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1999 4L60-E Transmission Upgrades

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Old Apr 28, 2012 | 09:17 AM
  #1  
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Default 1999 4L60-E Transmission Upgrades

I'd like to start by saying that I am excited to be a part of the Corvette community.

I recently bought a 1999 Vette equipped with the 4-speed auto transmission & stock 2.73 diff; the car is completely stock (for now).

I would like to get more responsiveness out of the transmission. Does anyone have any experience with a B&M Holeshot 2000 torque converter? Also, what about their Shift Improver kits?

Any info on the pros and cons of these, or other products that are better is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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Old Apr 28, 2012 | 12:31 PM
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I would NEVER reccomend a " mechanical shift kit" on any computer controlled trans--The shift firmness can all be adjusted in your tune--The older vacuum operated trannys were different and the only way to improve the shift feel was mechanical--The new 4L trannys shift with electrical solenoids--tuning those tables improves firmness
2ndly--You have a couple drwbacks that are just plain physics-----A 2.73 diff.and a stock stall of apprx 1400--This combination makes the car a dog from a dead stop(sorry) LOL
also I would never (again) go with any stall that uses the stock diameter converter--they are just re-worked stock ones and they just don't hold up--Their max stall is usually about 2800 --A smaller diameter converter will hold up much better -they start at 3000
and are a completly re-designed unit---A 3000 stall is the min i would go with a stock cam-and will be barely noticeable on the street and won't affect fuel mileage or trans longivity-But installing an aftermarket trans cooler is a must--
A 3000 stall will really wake up your car---If won't even feel like you are driving the same car !!---If you have the money i would get a take-off complete rear end off a Z06 (3.42) or a "sport" gear off a C5 (3.15) --I would recc. the 3.42---they can be found with low miles for about $750 and about $300 to install--do the converter and diff all at once while the trans is out---And finally get it tuned and it will shift 100% better--firmer and have the lock-up set higher like to 50 MPH ( stock i think is only 38 MPH)
It really makes them fun to drive !!!
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Old Apr 28, 2012 | 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by tblu92
I would NEVER reccomend a " mechanical shift kit" on any computer controlled trans--The shift firmness can all be adjusted in your tune--The older vacuum operated trannys were different and the only way to improve the shift feel was mechanical--The new 4L trannys shift with electrical solenoids--tuning those tables improves firmness
2ndly--You have a couple drwbacks that are just plain physics-----A 2.73 diff.and a stock stall of apprx 1400--This combination makes the car a dog from a dead stop(sorry) LOL
also I would never (again) go with any stall that uses the stock diameter converter--they are just re-worked stock ones and they just don't hold up--Their max stall is usually about 2800 --A smaller diameter converter will hold up much better -they start at 3000
and are a completly re-designed unit---A 3000 stall is the min i would go with a stock cam-and will be barely noticeable on the street and won't affect fuel mileage or trans longivity-But installing an aftermarket trans cooler is a must--
A 3000 stall will really wake up your car---If won't even feel like you are driving the same car !!---If you have the money i would get a take-off complete rear end off a Z06 (3.42) or a "sport" gear off a C5 (3.15) --I would recc. the 3.42---they can be found with low miles for about $750 and about $300 to install--do the converter and diff all at once while the trans is out---And finally get it tuned and it will shift 100% better--firmer and have the lock-up set higher like to 50 MPH ( stock i think is only 38 MPH)
It really makes them fun to drive !!!
Yea! What he said...
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Old Apr 28, 2012 | 03:38 PM
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Originally Posted by tblu92
I would NEVER reccomend a " mechanical shift kit" on any computer controlled trans--The shift firmness can all be adjusted in your tune--The older vacuum operated trannys were different and the only way to improve the shift feel was mechanical--The new 4L trannys shift with electrical solenoids--tuning those tables improves firmness
2ndly--You have a couple drwbacks that are just plain physics-----A 2.73 diff.and a stock stall of apprx 1400--This combination makes the car a dog from a dead stop(sorry) LOL
also I would never (again) go with any stall that uses the stock diameter converter--they are just re-worked stock ones and they just don't hold up--Their max stall is usually about 2800 --A smaller diameter converter will hold up much better -they start at 3000
and are a completly re-designed unit---A 3000 stall is the min i would go with a stock cam-and will be barely noticeable on the street and won't affect fuel mileage or trans longivity-But installing an aftermarket trans cooler is a must--
A 3000 stall will really wake up your car---If won't even feel like you are driving the same car !!---If you have the money i would get a take-off complete rear end off a Z06 (3.42) or a "sport" gear off a C5 (3.15) --I would recc. the 3.42---they can be found with low miles for about $750 and about $300 to install--do the converter and diff all at once while the trans is out---And finally get it tuned and it will shift 100% better--firmer and have the lock-up set higher like to 50 MPH ( stock i think is only 38 MPH)
It really makes them fun to drive !!!
Good post. The 3:42s are readily available as the Z06 guys pull them out to install lower gear ratios. With the tune you can increase the tranny pressure.shorten the shift times, and raise the shift points-no need to put a "kit" in it. Welcome to the forum,

