Dinovette11

HI
My 1981 corvette currently has a 3 speed automatic transmission gear that I want to replace. I have two options, a 700 gear or a 4L80. Which one should I go for? I am debating between the two and don't know which to choose. Any and all opinions and advice would be much appreciated.

1972.5

I would go with the 700R4 no computer needed. I just put one in my 72 c10 shop truck that the overdrive is vacuum activated no sender ...wireless ...just bolt in & set the TVSS cable & go.

7T1vette

There's not much difference between the 700-R4 and the 4L80 transmission except for the designation. The 4L80E is the electronic version of the 700.

derekderek

And the 4l80 non-e is I think a 1 or 2 year scarce trans. You want an 86 or newer 700r4. Or is it 87-up? Early 700 need several weak parts replaced with later tougher parts.

fishslayer143

I put a built-up 700r4 in my 81 behind a 525HP 383 and put in 3.73 rear gears.. great combination ....over .9 years in there, no problems at all

Kacyc3

incorrect, you are thinking of the 4l60e, the 80e is like a th400 with overdrive and a computer.

skip to the 4l80, do not pass go and collect your 700r4. it is difficult to find people that actually know how to build a performance based 700r4, most will say they do and then you end up with a blown trans, money wasted and the people saying no warranty because it was custom built or built for racing. stock 4l80e, transgo shift kit and convertor is all the turbo LS guys are doing to make them hold 800hp

L88Plus

If it's the original engine in your '81, you won't even have to spend the coin to upgrade it to handle more power.
The 4L80E is a hoss, handles big blocks without issue. It's a lot more transmission than you need. It's one of the things I hoard - probably have 7 or 8 in the shop.

And as Kacyc3 said, these two aren't the same. The 4L60E came out in the early 90's as an electronic version of the 700R4.

One other one to think about - IF you can find one - is the 2004R. It's also overdrive and doesn't have the big 1-2 shift drop. One of the reasons for the drop is the very low first gear which helps weaker engine'd cars off the line.