Noob C5 auto trans ???'s
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 102
Likes: 4
Noob C5 auto trans ???'s
Hey all, my first post here! Im coming over from LS1tech for obviously the much higher volume vette discussions. Im planning on buying my first C5 in a year or so and wanted to know if the STOCK auto trans will hold up to mid-high 11 sec 1/4 runs on radials. Im assuming there is a 4l80e in these years cars? Planned mods are bolt-ons and about a 3500 stall. This will be my DD and brought to the track 2-3 times a year. Really want to avoid spending the $$ on a new rebuilt trans, but will do it if there is more than a 10% chance of it blowing.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 0
From: Roswell New Mexico
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
the 4l60 in the vette is just as crappy as the one in the F-body. None of the vettes came with 4l80's . There are conversions for this, but unlike the f-body you are looking at close to 8K or more to convert to a Th400 or the 4l80E.
Your best option is to have your 4l60E E built up by one of the forum sponsor, i.e. Rodney at RPM , or Yank
Your best option is to have your 4l60E E built up by one of the forum sponsor, i.e. Rodney at RPM , or Yank
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 789
Likes: 38
From: Shreveport LA
Originally Posted by YO-EL
The stock 4L60E can hold up for about 100-150 mid 11 second runs I'd say... Most likely a little shorter....
If you want to go fast you better plan on upgrading it unless you like to walk.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 102
Likes: 4
Damn this is some disappointing news. Im only 23 and hope to get a used C5. A C6 will prolly be out of my range, although I have to consider the modding money I will save on the C6. Ive heard a lot of bad stories about guys rebuilding their 4l60e's 2 and 3 times in thier F-bods before finally going to a TH350 or 400. Will a rebuilt 4l60e really do the trick and is that true a TH400 will cost 8K!! 
What about a TH350? is there one offered. How can ther be such a big $$ difference, the same mods in an F-bod is about $1500-3000. Also, kinda weird there is no post counter.
What about a TH350? is there one offered. How can ther be such a big $$ difference, the same mods in an F-bod is about $1500-3000. Also, kinda weird there is no post counter.
Last edited by TA Racer; Nov 7, 2006 at 05:49 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,294
Likes: 2
From: Suffolk, Long Island NY
A rebuilt 4L60E by Rodney, RPM, Vette Doctors, or Dynotech will have no problem standing up to what you plan on putting it through. I have over 100 low 11 second passes, and about 250 on the trans, with no problems. Redgar had The Vette Doctors rebuild his and it lasted over 250 11 second passes.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 789
Likes: 38
From: Shreveport LA
Originally Posted by TA Racer
Thanks for the help fellas. Lastly, can I trust a stock C6 4l80e to get me where I want with no upgrades.
The C6 comes with a 4L65E tranny and a new X15R/6L80E. The X15R is rated 430 lb-ft . Can you get into 11's with ~430 lb-ft? Yes. You will still prob have to upgrade it though.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 789
Likes: 38
From: Shreveport LA
Originally Posted by TA Racer
cool I think I can keep it to 430 ft/lb and get where I want. Now just gotta start saving some $ $ $
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 102
Likes: 4
I may explore that option as well, too early to tell right now for me. While we're on the topic of upgrading the weak links in auto C5's, what about the output shaft? probably a dumb question, or do only M6's have that part? What about any other weak links I have to look out for in the drivetrain or any other area. I really dont want to have this car sidelined at all, already been there with my brothers SS, and NEVER want it to happen again.
Last edited by TA Racer; Nov 7, 2006 at 10:12 PM.
Vettaholic
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Wherever I drive my vette
This what I chose to do this spring and I don't regret it. Far more fun than to buy a stocker and leave it as is. And a modded C5 can be a real screamer.
RPM (Rodney) is your friend. It also heavily depends on what you want to do. You might want to go for a mild converter, 3.42 and a tranny cooler and will be fine. It you plan for bigger mods like FI and over 500 RWHP, and drag radials, a rebuilt transmission is in order.
Have fun
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 102
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by RED99
For what a C6 cost, you could buy a nice older C5 for $20k or less, and for the $30k-$40k you would save on the C6, build one Bad A$$ C5.
So let me get this straight, a stall, gears, tranny cooler, rebuilt 4l60e, bolt-ons and im safe depending on this car every day to get to work while running high 11's in a C5?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
Originally Posted by TA Racer
Hey all, my first post here! Im coming over from LS1tech for obviously the much higher volume vette discussions. Im planning on buying my first C5 in a year or so and wanted to know if the STOCK auto trans will hold up to mid-high 11 sec 1/4 runs on radials. Im assuming there is a 4l80e in these years cars? Planned mods are bolt-ons and about a 3500 stall. This will be my DD and brought to the track 2-3 times a year. Really want to avoid spending the $$ on a new rebuilt trans, but will do it if there is more than a 10% chance of it blowing.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,155
Likes: 154
From: The Arid Sunny Desert
Originally Posted by chaase
I am currently running the mid-high 11's w/DR's. So far so good.
Gotta love that Vette Drs. Heads/Cam package huh?