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4L60E tranny Question

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Old May 12, 2008 | 11:08 PM
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From: Lafayette/marquez La/tx
Default 4L60E tranny Question

Ok I kinda asked this before. But after researching I get conflicting answers. I want to put the 4L60E in my 79. Ya'll said I need a computer to control it. I've seen posted somewhere that you can just hook up the lock up to your brake switch and run the tv cable to your carb, with no computer......this true? I also have the computer from the 94 Z28 that the tranny came from. if i hook this to the tranny will it work or do I need other stuff? Someone told me all I have to do is power up the computer and plug the tranny in. Please lemme hear Ya'lls thoughts.

PS. will the drive shaft need to be modified?

Or If I use a muncie 4 speed will the drive shaft need modified?


Thanks

Last edited by tgcattle; May 12, 2008 at 11:11 PM. Reason: forgot something
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Old May 13, 2008 | 07:49 AM
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The lockup you speak of is only part of the problem. A 4L60E has computer controlled shifts. Without a computer you cannot use a 4L60E. Now if you use the LT1 from the Camaro too, then you would be in business.

A 4L60E (or 700R4) will require a driveshaft modification in any C3 except 80-82 using an 82 driveshaft. A muncie 4-sp should not require driveshaft mods in a 79.
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Old May 13, 2008 | 12:50 PM
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I just went through all this: I got a 4l60E for a song and banged my head trying to get it figured out. You need the computer to control the shifts and the lockup, no way around it. I found a transgo full manual shift kit that would bypass the computer, YAY, however it didn't solve the lockup problem (for racers who don't need the lockup I was told). Noone makes a kit or anything to control lockup ONLY on these trannys, however, you can buy a complete kit, including a computer from several places in the area of 700-1000 greenies that will do all your shifts and your lockup. That alone will cost you more than all the parts for a 700R4 (or 200R4) swap, including the torque converter! Do yourself a flavor and sell it, and use the cash towards a 700R4/200R4.
I'm a week into driving mine with a 700R4 that I helped build and it rocks.
If you want, PM me and I'll give you a list of what you need and how much it should cost
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Old May 13, 2008 | 01:20 PM
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Default 700R4 in a 72 Stingray

I just made the change from a turbo 400 to the 700R4 and it works great. You will need to shorten the drive shaft and modify the crossmenber and hook up a TV cable but it all very easy. You do not need a computer to run this trans, you will need to hook up a switched power source that you can turn on for freeway driving for converter lock up. I purchase mine Trans from fourthgear.com and they have a lot of information on making this change in a corvette
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Old May 13, 2008 | 08:03 PM
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Thanks for the replies guys.
1) Would the 94 Z28 computer work in my 79 for the tranny?

2) Also "if..." I installed the LT1 in the 79. Would the horse power gains be worth the effort?( I need to call the guy I got the LT1 from so I can get the build sheet, Surely you wouldn't rebuild an LT1 without modifing it?)

3) I planned on installing some new heads and cam in my 350.....should put it around 425-450 hp. what would be the benifit of installing the LT1?
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Old May 14, 2008 | 12:39 PM
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Originally Posted by tgcattle
Thanks for the replies guys.
1) Would the 94 Z28 computer work in my 79 for the tranny?

2) Also "if..." I installed the LT1 in the 79. Would the horse power gains be worth the effort?( I need to call the guy I got the LT1 from so I can get the build sheet, Surely you wouldn't rebuild an LT1 without modifing it?)

3) I planned on installing some new heads and cam in my 350.....should put it around 425-450 hp. what would be the benifit of installing the LT1?
1. yes, but only if you install the LT1 with it. It won't work for just the trans

2. Yes it is worth the effort. What is wrong with it? Does it need to be rebuilt?

3. 425-450hp is possible with an LT1, but not stock.
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Old May 14, 2008 | 02:02 PM
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Originally Posted by tgcattle
Ok I kinda asked this before. But after researching I get conflicting answers. I want to put the 4L60E in my 79. Ya'll said I need a computer to control it. I've seen posted somewhere that you can just hook up the lock up to your brake switch and run the tv cable to your carb, with no computer......this true? I also have the computer from the 94 Z28 that the tranny came from. if i hook this to the tranny will it work or do I need other stuff? Someone told me all I have to do is power up the computer and plug the tranny in. Please lemme hear Ya'lls thoughts.

PS. will the drive shaft need to be modified?

Or If I use a muncie 4 speed will the drive shaft need modified?


Thanks
from painless:
"Painless Performance PERFECT PowerCom ETC is the transmission control unit from the System II which is available as a separate item to provide electronic transmission controls only. Now you can economically operate a your transmission with a carbureted engine."

http://www.painlessperformance.com/w...rchField=66501
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Old May 14, 2008 | 02:24 PM
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The sensor systems needed to operate a 4L60E tranny don't exist in your car and it would be cost prohibitive to install them and get them functional (unless you just install the whole engine/tranny/computer drive system from another car). Sell the tranny...or return it, if you can...and buy a non-computer operated overdrive tranny for your car.
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Old May 14, 2008 | 07:19 PM
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From: Lafayette/marquez La/tx
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The Lt1 engine and tranny are both freshly rebuilt
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Old May 15, 2008 | 07:59 AM
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Originally Posted by tgcattle
The Lt1 engine and tranny are both freshly rebuilt
Then put them in together and do the rest of the FI swap. If you use the LT1 and it's computer, then the trans is fine.
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