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4L80-E Turbo Install?

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Old Feb 14, 2008 | 05:48 AM
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Default 4L80-E Turbo Install?

Has anyone installed a 4L80E in a C3 cruiser? Mine's an 81.
Currently have a 4L60E that's just been run in 500 miles. Three others failed and total mileage is 1000 miles!
Don't think it will last with the 468"BB.

Were there any clearance issues as this is about 6" longer to the rear mount than the 60E?

The issue is TORQUE. Mid range Comp cam 1900 - 6200 RPM. With the stock tires this will hit the rev limiter in first, 6000 RPM, on black top, then will sort itself out and shift into second..

Last edited by Doug73; Feb 16, 2008 at 06:37 AM. Reason: ADDITIONAL INFO
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Old Feb 14, 2008 | 10:27 AM
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You most likely will have to chop hell outta the tunnel....but it's been done before....I would pull the engine, car on jack stands and slide tranny around under there to see just what.....

a 700/4L60 is tighter than whale *****, and that's waterproof....

that 80 will be a killer, I had to widen the tunnel on the pass side for my 700 install some 11 years ago, but it was a muncie car, YMMV....
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Old Feb 14, 2008 | 12:04 PM
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This guy has installed one in an 82, here's the link to Monty's website where you'll find useful info.
http://www.montygwilliams.com/

I installed one in my 76. The tunnel needs some minor deformation at the front u-joint area but that was all in my case. Check driveline angles when installed.
Jim

Here's the cross member I made.






Last edited by jimvette999; Feb 14, 2008 at 12:34 PM. Reason: added pic of cross member
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Old Feb 14, 2008 | 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by jimvette999
This guy has installed one in an 82, here's the link to Monty's website where you'll find useful info.
http://www.montygwilliams.com/

I installed one in my 76. The tunnel needs some minor deformation at the front u-joint area but that was all in my case. Check driveline angles when installed.
Jim

Here's the cross member I made.






LOVE the way you thought out and pulled off that crossmember mod there Jim....looks fine...good show...

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Old Feb 14, 2008 | 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by mrvette
LOVE the way you thought out and pulled off that crossmember mod there Jim....looks fine...good show...

Thank you mrvette I value your opinion
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Old Feb 14, 2008 | 06:05 PM
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A 4L60e will live behind a 496 if it's just on the street. I have friend who runs a 700R4 behind a 800hp blown sbc with no problems.

I don't like no one makes a regualr style shifter for a 4l80e or 4l60e you have to run a paddle shifter
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Old Feb 15, 2008 | 07:59 AM
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I installed a 4l80e in my saginaw car last winter. Bellhousing, very tight, ended up using a lokar flex dipstick. Cooler lines, very tight but fit with no clearance problems, (94 trans w/ front lines). No problem with the driveline and yoke. On the left side I had to cut a little tunnel out for the electric plug to clear. I used the stock shifter and bought a 700 detent kit from bowtie overdrives to put the detents in the right place. I used a pcs controller, love how it all works!!
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Old Feb 15, 2008 | 09:13 AM
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Originally Posted by my72vette454
I installed a 4l80e in my saginaw car last winter. Bellhousing, very tight, ended up using a lokar flex dipstick. Cooler lines, very tight but fit with no clearance problems, (94 trans w/ front lines). No problem with the driveline and yoke. On the left side I had to cut a little tunnel out for the electric plug to clear. I used the stock shifter and bought a 700 detent kit from bowtie overdrives to put the detents in the right place. I used a pcs controller, love how it all works!!

I also used a Lokar dipstick, TCI trans. & controller (mounted behind passenger dash pad along with ECU), Hurst Pistol Grip Shifter (no low gear selection) and a late model TCI trans. with an improved oiling system that locates one of the cooler lines to the center hub support. This relocated line location gave me good clearance on my cooler lines. The TCI trans in my posted picture was replaced with the later model one that has a drain plug in the pan which is a lower profile, sleaker design. I had no clearance issue with the electrical plug in on the drivers side. Interesting how these C3's differ.
Jim
Shifter

First 4l80e

Alum. 406

Last edited by jimvette999; Feb 15, 2008 at 09:18 AM.
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Old Feb 15, 2008 | 09:50 AM
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I've been told you can build up a L60 to an L80...
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Old Feb 15, 2008 | 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Stumpdeisel
I've been told you can build up a L60 to an L80...
I think a 4L80E is overkill for most applications including mine but I like to overkill things anyway for peace of mind.
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Old Feb 15, 2008 | 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Stumpdeisel
I've been told you can build up a L60 to an L80...
NOPE, no way, IMO, the 700/4l60e is a bad design with all sorts of long term reliability problems, just look at the various combos of 3/4 clutch packs that are made for curing various problems with them....and all the complaints about 'built' units failing for no apparent reason.....I went my distance with my 700, not knowing of the existance of the 200 4r, and so about 2 years ago, pulled it out for the last time, and went the 200 route, been fine since....
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Old Feb 15, 2008 | 04:12 PM
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Originally Posted by jimvette999
I think a 4L80E is overkill for most applications including mine but I like to overkill things anyway for peace of mind.
I agree
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