Transmissions

[Elliot949]

Ok Guys... I am sure this has been asked and covered several times but I am getting real close to getting the transmission for "Raymond"...

My question is... I am running the original 1967-327 with 3 Deuces... This has been warmed over and is putting out 403HP @5200 and 456 Ft Lbs of torque @3200...

Now here is the question... I am leaning to running a second generation 700R4 with a 1800 Stall but I am being told by people that the 4L60 may be the better choice or even a 200R4...

I need some opinions here and why you have that opinion... If you are a transmission Expert please let me know that...

Thanks...

Dan

[davepl]

If I had it to do over again, I would put in a 4L80E or 6L80E with a controller and stock converter. You're probably right with your 1800 or 2000 range for a bigger cam. I started with more than that (2500) and hated it.

My understanding of the smaller 4-speeds is that the 4L60E is basically the 700R4, just computer controlled.

The 700 is stronger than the 200-4R in stock form, but when built, the 200-4R can be built to be stronger than the 700. I do not know why, but that's what my research at the time turned up.

I have a 200-4R that came out of my Pontiac, which ran 12s @ 4200lbs with drag radials and it never blinked, so it's a decently strong transmission.

[Elliot949]

Originally Posted by davepl

If I had it to do over again, I would put in a 4L80E or 6L80E with a controller and stock converter. You're probably right with your 1800 or 2000 range for a bigger cam. I started with more than that (2500) and hated it.

My understanding of the smaller 4-speeds is that the 4L60E is basically the 700R4, just computer controlled.

The 700 is stronger than the 200-4R in stock form, but when built, the 200-4R can be built to be stronger than the 700. I do not know why, but that's what my research at the time turned up.

I have a 200-4R that came out of my Pontiac, which ran 12s @ 4200lbs with drag radials and it never blinked, so it's a decently strong transmission.

Thanks for the feedback... the less electronics for me the better so it sounds like either the 200 or 700 is the dire to n for me...

[Chrome8]

Is a TH400 out of the question for you? That would be the easiest and least electronic way to handle that much power. I was waiting for you to chime in about electronics and newfangled transmissions...the 700r4 is fine as long as you can handle the converter lockup efficiently...please no toggle switches under the dash. The 4L80E is one of GM's greatest creations in my opinion.

[Elliot949]

This truck came with a TH400 and you ate right it is a great transmission, BUT, it draws alot of HP and I am looking for gas milage as much as possible and with the TH400 I am looking at getting 8-10 with it and the engine builder stated with the overdrive I could look more to the 17-20 but probably closer to the 17... the cost differwnce to build the 700 is nominal over the 400 so that is why I am leaning that way... The 4L80 is out of the question as I do not want to cut the tunnel and I sure don't want the electronics...

[Chrome8]

The question you posted is such a tough one because everyone has different ideas as to what would be the "best"...you have lots of options and it looks like you narrowed it down to what would work best for you. That's the important thing. I wasn't aware the 4L80 would require cutting the tunnel on these trucks. I thought a High hump swap would do it with a new driveshaft or shortened one. I often dream of a 6.2L/4L80 4x4 setup but haven't gotten serious about it.

[Undone]

Go with the 200r4, better 1st to second gear ratio.

[davischevy]

I won't tell you what to do, but I will tell you What I have done. There is no definitive answer to this one.

The 4L80E is no doubt the superior transmission.

For the simplicity I have three 700R4's. One in a SS454 El Camino, one in 65 Chevelle with a 377 stroker motor and one in 71 Longhorn with a big block. If you use the 700R4, pay particular attention to the TV cable adjustment. Be sure and install the fixture on the carburetors to get the proper geometry on the cable.

This load scaled at 11,720 lbs. I don't recommend abusing the transmission like this.

[Elliot949]

Originally Posted by davischevy

I won't tell you what to do, but I will tell you What I have done. There is no definitive answer to this one.

The 4L80E is no doubt the superior transmission.

For the simplicity I have three 700R4's. One in a SS454 El Camino, one in 65 Chevelle with a 377 stroker motor and one in 71 Longhorn with a big block. If you use the 700R4, pay particular attention to the TV cable adjustment. Be sure and install the fixture on the carburetors to get the proper geometry on the cable.

This load scaled at 11,720 lbs. I don't recommend abusing the transmission like this.

That is great info... thanks...

[nlped]

I put a 4L60 (same as a 700r4, just newer year model) behind the crate 350 in my last 2wd blazer. The TV cable is perhaps the most important part of the install. I also used the Bow tie Overdrive setup for the convertor. Worked like a charm.

I have a 700r4 that's going to go behind the 468 going in Walter & it'll be getting the same treatment.

[MAC71]

If money was not a issue than the 4l80E but its a lot of money and you do need the high hump floor for it to fit.
I have a 71 C10 that when I first installed a 700R4 into it back in 1997 the truck ran a 12.90 with the old TH350, but I broke the input shaft on the TH350. The 700 that first went into the truck was stock build by a local shop and the forward clutch lasted about a week. I then rebuilt it using a performance kit from transtar, added a commercial 3-4 clutch pack, Kevlar band, corvette servo and a transtar shift kit. I have not had any problems with it and that build was in 1997 and I am at about 300,000 miles on it. I don't have the same power as before but can still lay down 50+yards of burnout and that's with a posi and I have pulled other vehicles on trailers and heavy loads across country in 4th gear many times and no issues. I also get 17 MPG at 70 MPH, but out of overdrive I get 12 MPG.
The only thing I don't like is the difference in ratios between 1st and 2nd gear.

[Elliot949]

Originally Posted by MAC71

If money was not a issue than the 4l80E but its a lot of money and you do need the high hump floor for it to fit.
I have a 71 C10 that when I first installed a 700R4 into it back in 1997 the truck ran a 12.90 with the old TH350, but I broke the input shaft on the TH350. The 700 that first went into the truck was stock build by a local shop and the forward clutch lasted about a week. I then rebuilt it using a performance kit from transtar, added a commercial 3-4 clutch pack, Kevlar band, corvette servo and a transtar shift kit. I have not had any problems with it and that build was in 1997 and I am at about 300,000 miles on it. I don't have the same power as before but can still lay down 50+yards of burnout and that's with a posi and I have pulled other vehicles on trailers and heavy loads across country in 4th gear many times and no issues. I also get 17 MPG at 70 MPH, but out of overdrive I get 12 MPG.
The only thing I don't like is the difference in ratios between 1st and 2nd gear.

Thanks Mike... I am stony leaning to the700