basic comparison between
- Thread starter Admiral
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Re: basic comparison between
the 4L80E is basically a 400 with an overdrive. first gear is higher. E means it is computer controlled for shifts. the 80 stands for a torque designation regarding it's strength.
the 700R4 and the 4L60E are basically the same and will have a lower first gear and will need a governor which fits in the back of the trans to set the shifts. the 4L60E reads the same way...4 speed with a torque rating number of 60 which means it's not as strong and the E will mean it is electronically controlled with a computer for shifts and stuff.
the 700's are smaller and not as strong, although there are always more and more parts coming out for them that are improvements. stronger clutches and shafts and such. they use the 60 in vettes and the 80 are more designed for trucks with big engines and towing capacity
those are the basics
the 4L80E is basically a 400 with an overdrive. first gear is higher. E means it is computer controlled for shifts. the 80 stands for a torque designation regarding it's strength.
the 700R4 and the 4L60E are basically the same and will have a lower first gear and will need a governor which fits in the back of the trans to set the shifts. the 4L60E reads the same way...4 speed with a torque rating number of 60 which means it's not as strong and the E will mean it is electronically controlled with a computer for shifts and stuff.
the 700's are smaller and not as strong, although there are always more and more parts coming out for them that are improvements. stronger clutches and shafts and such. they use the 60 in vettes and the 80 are more designed for trucks with big engines and towing capacity
those are the basics
'JustDreamin'
Dream: 6LV8 Turbo Bravada
Re: basic comparison between
Yeah, that pretty well sums it up.
However, you didn't mention that the 700R4 has some kinda stupid things. Like there are aluminum parts in the power path. And at least one of the shifts is a 2 stage shift (two events have to happen, vs just engaging a single clutch element).
The 80E also has some drawbacks. It is rumored to "consume" alot of power (I don't have any proof of that, just what popular opinion is). Its also heavy (probably weighs 100lbs more than the 700R4). And its bigger (in every dimension). Shafts are bigger, case is bigger, its longer, has more fluid in it, torque convertor is bigger (stock is like 13" diameter). Oh, and did I mention its fairly expensive?
But cost wise, a well rebuilt 80E and a set on kill 700 are probably close, with the 700 being less expensive the 1st time. But by the time you need you second rebuild on the 700, you're going to be in the hole. The 80E should last a fair bit longer.
Heck, Parish (the guy with the blue 1/2ton that's currently running 10's) ran a junkyard 80E in his truck for quite a while with no complaints from the trans. I can't remember what failed, but I don't know that it was the tranny's fault (I think it might have been a TC failure that took out the trans). Now he's running a built 80E (and managed to break it too) but he's also pushing a bunch of power (I'd bet 900 to 1000 hp at this point)
'Dreamin'
Yeah, that pretty well sums it up.
However, you didn't mention that the 700R4 has some kinda stupid things. Like there are aluminum parts in the power path. And at least one of the shifts is a 2 stage shift (two events have to happen, vs just engaging a single clutch element).
The 80E also has some drawbacks. It is rumored to "consume" alot of power (I don't have any proof of that, just what popular opinion is). Its also heavy (probably weighs 100lbs more than the 700R4). And its bigger (in every dimension). Shafts are bigger, case is bigger, its longer, has more fluid in it, torque convertor is bigger (stock is like 13" diameter). Oh, and did I mention its fairly expensive?
But cost wise, a well rebuilt 80E and a set on kill 700 are probably close, with the 700 being less expensive the 1st time. But by the time you need you second rebuild on the 700, you're going to be in the hole. The 80E should last a fair bit longer.
Heck, Parish (the guy with the blue 1/2ton that's currently running 10's) ran a junkyard 80E in his truck for quite a while with no complaints from the trans. I can't remember what failed, but I don't know that it was the tranny's fault (I think it might have been a TC failure that took out the trans). Now he's running a built 80E (and managed to break it too) but he's also pushing a bunch of power (I'd bet 900 to 1000 hp at this point)
'Dreamin'
'JustDreamin'
Dream: 6LV8 Turbo Bravada
Re: basic comparison between
I'd consider yourself pretty lucky then. Seems like half of these trucks (maybe more or less) have or have had transmission problems at least once in their lifetime. Something about AWD and all that torque being tough on trannies.
The 80E solution probably isn't the best if you're running stock or close to stock power. A well built 700R4 built by a REPUTABLE builder (like Rossler or JWaller or.....) will probably stand up pretty well. The problem is that EVERY transmission shop around seems to think they can build a transmission to stand up to the abuse of a turbo and awd. And most people find out the hard way that they cant (and many shops won't back up the warranty at that point because its more than they bargained for). For high powered trucks, I'd think the 80E is a great solution. For everything in between, its going to be your call, based on budget, your reliability needs, performance goals, etc. After all, the TH400 can be swapped in too, is as reliable as the sun (ok, maybe not quite that reliable, but close) and a heck of alot cheaper than doing an 80E or even a really serious 700R4 build, but its only got 3 gears. Life is full of trade-offs, and this decision will boil down to a personal decision based on the owner's needs, wants, and percieved needs.
'Dreamin'
I'd consider yourself pretty lucky then. Seems like half of these trucks (maybe more or less) have or have had transmission problems at least once in their lifetime. Something about AWD and all that torque being tough on trannies.
The 80E solution probably isn't the best if you're running stock or close to stock power. A well built 700R4 built by a REPUTABLE builder (like Rossler or JWaller or.....) will probably stand up pretty well. The problem is that EVERY transmission shop around seems to think they can build a transmission to stand up to the abuse of a turbo and awd. And most people find out the hard way that they cant (and many shops won't back up the warranty at that point because its more than they bargained for). For high powered trucks, I'd think the 80E is a great solution. For everything in between, its going to be your call, based on budget, your reliability needs, performance goals, etc. After all, the TH400 can be swapped in too, is as reliable as the sun (ok, maybe not quite that reliable, but close) and a heck of alot cheaper than doing an 80E or even a really serious 700R4 build, but its only got 3 gears. Life is full of trade-offs, and this decision will boil down to a personal decision based on the owner's needs, wants, and percieved needs.
'Dreamin'
Syclone#2960
What ever it takes!!
Re: basic comparison between
I found a 4l60e tranny that is used with 700 miles and claims to be bullet proof.Would it be to much trouble to use as a replacement for the stock one or does it have to be electronic controlled. Sorry for the stupid Q but I'm not real clear on the electronic control stuff.
Thanks,
I found a 4l60e tranny that is used with 700 miles and claims to be bullet proof.Would it be to much trouble to use as a replacement for the stock one or does it have to be electronic controlled. Sorry for the stupid Q but I'm not real clear on the electronic control stuff.
Thanks,
