Transmission
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
Transmission
Was looking at the 4L80 transmission to put behind a BB. I find some info on here but just wanting to verify. From what I saw it will fit with very little modification? Do they have different shaft lengths or anything else I need to check for before getting one? I saw something about different cooler line set ups also. What years do I want to look for?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
This is something I use to do a lot of research on until I decided to go with a stick. I do not remember which years were best, but I can say that the 4L80E is nothing cheap. The 4L80E IMHO is better suited for a truck. They are extremely heavy and 100% electronic. You will need to have a computer operate the tranny unless you change to a full manual valve body which is $$$. Unless you have aftermarket gauges you will have to buy a speedometer pulse generator. Abbot Cable X would be a good example of what you would have to buy. I want to say they are over $350. You will also have to mod cross member and shorten drive shaft. If if were me personally and it had to be an auto, th400 with a gear vendors or modded 700r4.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The 700R4 is the non-electronic version of the 4L80E tranny. Unless you want to install the appropriate computer, sensors, and wiring to make it work properly, go with the 700R4 and a simple controller box to make the lockup function work as intended.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 52
From: Florida
IMO if you want bullet proof computer controlled OD trans., get the 4L80E. If you want bullet proof non computerized, non OD trans., get a TH400. If you want decent non computerized OD trans., get a 700R4, or to a lesser extent a 2004R. FWIW, the 4L60E/4L65E works better than any TV cable operated older brother 700R4 I've ever built/driven. With 300-350 HP or less, you could use a TH350C with no computer or OD but with lock up converter. The 700R4, 2004R, 4L60E, & 4L65E need upgrades to make them durable above 300 HP or abusive driving techniques..... IMO.
I run a 4L80E in my 76 and had to deform the trans. tunnel slightly for the output yoke, fabricated a cross member and shortened the drive shaft. I'm using a TCI controller. It's nice to be able to program the shift firmness, shift points and many other attributes with a laptop. If you buy one, try and find a 1997 and later for improved center hub lubrication change. Convert cooler line fittings on case to -AN for ease of connection.
I run a 4L80E in my 76 and had to deform the trans. tunnel slightly for the output yoke, fabricated a cross member and shortened the drive shaft. I'm using a TCI controller. It's nice to be able to program the shift firmness, shift points and many other attributes with a laptop. If you buy one, try and find a 1997 and later for improved center hub lubrication change. Convert cooler line fittings on case to -AN for ease of connection.
Last edited by jimvette999; Nov 23, 2010 at 12:30 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
Thanks for the info. I'm putting a BB in and have been looking at just a th400 but saw a deal on a 4L80e the other day and was thinking about it for the od. I knew about the computer control and that doesn't bother me. Just wasn't sure if they'd all fit or not. This was a '85. Was looking at it more than the others for the strength of the unit.
I had looked into gearvenders but too expensive for me to use as a conversion plus I'd still have to mod the underside somewhat for it to fit. I'll keep looking as I have some time before I bite that bullet. A th400 so far is the best bang for the buck.
I had looked into gearvenders but too expensive for me to use as a conversion plus I'd still have to mod the underside somewhat for it to fit. I'll keep looking as I have some time before I bite that bullet. A th400 so far is the best bang for the buck.
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