Last edited by tiojames; Apr 28, 2012 at 03:42 PM.
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Old Apr 28, 2012 | 06:07 PM
  #5  
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Funny,

The 4L60E specialists actually do put shift kits in because a shift kit will do things the reprogramming simply can't. In fact, most will say do not alter the force motor current from stock. Feel free to play with shift speed, RPM and shift quickness.

Performabuilt
"We strongly suggest that you have all transmission tuning tables returned to stock. Then you may make adjustments for shift time and converter lockup as needed. But please leave the pressure tables alone"

Mad Dog (Forum Sponsor)
•This Level 3 transmission comes with a Mad Dog Reprogramming update kit, Mad Dog shift kit


RPM (Forum Favorite)
All of our LEVEL V 4L60E/4L65E/4L70E automatic transmissions include:

Media blast transmission case
RPM sleeved input drum
RPM 3-4 clutch pack
RPM reinforced sunshell with collar and bearing
Billet over-run piston
Heavy Duty double caged 29 element sprag
4L65E low roller clutch
Billet 4th gear servo
Transgo HD-2 shift kit
Corvette Servo
Wide 2-4 band
Updated aluminum accumulator piston
Bushing kit

No shift kit huh?
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2012 | 08:40 AM
  #6  
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Thanks for the input. I'm still on the fence about a shift kit, but I am definitely going to install a 3.15 or 3.43 differential and the tune I will need to do for purposes of recalibrating the PCM will allow me to adjust the shift points.
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Old Apr 29, 2012 | 10:06 AM
  #7  
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From: pawleys island sc
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Originally Posted by RonSSNova
Funny,

The 4L60E specialists actually do put shift kits in because a shift kit will do things the reprogramming simply can't. In fact, most will say do not alter the force motor current from stock. Feel free to play with shift speed, RPM and shift quickness.

Performabuilt
"We strongly suggest that you have all transmission tuning tables returned to stock. Then you may make adjustments for shift time and converter lockup as needed. But please leave the pressure tables alone"

Mad Dog (Forum Sponsor)
•This Level 3 transmission comes with a Mad Dog Reprogramming update kit, Mad Dog shift kit


RPM (Forum Favorite)
All of our LEVEL V 4L60E/4L65E/4L70E automatic transmissions include:

Media blast transmission case
RPM sleeved input drum
RPM 3-4 clutch pack
RPM reinforced sunshell with collar and bearing
Billet over-run piston
Heavy Duty double caged 29 element sprag
4L65E low roller clutch
Billet 4th gear servo
Transgo HD-2 shift kit
Corvette Servo
Wide 2-4 band
Updated aluminum accumulator piston
Bushing kit

No shift kit huh?
Also included in the LEVEL IV trani
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2012 | 10:53 AM
  #8  
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From what I have read here and there, The TransGo -2HD is popular. Most shops seem to tweak their own recepie.
I use TransGo in my NovaTH400. Love it.

I just removed a 3.15 diff, yesterday! 3.42 going in along with a Performabuilt trans.

All on the garage floor......been interesting.

Ron
Reply
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Old Apr 29, 2012 | 10:22 PM
  #9  
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
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Originally Posted by RonSSNova
Funny,

The 4L60E specialists actually do put shift kits in because a shift kit will do things the reprogramming simply can't. In fact, most will say do not alter the force motor current from stock. Feel free to play with shift speed, RPM and shift quickness.

