4l80E Transmission

[77GMCTruck]

I have decided to swap out my TH-350 Trans in the truck and get a 4L80E to put in it's place. I was curious as to what everyone would recommend (I want to buy new) that would handle towing a muscle car (probably my brother's Shelby) and that when I did get ready to modify the engine a bit I wouldn't have to modify the transmission.

I am thinking at some point I'd want 350-400 hp and around 300+ Torque.

Any suggestions and help would be appreciated.

I can't do anything till after Christmas but I did see that Bowtie Overdrives offers a 4L80E for 2k that will handle over 500 hp. Just curious as to other options.

[Captkaos]

You need an EXPENSIVE computer to control a 4L80E on a non computer controlled truck. For the power level you are talking about a good 700R4 will work fine and will hook up without any expensive computer.

[OJOE]

you might get lucky and find a 93 with a stand alone computer and
4l80e

[Pyrotechnic]

Whats your budget? If you got some cash to spend, the 4L80E + shift computer is a good way to go, it just tends to be expensive. You will probably have at least $3000 or more in the swap.

[Thumpin455]

You can get a stand alone controller for the 4L80E from a diesel van. Captkaos is correct that a 700 would do it and the 4L80E is expensive. A beast shell, sprag, 13 vane pump, and a cooler should do the job in a 700.

If you really want to do the 4L80E, there are ways to do it, but you will spend around $2000 for junkyard parts, if you can find them, and more for aftermarket stuff. Its true the 4L80E would live forever in an application like you are considering, but it has a large price tag just to get started.

The 4L80E is a descendant of the TH400 with an OD added while the 700R4 is from the Th350 lineage. So if you dont need a 400 in a 3 speed application, you really dont need a 4L80 in an OD application.

If you are planning on heavy towing on a daily or weekly basis, then the 4L80E is a good choice, but for occasional towing the 700R4 would be better.

Basically I said the same thing, just used more words. I am prone to do that..

[Captkaos]

I agree you can use the Diesel setup, but I read several posts/info on this and it will require A LOT of wiring and programming (bin mods to the controller) as listed in my previous post...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=261780

[85 c-10]

Im looking into one of these for a Procharged 572 Im looking at doing for a gentleman at work. They don't need the computer.

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4l80e.htm

Josh

[Captkaos]

The Quadzilla? It doesn't require a computer, but from what I have heard it is a full manual valvebody. You have to manually shift it to go to another gear, I don't think it auto shifts. All the other ones come with the compushift option...

[77GMCTruck]

Well I had found a 4L80E Transmission and the compushift computer/program on Bowtie Overdrives for around $3100.00 for both (without shipping or installation of course). Their transmission says it'll handle 500+ horsepower which is about 100 more than I'd ever want in the truck.

I'll have to look into the 700R4 Trans options. I won't be using it to tow much except the car to shows on occasion and it's not going to be a daily driver.

If you know of any online places to buy a good 700R4 or shops that will build and ship, I'm open for suggestions.

[77GMCTruck]

Since you all know the 700R4 would handle what I want to do with the truck (very little towing and not alot of heavy hauling) I found a 700R4 transmission on Bowtie Overdrives. Tell me what you think about this:

http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/cata...m.php?ITEMID=8

I think this would meet all my needs and save me a butt load of money in the process to put into other areas of my modifications to the truck.

Sorry everyone for my inexperience to what is available for these trucks. I always thought I'd have an old musclecar to modify. Just couldn't pass up a free truck that is this nice.

I'm hoping to have a few pictures posted this weekend of the truck since my brother is home for recovery and he has both internet access and a digital camera that works.

Thanks again for all the advice and help.

[Captkaos]

A properly built 4L80E should handle 1000ft/lbs. A stock one can handle 600 with ease.

A well built 700R4 can handle 500ft/lbs, a stock one can handle 350ft/lbs easily.

If you want someone local to build one, I recommend calling Stinnet Transmissions at 205-591-9950. They are at 5601 1st Ave South.

[Captkaos]

If you print off that list he can probably add all those things to the one he builds. They generally put all the updates and HD conponents in them. I think they charge $750 to rebuild one...

[Pyrotechnic]

I agree, a 700R4 will probably work for your application. Make sure you have a LARGE transmission cooler. I recommend the Tru-Cool 4590. It's a stacked plate cooler, but it's 1.5 inches thick which I havent found in any other brand. It fit behind my 77 GMC grill with room to spare.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LONG-...QQcmdZViewItem

If you don't already have them, 3.73 rear end gears will work well out back so you keep the motor in the powerband while towing in overdrive. You can tow in overdrive but if the transmission start hunting between 3rd and 4th then you need to shift into 3rd.

Another upgrade to consider is a deep transmission pan. The extra fluid capacity is going to keep the transmission from heating up as quickly while ascending hill or high load situations.

Only other thing I can think of is to make sure that the TV cable is setup properly with a line pressure gauge.

[77GMCTruck]

Thanks for all the information! I will look into a local shop Capt, but I want a new one. Since I have a TH350 in it now and 4.10 gears out back I want to make sure the work that is done on the truck is done right and with new components so I don't have to worry about it 3-4 or even 8 years down the road.

I really appreciate all the advise.

If anyone has any more input please post it here.

Thanks very much,

[Pyrotechnic]

4.10 gears will work gear, probably even better. Gas mileage will be slightly less than a lower gear ratio but your RPM's will still be very reasonable and theres very little chance that the motor will ever lug. There will still be a gas mileage increase over the 3 speed auto you have now.

As far as NEW vs. rebuilt goes. The only truly NEW transmissions you will ever get are from GM. Any other transmission you get from any builder, whether local or online is going to be a REBUILT transmission. Honestly though, if care is taken during the rebuild and upgrades are installed, a good rebuild is leaps and bounds better than a factory new transmission.

