4L60E any beefier than 700R4?

[phunk]

From what I have read, these transmissions are very close in design.

Is there any strength advantage in the 4L60E?

I ask because I am about to drop some serious coin on a FLT Stage 4 4L60E and new converter as the first step in my project.

Now my research has me thinking that if a 4L60E is so closely related to the 700R4, perhaps I am already off down the wrong path. I am trying to gear up for a 450whp project, and my 4x4 ext cab isnt getting any lighter then a SyTy.

I beat on my cars which is why my trans is currently shot. I plan on taking full advantage of having 4x4; do I NEED a 4L80E?

 

[92boostedty]

Re: 4L60E any beefier than 700R4?

from what ive read on here ...yeah if your goin to be launching all the time.

 

['JustDreamin']

Re: 4L60E any beefier than 700R4?

The 4L60E IS the 700R4 with an electronic valvebody. There are also 4L65E and 4L70E variants from GM, which are further upgraded from the 60E's.

Are you going to be AWD? With 450hp and AWD, you're probably above the 60E / 700R4's capabilities (to do it reliably). If you're 2wd (or 4wd running in 2wd most all of the time), tirespin may save the 60E at that power level (tire will act as a fuse).

Personally, I don't think the 60E is worth anything, but that's just my opinion.

'JustDreamin'

 

[Black Knight]

Re: 4L60E any beefier than 700R4?

I would say if you can AFFORD to do a 4L80E then by all means do that, but if the funds aren't there for the on the average $5,000 trannsmission, conversion, and computer. Then there are guys here who are in your area for power that do fine with a built 700R4.

Two good examples are Mike running George Blake's 700R4 and Jimmy running John Waller's 700R4.

 

['JustDreamin']

Re: 4L60E any beefier than 700R4?

I would say if you can AFFORD to do a 4L80E then by all means do that, but if the funds aren't there for the on the average $5,000 trannsmission, conversion, and computer. Then there are guys here who are in your area for power that do fine with a built 700R4.

Two good examples are Mike running George Blake's 700R4 and Jimmy running John Waller's 700R4.

However, for his application, he's already got an electronically controlled trans, so he doesn't need a controller / computer. So, that's a significant chunk of money saved.

You are correct, there are a few guys who are running 700R4's and they're living. But, the trans isn't exactly bulletproof, I had the rear planetary go bang behind a stock 4.3l V6 (naturally aspirated 195hp). I know, everything breaks, but my opinion is that a trans that'll break hard parts behind a 200hp motor doesn't belong behind 450hp.

'JustDreamin'

 

[Black Knight]

Re: 4L60E any beefier than 700R4?

However, for his application, he's already got an electronically controlled trans, so he doesn't need a controller / computer. So, that's a significant chunk of money saved.

You don't need a different computer with the 4L80E? :dunno:

 

['JustDreamin']

Re: 4L60E any beefier than 700R4?

You don't need a different computer with the 4L80E? :dunno:

Needs a slightly different program and 4 wires move around in a big grey connector that plugs into the side of the trans.

Granted, that assumes that he can get the PCM reprogrammed, and you know what assuming does......

'JustDreamin'

 

[George Blake]

Re: 4L60E any beefier than 700R4?

What kind of torque are you gonna run? Nitrous? Slicks? The sprag, reaction shaft, output shaft, input drum are all know problems. Just too small. FLP makes a 4L80e too. You may just want to go that route if your just 2wd. Just depends on what kind of vehicle your going with.

 

[phunk]

Re: 4L60E any beefier than 700R4?

Good question on the torque. I dont know what to expect.

I am still leaning towards the FLT 4L60E Stage 4. While I think I might fear breaking it - I am not seeing any evidence of the 4L80E being a direct bolt in and I need to get this trans taken care of fast just for the sake of driving the truck.

I was hoping someone would come in here and just say "go 4L80, its easy",,, but it doesnt look that way. I have done a lot of searching and found some decent info but nothing that describes PRECISELY what it takes to get the job done, especially since my truck is not a SyTy.... I have no idea if my transfer case will even bolt on the back of that trans, or if my front shaft would be long enough or too short then, or how much to take off the rear shaft... etc. The fine details are difficult to locate.

 

[George Blake]

Re: 4L60E any beefier than 700R4?

Email me specific details of what you've got. We can't help you if we don't know what your starting with. The 4L80 is NOT as hard as you think. If I don't have something, I will definitely be able to steer you in the right direction.

 

[phunk]

Re: 4L60E any beefier than 700R4?

PM sent, thanks.

 

[1madgumby]

Re: 4L60E any beefier than 700R4?

4l60e is garbage!! 2nd. gear goes first, then 3rd. That in A daily driven 99 blazer. 4l80e is the only way to go.

 

[gjp]

Re: 4L60E any beefier than 700R4?

80e and forget about it. The computer is only 10% of total cost. Not cheap but to have a trans with a GVRW of 18000lbs is peace of mind. Hit up George, he knows his stuff.

 

[1madgumby]

Re: 4L60E any beefier than 700R4?

Hale the the 4l80e gods!!!!!