Controlling a 4L60E or 4L80E
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: hamilton square NJ
Controlling a 4L60E or 4L80E
I'm getting worried about my 700R4 with the new stroker that I'm building. It has a shift kit in there and it feels pretty strong but I think that I will blow this thing up with the new motor. I'm estimating 520ft lbs of torque and 450hp. That should be enough to make this trans scream. So if the worst happens is there a way to control a 4L60E or a 4L80E with my StealthRam or possibly a seperate computer unit. Does anyone make a kit that will install the trans in a non computer controlled vehicle. I don't think that the StealthRam has the capability to control the shift points.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
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From: Park Ridge IL
Re: Controlling a 4L60E or 4L80E (xfactor974)
I have a built 4L80E in my '82. I'm using a TCI T-Com controller, which will control either a 4L60E or a 4L80E. I like it lot, the software is very easy to use and the hardware is similar to my FAST/SpeedPro SEFI, so it's high quality and rugged. Jeg's sells it for about $720.
The 4L80E will require you to modify the tranny crossmember becuase the mount is about 4" farther back than a 700R4 or 4L60E. You'll also need to shorten your driveshaft, it uses a T400 yoke. If you get a 4L80E , make sure it's for a 2WD car, and if you get an aftermarket torque convertor made, make sure and tell them it's being used on a SBC 3-bolt flexplate. The stock torque convertors use a 6 bolt flexplate.
You'll also need to address the matter of the electronic only speedo for the 4L80E. You can either use an electronic speedo from Autometer or factory, or you can buy a modified tailhousing from someone like BowTie Overdrives.
The 4L80E will handle as much as 1500ft lbs when built right, but they're expensive and heavy, around 250 lbs.
The 4L80E will require you to modify the tranny crossmember becuase the mount is about 4" farther back than a 700R4 or 4L60E. You'll also need to shorten your driveshaft, it uses a T400 yoke. If you get a 4L80E , make sure it's for a 2WD car, and if you get an aftermarket torque convertor made, make sure and tell them it's being used on a SBC 3-bolt flexplate. The stock torque convertors use a 6 bolt flexplate.
You'll also need to address the matter of the electronic only speedo for the 4L80E. You can either use an electronic speedo from Autometer or factory, or you can buy a modified tailhousing from someone like BowTie Overdrives.
The 4L80E will handle as much as 1500ft lbs when built right, but they're expensive and heavy, around 250 lbs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
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Re: Controlling a 4L60E or 4L80E (xfactor974)
A couple of weeks ago a buddy of mine sent me a couple of links for alternatives to the 700r4. Unfortunately they were to my work email account and I don't have them here. I did post them here on the forum, so a search might find them. One of the sources was a place that offered a mechanically or externally electrical controlled 4L60e or 4L80e, no computer required. (I think)
I went back and found the post, http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=264598
[Modified by Smokehouse69, 8:56 PM 4/26/2002]
I went back and found the post, http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=264598
[Modified by Smokehouse69, 8:56 PM 4/26/2002]
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: hamilton square NJ
Re: Controlling a 4L60E or 4L80E (Smokehouse69)
hey thanks monty. i think i'll look into going with the 4L80E. What's the downside of a 4L60E over a 4L80E? By the way where did you get that trans built and what did it cost? I'm thinking more along the lines of a 4L60E since the car is setup for a 700R4.
[Modified by xfactor974, 7:32 PM 4/27/2002]
[Modified by xfactor974, 7:32 PM 4/27/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: Controlling a 4L60E or 4L80E (xfactor974)
The 4L60E is basically an electronic/computer controlled 700R4. Any differences in torque capacity between a 4L60E and a 700R4 is small.
I got the 4L80E rebuilt locally here in Chicago (DRC in Elk Grove) by a guy all the local racers and hot rod street guys use. It should supposedly be good for around 1500 ft lbs. He charged me $1200 which included all new bands, clutches/metals, all seals, gaskets, shift kit, etc, plus replacing some hardparts with stronger pieces.
I got the 4L80E rebuilt locally here in Chicago (DRC in Elk Grove) by a guy all the local racers and hot rod street guys use. It should supposedly be good for around 1500 ft lbs. He charged me $1200 which included all new bands, clutches/metals, all seals, gaskets, shift kit, etc, plus replacing some hardparts with stronger pieces.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: Controlling a 4L60E or 4L80E (xfactor974)
It is my understanding that a "properly" set-up 700R4 can more than withstand the 520 lb-ft of torque that your engine will produce. However, it sounds like those 480LE transmissions are darn near indestructable. I hope that an affordable controller for them will hit the market soon. The ones currently available seem a bit too high for my budget.
After reading the link posted by Smokehouse69, it appears that the "non-electric" 480L advertised is accomplished by having a "manual" only valve body. No auto shift option. Kind of like a clutchless standard. Not a bad idea if you don't mind rowing the shifter!
After reading the link posted by Smokehouse69, it appears that the "non-electric" 480L advertised is accomplished by having a "manual" only valve body. No auto shift option. Kind of like a clutchless standard. Not a bad idea if you don't mind rowing the shifter!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: hamilton square NJ
Re: Controlling a 4L60E or 4L80E (MIKER)
So, what you're saying monty if i have this straight is that i shouldn't go with the 4L60E over a 700R4 becuase they are basically the same and should just get the 700R4 built strong unless i want to upgrade toa 4L80E. Right. By the way, who makes good 700R4 parts? I'm probably going to need some heavy duty stuff.
[Modified by xfactor974, 4:05 PM 4/28/2002]
[Modified by xfactor974, 4:05 PM 4/28/2002]
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