4l60e 3-4 clutch pacs
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
4l60e 3-4 clutch pacs
What are you guys using in your 4l60e 3-4 clutch plates. My built auto has lost 3rd and 4th gear. My power level is about 800rwhp. I had a rpm level 6 that lasted several years. I was just wondering if there is anything better to put in it. Has anyone have experience with the sonnex smart tech shell?
#2
Safety Car
After a couple times, I got tired of sending mine back to RPM, and decided to tackle this myself. It actually wasn't all that bad. Funny thing about high HP builds, you can talk to 4 builders and get 4 different answers. Lots of different opinion about what works.
I also installed the Sonnax drum this summer. I believe this upgrade goes a long way to the longevity of the 3/4 clutch. With the Sonnax drum, you can load an extra friction disc, run full thickness steels, and the improved end plate prevents warping, which is how mine have failed.
Currently I'm running it with Raybestos blue plates. I got some good deals and helpful tech support from Jeff at Trutech trans. I only have one season so far, but it took a beating with racing at 1000hp. Here are some other posts you might find interesting.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-rpm-4l60.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ggestions.html
This thing is the golden ticket! It's also available from RPM with a Level X upgrade. I'm using this setup:
8 frictions .065 from Raybestos RCPBP-04
7 steels .097
I also installed the Sonnax drum this summer. I believe this upgrade goes a long way to the longevity of the 3/4 clutch. With the Sonnax drum, you can load an extra friction disc, run full thickness steels, and the improved end plate prevents warping, which is how mine have failed.
Currently I'm running it with Raybestos blue plates. I got some good deals and helpful tech support from Jeff at Trutech trans. I only have one season so far, but it took a beating with racing at 1000hp. Here are some other posts you might find interesting.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-rpm-4l60.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ggestions.html
This thing is the golden ticket! It's also available from RPM with a Level X upgrade. I'm using this setup:
8 frictions .065 from Raybestos RCPBP-04
7 steels .097
#3
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thanks
I was hoping someone had some real world experience with this sonnex drum. It would make sense that this may stop the bending of the friction plates and the extra plates my help hold the power. This is my first 4l60e failure I have had. I just want to use the best parts for the rebuild. The $650 for the part may save a lot of headaches next season.
I was hoping someone had some real world experience with this sonnex drum. It would make sense that this may stop the bending of the friction plates and the extra plates my help hold the power. This is my first 4l60e failure I have had. I just want to use the best parts for the rebuild. The $650 for the part may save a lot of headaches next season.
After a couple times, I got tired of sending mine back to RPM, and decided to tackle this myself. It actually wasn't all that bad. Funny thing about high HP builds, you can talk to 4 builders and get 4 different answers. Lots of different opinion about what works.
I also installed the Sonnax drum this summer. I believe this upgrade goes a long way to the longevity of the 3/4 clutch. With the Sonnax drum, you can load an extra friction disc, run full thickness steels, and the improved end plate prevents warping, which is how mine have failed.
Currently I'm running it with Raybestos blue plates. I got some good deals and helpful tech support from Jeff at Trutech trans. I only have one season so far, but it took a beating with racing at 1000hp. Here are some other posts you might find interesting.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-rpm-4l60.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ggestions.html
This thing is the golden ticket! It's also available from RPM with a Level X upgrade. I'm using this setup:
8 frictions .065 from Raybestos RCPBP-04
7 steels .097
I also installed the Sonnax drum this summer. I believe this upgrade goes a long way to the longevity of the 3/4 clutch. With the Sonnax drum, you can load an extra friction disc, run full thickness steels, and the improved end plate prevents warping, which is how mine have failed.
Currently I'm running it with Raybestos blue plates. I got some good deals and helpful tech support from Jeff at Trutech trans. I only have one season so far, but it took a beating with racing at 1000hp. Here are some other posts you might find interesting.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-rpm-4l60.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ggestions.html
This thing is the golden ticket! It's also available from RPM with a Level X upgrade. I'm using this setup:
8 frictions .065 from Raybestos RCPBP-04
7 steels .097
#4
Safety Car
For sure it's a good investment. Before getting the drum, I just put fresh clutches in the original drum and again in 2 years they were shot. Here's a couple pics showing how they become dished/warped. They should be flat.
After watching this demo video, it makes sense why this happens. I got the bare Sonnax drum and had a shop to press out my input shaft and back into the new drum. It was hard finding a place to do it though, several shops turned me away that weren't interested unless they did the whole build. You can avoid this headache by ordering the drum with a hardened shaft installed.
After watching this demo video, it makes sense why this happens. I got the bare Sonnax drum and had a shop to press out my input shaft and back into the new drum. It was hard finding a place to do it though, several shops turned me away that weren't interested unless they did the whole build. You can avoid this headache by ordering the drum with a hardened shaft installed.
Last edited by Chris Stewart; 11-28-2015 at 12:30 PM.
