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454 help
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
454 help
I'm looking at getting a 454 for my '92 C4 this next coming week. I found one thats just been rebuilt for $3500. My concern is that the 4L60-E transmission wont be able to take it. Does anyone know anything that might put my mind at ease?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
I built my own 4L60- 700R4, the predessor to the 4L60E.
I am very versed with both transmissions now.
There is another guy here, Pete K. Very good with them also, has a few more years of building them than I do........actually many. Hes just about the final word here on A4 trans here on C4.
If that 454 makes more than 650 Hp, probably best considering a 4L80E transmission. A Big Block Engine like a 454 ci makes so much torque.
I am interested in what they use in the C6's since 2006.
The 6L80E trans, from my own readings, they help the C6 Be Fast also.
Less engine RPM drops between gear changes.
But the transmission is in the rear of a C6 bolted directly to the rear diff.
Myself,
I am only interested in the C6 Vette Auto trans, not the current Chevy truck trans.
Brian
Last edited by 87 vette 81 big girl; Feb 22, 2011 at 07:02 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Last edited by rodj; Feb 22, 2011 at 07:34 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 15
From: backwoods upstate ny
454 makes 100 ft-lb more torque than a typ 350...4l60e will need heavy $ rework to survive...your D36 rear axle also won't play long under the extra loading...'gumball' tires will hasten failures intensely at both locations.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
It can be done.............
Build up a Very Tough 700R4 or 4L60E trans. Take a moderate HP Chevy Big Block 400- 650HP if not drag raced for every second of its life.
I did it with help from Pete K, Dana @ Probuilt transmissions, and others.
Not the easiest of tasks.
Takes patience, know how, correct assembly tools help much, Key
correct parts depending on exact usage intentions, and a budget finalized within your reach and affordability.
Not every trans builder likes to disclose all also.
Brian
Build up a Very Tough 700R4 or 4L60E trans. Take a moderate HP Chevy Big Block 400- 650HP if not drag raced for every second of its life.
I did it with help from Pete K, Dana @ Probuilt transmissions, and others.
Not the easiest of tasks.
Takes patience, know how, correct assembly tools help much, Key
correct parts depending on exact usage intentions, and a budget finalized within your reach and affordability.
Not every trans builder likes to disclose all also.
Brian
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
Kind of power that flattens your eyeballs and sucks your ribcage and lungs deep into your chest.
If you don't believe Jesus or the Lord..............
You just might afterwards.
Especially riding shotgun- Copilot.
Brian
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Can you tell us anything about the 454. ie: specs? Make sure that you have the correct linkage for the TV cable. IMO you are going to be having way more problems with the dana 36 then you will the transmission, assuming both are in good condition and stock.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 9
From: KB7TIF Ville NV
Big Block Chevy's built up and installed into any Corvette with lots of torque and HP can be fun and a scary ride at times on the street.
Kind of power that flattens your eyeballs and sucks your ribcage and lungs deep into your chest.
If you don't believe Jesus or the Lord..............
You just might afterwards.
Especially riding shotgun- Copilot.
Brian
Kind of power that flattens your eyeballs and sucks your ribcage and lungs deep into your chest.
If you don't believe Jesus or the Lord..............
You just might afterwards.
Especially riding shotgun- Copilot.
Brian
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,470
Likes: 2
From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
& he is a master craftsman. 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
I have a friend with an 89 Callaway and a 4L80e. The conversion was done by Art Carr Decades age for drag racing. Someone in San Diego (I believe) makes a tailshaft to adapt to the c-beam. He's using a stand alone computer. The setup is strong enough to torch a few 44's.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I have a friend with an 89 Callaway and a 4L80e. The conversion was done by Art Carr Decades age for drag racing. Someone in San Diego (I believe) makes a tailshaft to adapt to the c-beam. He's using a stand alone computer. The setup is strong enough to torch a few 44's.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 658
Likes: 7
From: Perth Amboy New Jersey
Check out the link below,
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4L...4L80E_Swap.htm
scroll down until you see " Attention C4 Corvette Owners C4 Corvette 700R4 / 4L60E to 4L80E Conversion Kit" it is that section
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4L...4L80E_Swap.htm
scroll down until you see " Attention C4 Corvette Owners C4 Corvette 700R4 / 4L60E to 4L80E Conversion Kit" it is that section
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Lawrence- Rock Chalk, Jayhawk. KS
Check out the link below,
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4L...4L80E_Swap.htm
scroll down until you see " Attention C4 Corvette Owners C4 Corvette 700R4 / 4L60E to 4L80E Conversion Kit" it is that section
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4L...4L80E_Swap.htm
scroll down until you see " Attention C4 Corvette Owners C4 Corvette 700R4 / 4L60E to 4L80E Conversion Kit" it is that section
I used the PATC tailshaft and output shaft "kit" when I built my 4l80e. It worked but did take a bit of modification of the c-beam to work (had to grind a bit of the c-beam for clearance).
I didn't want to use a stand alone computer, so I used TCI's manual reverse valve body with transbrake. I love it for my application, but I would not use it if you auto x or road race. It does not have engine braking in 1st, 2nd or O/D. I also installed a TCI outlaw shifter in the console which makes driving the RMVB second nature quickly.
For a converter I used a Circle D 245mm Stage III. It is one sweet converter, super drivable and tough, 100 sq. inches of clutch material for WOT lock-up. The Valve body I have now only locks up in O/D, I have been meaning to call TCI to see if I can wire it for lock-up in other gears.
Overall this is the best thing I have done to my car thus far. That said, it defiantly is not for everyone or for every application.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Wondering if you should check with the state smog ref to see what standard they might want that BB to comform to meaning equiptment, type of efi or if allowed period being as youre in Kalifornia
Street or track car?
Street or track car?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
Absolutely no way to pass smog with a big block in a 92 in California (legally).
Last edited by 383vett; Feb 26, 2011 at 11:19 PM.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
It's just for street (it's actually my daily driver). I went to the machine shop today tho and asked about getting it to pass smog and they quoted me for $9000!!!! Excluding labor!!! So I may have to got with a 383...or find another machine shop