The advantage to a local builder is that they are right there if you have any issues. I've heard of several cases of fly by night builders on eBay selling junk transmissions as beefed up rebuilds. Dropping the transmission and dealing with shipping is the last thing you need if something goes wrong.

[454HO]

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

The advantage to a local builder is that they are right there if you have any issues.

Dropping the transmission and dealing with shipping is the last thing you need if something goes wrong.

I'll second that. I did a mail-order transmission once... will never do it again!

[Captkaos]

Ditto on the above. New only comes from GM. and the 700R4 is no longer made. Their official last year was 1992.
All of the ones shops are selling are rebuilt regardless of what their ad may imply. Stinnet rebuilt the 4L80E that is going in my personal vehicle. He stands behind his work. I wouldn't send you there unless they did good work and I have personally used them.

edit:
BTW, my personal vehicle is a 80's C10 with a fiberglass frontend and a 6.0L LS motor that I plan to twin turbocharge. In the end I am looking to get about 600 - 700hp out of it... This is the truck I am speaking of: http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...p?topic=5225.0

[Thumpin455]

Local builder is much preferred. I wont ship mine out just because if something goes wrong, they gotta ship it back, and who knows if they did the install right. Also to test them I need to put them in and drive them, its easier on my broken bits to do the install once in their vehicle. Lucky for me I dont have to do that for a living any longer.

The issue with the deep pan is getting the right filter to fit the pan. You cant use a stock filter in a deep pan, they always suck air around the connection with the front pump. Same thing with a TH400. its a great thing to have for sure, provided you have all the right parts.

CK that is a sweet truck you are building. Been thinking of the 6.0L swap myself, but I would put it in my 98 Formula (that had the manifolds you needed) and swap the LS1 into the truck. L92 with a mild cam in an F body is a fun ride, a couple turbos on it in a truck should be completely scary.

Oh yeah forgot to mention I build my own engines and drivetrains.. School is useful for something.

[Captkaos]

Originally Posted by Thumpin455

CK that is a sweet truck you are building. Been thinking of the 6.0L swap myself, but I would put it in my 98 Formula (that had the manifolds you needed) and swap the LS1 into the truck. L92 with a mild cam in an F body is a fun ride, a couple turbos on it in a truck should be completely scary.

Thanks! I know 1 turbo at a normal 8lbs of boost on a 5.3L is pretty hairy, We sell STS turbo systems and install them on the side. My brothers 00 Silverado 5.3L is putting 525hp/600lb/ft to the ground. He just picked up a 6.0L with 12K on it that will be taking its place possibly Thanksgiving week.

I haven't ever built an automatic before, but I have a 700R4 that is going to be the first subject. It can't be as difficult as a engine. My buddy used to build them on the side when we were younger, seemed easy watching him...

[Thumpin455]

Originally Posted by Captkaos

Thanks! I know 1 turbo at a normal 8lbs of boost on a 5.3L is pretty hairy, We sell STS turbo systems and install them on the side. My brothers 00 Silverado 5.3L is putting 525hp/600lb/ft to the ground. He just picked up a 6.0L with 12K on it that will be taking its place possibly Thanksgiving week.

I haven't ever built an automatic before, but I have a 700R4 that is going to be the first subject. It can't be as difficult as a engine. My buddy used to build them on the side when we were younger, seemed easy watching him...

Biggest thing with the 700 is getting it super spotless clean, after that its the weird way they go back together compared to the 3 speeds. rebuild the pump, resize the seals on the back of it before you stick them in, and air check everything. I can hook you up with some good info on the 700R4/4L60/E. I did the E in my Formy in August. The clutches and seals looked so good I am using them in a beater trans thats in my 89 4x4. Two transmissions one kit. Not a bad thing as long as they both work. I like the E best, no cable to mess with.

They really arent for first timers, but you can get it done if you have a good instruction book, and follow it religiously. I should scan my MOTOR manual and put it in my photobucket..

Been thinking about a turbo setup or a blower, maybe on the 76, maybe on a sleeper Pontiac, whatever it ends up being it will be down the road some. It will also be a super tight budget build, probably keep it under 800hp.

[Captkaos]

Email the info you want to share to webmaster@73-87chevytrucks.com. I have an assembly manual too. My buddy that I used to help build them air checked all of his, never had a prolblem.

For power, I would go with a turbo. This is my other partnership/company: http://65.36.161.104/merchant2/merch...tegory_Code=TK, if you are interested let me know. We just installed one of these on a Trans Am, it made 415hp at the wheels on the dyno with only 5lbs of boost...

[Thumpin455]

My LS1 will stay close to stock, its my economy car. The truck might get a 6-71, or maybe my T37 or the 71 Formula will get a blow through setup, P1SC or a home brewed turbo. Right now Im leaning towards the Formula, the T37 is gonna be a stock looking sleeper from hell..

[Captkaos]

I didn't mention that we have seen an average of 5mpg increase on these installations did I...
Sounds like fun!

[77GMCTruck]

Thanks everyone for all the advice on this thread.

Thank you especially Capt. for the local number and info. I'll have to see that truck of yours someday. Spent a good part of my free time reading your build thread.

I have a B'ham police officer that was my best man this year at my wedding that has a 85 Chevy stepside that would love to do the same thing.

He doesn't have air conditioning in his and says all the time with a straight face that it would just suck his horsepower.

He wants to work on his truck and get it to where "he can roast the tires on the weekend and then go back to work" (with another car).

[spudz]

I don't like 4l80s.....they suck to build... and are comparable to a ford E40D in weight.. Heavy as hell.