#5
Instructor
Thread Starter
I agree 100% with you. Do you know which part to get? The summitt page lists an input shaft with a reluctor and one without
Sonnax Industries 77733-10K - Sonnax Smart-Tech Input Housing Kits
Click here for more information about Sonnax Industries 77733-10K - Sonnax Smart-Tech Input Housing Kits
Compare
Input Housing, Smart-Tech, 298mm Input Shaft Assembly, GM, 4L60E, 4L65E, 4L70E, Kit
(1)
Part Number: SOX-77733-10K More Detail...
Estimated Ship Date: Monday 11/30/2015
$658.84
1
Click here to add SOX-77733-10K to your shopping cart. Click here to add SOX-77733-10K to your shopping wishlist.
Multiple Images Free Shipping
Sonnax Industries 77733-11K - Sonnax Smart-Tech Input Housing Kits
Click here for more information about Sonnax Industries 77733-11K - Sonnax Smart-Tech Input Housing Kits
Compare
Input Housing, Smart-Tech, 300mm Non-reluctor Style Input Shaft Assembly, GM, 4L60E, 4L65E, 4L70E, Kit
Not Yet Reviewed
Part Number: SOX-77733-11K More Detail...
Estimated Ship Date: Monday 11/30/2015
$658.84
1
Click here to add SOX-77733-11K to your shopping cart. Click here to add SOX-77733-11K to your shopping wishlist.
Multiple
Sonnax Industries 77733-10K - Sonnax Smart-Tech Input Housing Kits
Click here for more information about Sonnax Industries 77733-10K - Sonnax Smart-Tech Input Housing Kits
Compare
Input Housing, Smart-Tech, 298mm Input Shaft Assembly, GM, 4L60E, 4L65E, 4L70E, Kit
(1)
Part Number: SOX-77733-10K More Detail...
Estimated Ship Date: Monday 11/30/2015
$658.84
1
Click here to add SOX-77733-10K to your shopping cart. Click here to add SOX-77733-10K to your shopping wishlist.
Multiple Images Free Shipping
Sonnax Industries 77733-11K - Sonnax Smart-Tech Input Housing Kits
Click here for more information about Sonnax Industries 77733-11K - Sonnax Smart-Tech Input Housing Kits
Compare
Input Housing, Smart-Tech, 300mm Non-reluctor Style Input Shaft Assembly, GM, 4L60E, 4L65E, 4L70E, Kit
Not Yet Reviewed
Part Number: SOX-77733-11K More Detail...
Estimated Ship Date: Monday 11/30/2015
$658.84
1
Click here to add SOX-77733-11K to your shopping cart. Click here to add SOX-77733-11K to your shopping wishlist.
Multiple
#7
Safety Car
No doubt about the trans/drivetrain mods, they're a big deal once you start making power and racing.
According to this place that sells the drum, here are the options. So I think you're looking for the 77733-11K. No reluctor because our speed sensor in not in the trans.
transmissioncenter.org/new_patc_products.htm
Good info here. Find the word "loaded" for an easy solution, alpha drum fully assembled & ready to drop in.
According to this place that sells the drum, here are the options. So I think you're looking for the 77733-11K. No reluctor because our speed sensor in not in the trans.
transmissioncenter.org/new_patc_products.htm
Good info here. Find the word "loaded" for an easy solution, alpha drum fully assembled & ready to drop in.
Last edited by Chris Stewart; 11-28-2015 at 06:21 PM.
#8
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thanks for the info.
What did you decide to do about your engine?
What did you decide to do about your engine?
No doubt about the trans/drivetrain mods, they're a big deal once you start making power and racing.
According to this place that sells the drum, here are the options. So I think you're looking for the 77733-11K. No reluctor because our speed sensor in not in the trans.
transmissioncenter.org/new_patc_products.htm
Good info here. Find the word "loaded" for an easy solution, alpha drum fully assembled & ready to drop in.
According to this place that sells the drum, here are the options. So I think you're looking for the 77733-11K. No reluctor because our speed sensor in not in the trans.
transmissioncenter.org/new_patc_products.htm
Good info here. Find the word "loaded" for an easy solution, alpha drum fully assembled & ready to drop in.
#9
Safety Car
Yep, good luck with it. I think it's worth sharing and documenting as much as possible here. You know there's hundreds of others out there having or going to have the same problem.
Nothing new with mine yet. It's been parked for 2 months while I helped my son rebuild his 01 Firebird that popped a piston. Just got my car back in the garage and start planning a shortblock.
It turned out great though, listen to this thing.
Nothing new with mine yet. It's been parked for 2 months while I helped my son rebuild his 01 Firebird that popped a piston. Just got my car back in the garage and start planning a shortblock.
It turned out great though, listen to this thing.
#11
Instructor
Thread Starter
sounds like a stock rebuild
Yep, good luck with it. I think it's worth sharing and documenting as much as possible here. You know there's hundreds of others out there having or going to have the same problem.
Nothing new with mine yet. It's been parked for 2 months while I helped my son rebuild his 01 Firebird that popped a piston. Just got my car back in the garage and start planning a shortblock.
It turned out great though, listen to this thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OaePB-YPwc
Nothing new with mine yet. It's been parked for 2 months while I helped my son rebuild his 01 Firebird that popped a piston. Just got my car back in the garage and start planning a shortblock.
