with 5.3L V8s, standard 6.2L car engines, or light-duty 3.0L Duramax diesels:
🟢 10L90 Broadcast Codes — Target for Heavy-Duty & High-HP Swaps
Ultra-strong cases paired with supercharged LT4 V8s (ZL1, Cadillac Blackwing) or 6.6L L8T Gas HD truck engines:
Common on early high-performance units
Common on newer 6.6L gas HD trucks and commercial cargo vans
🔢 GM Part Number Sequencing
If you find a code not on the cheat sheet, look directly below the 4-character code for the 8-digit GM part number string.
| Era | Part Number Prefix | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Production (2017–Early 2020s) | 240XXXXX 242XXXXX 244XXXXX | First & second-gen 10L80/10L90 assemblies |
| Modern Replacement (2024+) | 25XXXXXX 196XXXXX | Third-gen updates with modern valve body units |
| GM Performance Crate Program | #19541013 #19436467 | SuperMatic™ 10L90-E & LT4-matched packages. Bypass dealership service sequences. |
🛠️ Swap Takeaway: How to Verify Your Core
Never rely solely on the first three digits of a part number. To guarantee an accurate match before fabrication or tuning begins:
• Locate the white factory tag on the transmission case.
• Document the full 8-digit part number string.
• Document the large, bold 4-letter broadcast code.
• Cross-reference both against this guide before purchasing.
💡 Wicked Wrench "Pro Tips"
10L80 vs. 10L90 — Know the Difference: The 10L90 uses a heavier-duty case, stronger clutch packs, and a higher torque rating. For any build pushing over 500 lb-ft to the wheels, always target a 10L90 core. The 10L80 will hold up fine for street builds but is not the right choice for high-HP truck swaps or forced induction applications.
Salvage Yard Tip: Always pull the transmission yourself or have the yard send you a clear photo of the white barcode sticker before you pay. Verbal descriptions from yard staff are unreliable — the sticker is the only source of truth.