Performabuilt
"We strongly suggest that you have all transmission tuning tables returned to stock. Then you may make adjustments for shift time and converter lockup as needed. But please leave the pressure tables alone"

Mad Dog (Forum Sponsor)
•This Level 3 transmission comes with a Mad Dog Reprogramming update kit, Mad Dog shift kit


RPM (Forum Favorite)
All of our LEVEL V 4L60E/4L65E/4L70E automatic transmissions include:

Media blast transmission case
RPM sleeved input drum
RPM 3-4 clutch pack
RPM reinforced sunshell with collar and bearing
Billet over-run piston
Heavy Duty double caged 29 element sprag
4L65E low roller clutch
Billet 4th gear servo
Transgo HD-2 shift kit
Corvette Servo
Wide 2-4 band
Updated aluminum accumulator piston
Bushing kit

No shift kit huh?
If you look at the list above, you will notice that all the problem areas are corrected when a shift kit is installed.

Mike V
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2012 | 12:19 PM
  #10  
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tblu92
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From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
Default

Originally Posted by RonSSNova
Funny,

The 4L60E specialists actually do put shift kits in because a shift kit will do things the reprogramming simply can't. In fact, most will say do not alter the force motor current from stock. Feel free to play with shift speed, RPM and shift quickness.

Performabuilt
"We strongly suggest that you have all transmission tuning tables returned to stock. Then you may make adjustments for shift time and converter lockup as needed. But please leave the pressure tables alone"

Mad Dog (Forum Sponsor)
•This Level 3 transmission comes with a Mad Dog Reprogramming update kit, Mad Dog shift kit


RPM (Forum Favorite)
All of our LEVEL V 4L60E/4L65E/4L70E automatic transmissions include:

Media blast transmission case
RPM sleeved input drum
RPM 3-4 clutch pack
RPM reinforced sunshell with collar and bearing
Billet over-run piston
Heavy Duty double caged 29 element sprag
4L65E low roller clutch
Billet 4th gear servo
Transgo HD-2 shift kit
Corvette Servo
Wide 2-4 band
Updated aluminum accumulator piston
Bushing kit

No shift kit huh?
"Shift Kit" has become a broad term and can mean many things to different people--Some companies call a new servo a "shift kit" or a wider band a shift kit--etc.---
As far as "force motor current" goes--Iwas taught (at EFILIVE University) just the opposite---Not to mess with trans pressure and use the FMC table instead !!
If you buy a Super charger kit from Maggie they will send you a "base tune"loaded on a "Superchips" handheld programmer-- I was curious as to what they provided as a base tune--In the trans file ( this was an A4) the only changes they made were to MPH sift speeds---'desired shift times"
"TCC lock/unlock" --- "TCC PWM table"---"TQ reduction"-- and "force motor current----- Line pressure was left STOCK
Quote from Perfromabuilt confirms line pressure settings as well from above "But please leave the pressure tables alone"
Everyone has opinions on how to tune trannys
--What is correct ?? well it's just what you learned
and who you learned from and do you trust their judement
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2012 | 01:22 PM
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Originally Posted by tblu92
I would NEVER reccomend a " mechanical shift kit" on any computer controlled trans--The shift firmness can all be adjusted in your tune--The older vacuum operated trannys were different and the only way to improve the shift feel was mechanical--The new 4L trannys shift with electrical solenoids--tuning those tables improves firmness
2ndly--You have a couple drwbacks that are just plain physics-----A 2.73 diff.and a stock stall of apprx 1400--This combination makes the car a dog from a dead stop(sorry) LOL
also I would never (again) go with any stall that uses the stock diameter converter--they are just re-worked stock ones and they just don't hold up--Their max stall is usually about 2800 --A smaller diameter converter will hold up much better -they start at 3000
and are a completly re-designed unit---A 3000 stall is the min i would go with a stock cam-and will be barely noticeable on the street and won't affect fuel mileage or trans longivity-But installing an aftermarket trans cooler is a must--
A 3000 stall will really wake up your car---If won't even feel like you are driving the same car !!---If you have the money i would get a take-off complete rear end off a Z06 (3.42) or a "sport" gear off a C5 (3.15) --I would recc. the 3.42---they can be found with low miles for about $750 and about $300 to install--do the converter and diff all at once while the trans is out---And finally get it tuned and it will shift 100% better--firmer and have the lock-up set higher like to 50 MPH ( stock i think is only 38 MPH)
It really makes them fun to drive !!!
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2012 | 04:27 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by tblu92
I would NEVER reccomend a " mechanical shift kit" on any computer controlled trans--The shift firmness can all be adjusted in your tune--The older vacuum operated trannys were different and the only way to improve the shift feel was mechanical--The new 4L trannys shift with electrical solenoids--tuning those tables improves firmness
2ndly--You have a couple drwbacks that are just plain physics-----A 2.73 diff.and a stock stall of apprx 1400--This combination makes the car a dog from a dead stop(sorry) LOL
also I would never (again) go with any stall that uses the stock diameter converter--they are just re-worked stock ones and they just don't hold up--Their max stall is usually about 2800 --A smaller diameter converter will hold up much better -they start at 3000
and are a completly re-designed unit---A 3000 stall is the min i would go with a stock cam-and will be barely noticeable on the street and won't affect fuel mileage or trans longivity-But installing an aftermarket trans cooler is a must--
A 3000 stall will really wake up your car---If won't even feel like you are driving the same car !!---If you have the money i would get a take-off complete rear end off a Z06 (3.42) or a "sport" gear off a C5 (3.15) --I would recc. the 3.42---they can be found with low miles for about $750 and about $300 to install--do the converter and diff all at once while the trans is out---And finally get it tuned and it will shift 100% better--firmer and have the lock-up set higher like to 50 MPH ( stock i think is only 38 MPH)
It really makes them fun to drive !!!



