Transmission Question

[tinydb84]

(I tried searching but couldnt find a clear answer)

I bought a 2004 5.3 without a trans. I want to go with a 4l80e. Do I have to get a specific year for it to work? Or can I just tell the company that is modifying the harness what year trans I have and that be enough?

I know different generations of the trans have pro/con's but for a mildly modified 5.3 I dont think that would matter, correct?

Thank you!

[BR3W CITY]

they had changes in I believe 96 or 97, though either generation can technically work. I'm running a 97 4l80e. I believe top bolt on early transmissions may not line up (tho its fine to install without that bolt)

[Wasted Income]

Ditto. I'm running a 97 4L80E behind my 07 LQ4.

[tinydb84]

Great. Thanks guys!

[bohmankid]

But O.P. has a 5.3, won't he have to have his PCM tuned to accept the 4l80 since 5.3's didn't come with that trans. How does that work?

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by bohmankid

But O.P. has a 5.3, won't he have to have his PCM tuned to accept the 4l80 since 5.3's didn't come with that trans. How does that work?

Yes, Transmission calibration segment swap using EFIlive or HPtuners.

tinydb84, A mild 5.3L doesn't require a 4L80E...All Im going to say, Me, Brewcity & Wasted Income have already been in a debate over this.

[tinydb84]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

Yes, Transmission calibration segment swap using EFIlive or HPtuners.

tinydb84, A mild 5.3L doesn't require a 4L80E...All Im going to say, Me, Brewcity & Wasted Income have already been in a debate over this.

I burned up 2 700r4/4l60's in a almost stock Camaro....is there a thread with the debate? I would like to read it if possible

[clinebarger]

'98 & up rollerized 300mm 4L60E's with certain upgrades will hold any N/A 5.3L.

You smoking stock 700R4's is a whole other matter.

[Jon01]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

'98 & up rollerized 300mm 4L60E's with certain upgrades will hold any N/A 5.3L.

You smoking stock 700R4's is a whole other matter.

Agreed 100%.
I have a friend who ran low 11's n/a on an internally stock 4L60E in an F-body.
That's way more punishment than a 5.3 will dish out.

To put an 80 in it you'll have to do the segment swap(find a good tuner!) and sort out the wiring difference too.

If you want an 80 I'd sell the 5.3 and find a 6 liter/80 dropout complete. Much easier.

[Wasted Income]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

Yes, Transmission calibration segment swap using EFIlive or HPtuners.

tinydb84, A mild 5.3L doesn't require a 4L80E...All Im going to say, Me, Brewcity & Wasted Income have already been in a debate over this.

My setup requires the use of a 4L80E....because I hate swapping out transmissions.

tinydb84, clinebarger is a smart guy, and from what I gather, he deals with transmissions professionally on a daily basis. He's probably right that a 60E would suit you fine for a mild 5.3.

HOWEVER, I have also seen mild N/A 5.3s shred 4L60Es. Even in bone stock silverados.

If you can find an 80E for a good price, there is no reason not to stab it in your truck...especially if you're starting your LS swap from scratch.

My $0.02

[BR3W CITY]

Lol i think cline and I have argued over this in probably 6 different threads. I break stuff so I just built an 80e behind my 6L, but short of running boost is figure u might break the rear end before a good (read, GOOD, 4L60)

smoking a 700r4 is easy, i'd wager it was the first trans most hobbyists destryoy first.
Posted via Mobile Device

[68GMCCustom]

My TBSS has a 4L70e in it...the "super duty" version of a 4L60e. It's been rebuilt once (stock) by the dealership and living behind the LS2 in this 2.5 ton brick...when it goes again and I believe it will...I'm hoping I can get someone as sharp as clinebarger to build it for me, as I plan on hp upgrades and really don't want it to ever have to come back out again.

I will say I like the gear ratio's in my 4L85e better then the 4L70e. Its more like the 200-4r and turbo350 the truck had in it, prior to their replacement.

[clinebarger]

Parts list for 60E/65E/70E

Sonnax Smart Shell...http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=P_T02PDnUbI

Sonnax Smart Input Housing...http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/...ion/parts/3966

Pin-less Accumulator Pistons...http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/...ion/parts/3092 Forward Accm...http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/...ion/parts/3110

Sonnax 2nd piston...http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/...ion/parts/2012

Sonnax Billet Forward Clutch piston...http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/...ion/parts/2012

Wide Sungear Bushing...http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/...ion/parts/3096

Trans-Go SK-4L60E...http://transgoonline.com/products.ph...dcountview=Yes **If you want hard shifts go with the HD-2**

Trans-Go high rpm return springs...http://transgoonline.com/products.ph...dcountview=Yes

Trans-Go Pump Rings...http://transgoonline.com/products.ph...dcountview=Yes

Trans-Go Separator Plate...Year specific

Alto Products Red Eagle & Kolene 3-4 clutch kit...057757BHP, This is really the only weak friction in a 4L60E.

Borg Warner sprags...Input/Forward & Low/Reverse.

New Delco 5 pinion Input & Reaction planets.

New Torrington bearing kit.

Replace ALL other bushings...Hydramatic uses aluminum bushings sporadically.

[68GMCCustom]

thanks clinebarger! now at least I have the shopping list. the 70e has the 5 pinion f&r doesn't it?

Thanks!

BTW....anything in particular I should do for my 480ft lb rated (I think) 4L85e? I plan on roughly 3k stall torque convertor soon.

[Wasted Income]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

Parts list for 60E/65E/70E

Great info. I'm sure that will help a lot of guys out.

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by 68GMCCustom

thanks clinebarger! now at least I have the shopping list. the 70e has the 5 pinion f&r doesn't it?

Thanks!

BTW....anything in particular I should do for my 480ft lb rated (I think) 4L85e? I plan on roughly 3k stall torque convertor soon.

Both the 65E & 70E have 5 pinion planets from the factory.

4L80E's are pretty stout in factory form, A TransGo 4L80E HD2 shift kit would fix what most commonly goes wrong with a 80E....Direct clutch burn up!!