It turned out great though, listen to this thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OaePB-YPwc
#12
After a couple times, I got tired of sending mine back to RPM, and decided to tackle this myself. It actually wasn't all that bad. Funny thing about high HP builds, you can talk to 4 builders and get 4 different answers. Lots of different opinion about what works.
I also installed the Sonnax drum this summer. I believe this upgrade goes a long way to the longevity of the 3/4 clutch. With the Sonnax drum, you can load an extra friction disc, run full thickness steels, and the improved end plate prevents warping, which is how mine have failed.
Currently I'm running it with Raybestos blue plates. I got some good deals and helpful tech support from Jeff at Trutech trans. I only have one season so far, but it took a beating with racing at 1000hp. Here are some other posts you might find interesting.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-rpm-4l60.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ggestions.html
This thing is the golden ticket! It's also available from RPM with a Level X upgrade. I'm using this setup:
8 frictions .065 from Raybestos RCPBP-04
7 steels .097
I also installed the Sonnax drum this summer. I believe this upgrade goes a long way to the longevity of the 3/4 clutch. With the Sonnax drum, you can load an extra friction disc, run full thickness steels, and the improved end plate prevents warping, which is how mine have failed.
Currently I'm running it with Raybestos blue plates. I got some good deals and helpful tech support from Jeff at Trutech trans. I only have one season so far, but it took a beating with racing at 1000hp. Here are some other posts you might find interesting.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-rpm-4l60.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ggestions.html
This thing is the golden ticket! It's also available from RPM with a Level X upgrade. I'm using this setup:
8 frictions .065 from Raybestos RCPBP-04
7 steels .097
The following users liked this post:
Ronnie_W (12-10-2015)
#14
Safety Car
The Raybestos RCPBP-04 is a kit to replace all the frictions, and includes the blue plates for 3/4. I used them all but only really needed the 3/4.
The steels are ordered separately. The kit I got for steels was part number 74139G. Only problem it was one short, because it's intended for a standard drum. So you would need another one via 2nd kit or find a place that sells singles.
The only place I've found that sells a 3/4 clutch & steel kit specific to the Sonnax drum is PATC (transmissioncenter.net/4l60e.htm). It's part number 14-9, and comes with 9 RedEagle clutches, 8 Kolene full thickness steel plates to fit the new Smart Tech drum. Cost $102.00
They seem to recommend the red clutches. You could give that a try and probably be happy, but they might also sell a blue plate kit if you call and ask. These are the 3/4 clutch options for the Sonnax drum they sell.
Alto Red Eagle (recommended)
9 frictions @ .060"
7 Kolene steels @ .078"
1 Kolene Steel @ .106"
Clearance @ .030-.035"
Raybestos Blue Plates
9 frictions .063"
8 steels .078"
Clearance @ .050"
Notice my stackup had less overall plates because the steels are thicker (8 frictions .065, 7 steels .097, clearance ended up about .030). The shop I was working with felt thicker steels are better, think of it like brake rotors where thinner ones glow and warp easier. Made sense to me so I went with it.
The steels are ordered separately. The kit I got for steels was part number 74139G. Only problem it was one short, because it's intended for a standard drum. So you would need another one via 2nd kit or find a place that sells singles.
The only place I've found that sells a 3/4 clutch & steel kit specific to the Sonnax drum is PATC (transmissioncenter.net/4l60e.htm). It's part number 14-9, and comes with 9 RedEagle clutches, 8 Kolene full thickness steel plates to fit the new Smart Tech drum. Cost $102.00
They seem to recommend the red clutches. You could give that a try and probably be happy, but they might also sell a blue plate kit if you call and ask. These are the 3/4 clutch options for the Sonnax drum they sell.
Alto Red Eagle (recommended)
9 frictions @ .060"
7 Kolene steels @ .078"
1 Kolene Steel @ .106"
Clearance @ .030-.035"
Raybestos Blue Plates
9 frictions .063"
8 steels .078"
Clearance @ .050"
Notice my stackup had less overall plates because the steels are thicker (8 frictions .065, 7 steels .097, clearance ended up about .030). The shop I was working with felt thicker steels are better, think of it like brake rotors where thinner ones glow and warp easier. Made sense to me so I went with it.
Last edited by Chris Stewart; 12-10-2015 at 06:52 PM.
#16
Instructor
Thread Starter
update
my trans got rebuilt using using the raybestos gen2 blue plates pn577540.
9 clutches and 8 Kolenes steels in the sonnax smart-tech drum. You can order the clutch plates and steels individually.
my trans got rebuilt using using the raybestos gen2 blue plates pn577540.
9 clutches and 8 Kolenes steels in the sonnax smart-tech drum. You can order the clutch plates and steels individually.
The following users liked this post:
Ronnie_W (12-10-2015)
#20
Instructor
Thread Starter
I am actually lucky; my local garage has a couple of "car" guys for mechanics. Since Dr.Phil is no longer doing any mechanical work now; I have my local garage take care of my ttix car. The mechanic was a transmission specialist at a dealership in the past and did all gm transmissions. Any one in michigan who needs help with a ttix car should give these guys a call.