Well said. Go with the Yank SS32000 Minimum along with 3.42 gears. You won't believe how much better your performance will be.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2012 | 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by mitchell c



Well said. Go with the Yank SS32000 Minimum along with 3.42 gears. You won't believe how much better your performance will be.
completely!!!!

I had the stock 2:73 and stock converter and..... it really sucks. I could barely break the orginal RF's loose.

Changed to a 3:42 and a Yank 2800 stall. It REALLY is like having a whole new car.

Cheers to my new "smoke show" abilities.
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Old Apr 30, 2012 | 05:39 PM
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So I will benefit from installing a new torque converter even though I don't plan on changing the cam profile? Also, This car is my daily driver; will going with a higher stall speed torque converter and 3.42 gears negatively effect the car's reliability?

Thanks again for all the help.
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Old Apr 30, 2012 | 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Rebel160
So I will benefit from installing a new torque converter even though I don't plan on changing the cam profile? Also, This car is my daily driver; will going with a higher stall speed torque converter and 3.42 gears negatively effect the car's reliability?

Thanks again for all the help.
No. Mine is a DD also. The only thing you'll feel (besides your head snapping backwards ) is a little "looseness" from a initial acceleration due to the stall. This will depend on how big of a stall you put in. The Yank 2800 I have I barely feel it on take-offs.
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Old Apr 30, 2012 | 09:17 PM
  #16  
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This is Mad dog lou. Let me know what I can do to help you.

Thank You,
Mad Dog Lou!

MAD DOG TRANSMISSIONS

Phone 770-781-0949
Fax 770-781-0969



Web: www.maddogtransmissions.com
Facebook:www.facebook.com/maddogtransmissions
Twitter:www.twitter.com/maddoglou
YouTube:www.youtube.com/maddogtransmissions





Originally Posted by RonSSNova
Funny,

The 4L60E specialists actually do put shift kits in because a shift kit will do things the reprogramming simply can't. In fact, most will say do not alter the force motor current from stock. Feel free to play with shift speed, RPM and shift quickness.

Performabuilt
"We strongly suggest that you have all transmission tuning tables returned to stock. Then you may make adjustments for shift time and converter lockup as needed. But please leave the pressure tables alone"

Mad Dog (Forum Sponsor)
•This Level 3 transmission comes with a Mad Dog Reprogramming update kit, Mad Dog shift kit


RPM (Forum Favorite)
All of our LEVEL V 4L60E/4L65E/4L70E automatic transmissions include:

Media blast transmission case
RPM sleeved input drum
RPM 3-4 clutch pack
RPM reinforced sunshell with collar and bearing
Billet over-run piston
Heavy Duty double caged 29 element sprag
4L65E low roller clutch
Billet 4th gear servo
Transgo HD-2 shift kit
Corvette Servo
Wide 2-4 band
Updated aluminum accumulator piston
Bushing kit

No shift kit huh?
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2012 | 09:33 PM
  #17  
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chaase
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From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
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Originally Posted by Bluefire
No. Mine is a DD also. The only thing you'll feel (besides your head snapping backwards ) is a little "looseness" from a initial acceleration due to the stall. This will depend on how big of a stall you put in. The Yank 2800 I have I barely feel it on take-offs.


I barely notice my vigilante 2800. I have 3.42 also. It will feel like a new car.
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