4l80e
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,397
Likes: 1,190
From: Lexington,NC,USA
C1 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
4l80e
I posted this over in the Engine Mods section, but received no reply. Perhaps someone here is running a 4L80E on a drag car, so here is my question:
I am strongly considering a 4L80E transmission for a project that I am working on. The car will be '59 with a new frame made to mount C4 suspension components front and rear. I am planning on a big block, 620HP and 650 ft.lbs torque, 3.45 rear end with about 10" wide tires. I am told that the 4L80E will handle this combination but I would like some feedback from those of you who have used this transmission. Particularly I would be interested in hearing about:
1- Did you use a stock 4L80E or a rebuilt one?
2. If rebuilt, what company did the work and what modifications were made to the transmission?
3. Are you using an electronic controller or manual shift?
4. If using an electronic controller, which brand and did you have any problems getting it "dialed in"?
5. I believe both the TCI and Compushift controllers have a "switch shift" feature that allows upshifts and downshifts to be controlled with pushbutton switches. Anyone using this feature?
Any general recommendations, warnings, advice, etc. would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Charles
I am strongly considering a 4L80E transmission for a project that I am working on. The car will be '59 with a new frame made to mount C4 suspension components front and rear. I am planning on a big block, 620HP and 650 ft.lbs torque, 3.45 rear end with about 10" wide tires. I am told that the 4L80E will handle this combination but I would like some feedback from those of you who have used this transmission. Particularly I would be interested in hearing about:
1- Did you use a stock 4L80E or a rebuilt one?
2. If rebuilt, what company did the work and what modifications were made to the transmission?
3. Are you using an electronic controller or manual shift?
4. If using an electronic controller, which brand and did you have any problems getting it "dialed in"?
5. I believe both the TCI and Compushift controllers have a "switch shift" feature that allows upshifts and downshifts to be controlled with pushbutton switches. Anyone using this feature?
Any general recommendations, warnings, advice, etc. would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Charles
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
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From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Why not just use a 350 or 700 turbo hydro???
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,397
Likes: 1,190
From: Lexington,NC,USA
C1 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
Originally Posted by mackeyred96
Why not just use a 350 or 700 turbo hydro???
I was also intrigued with the push button shift capability of the electronic controllers. I was thinking about building something like the paddle shifters found on some of the exotics.
Charles
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 24
From: Freehold, NJ
It's a great idea and a good fit for your car.
But not many here have had much experience with the 4l80E as the physical size and configuration make it difficult to package into a Corvette.
But not many here have had much experience with the 4l80E as the physical size and configuration make it difficult to package into a Corvette.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,176
Likes: 88
From: State of Confusion
Originally Posted by mackeyred96
Why not just use a 350 or 700 turbo hydro???
With 650 ft/lbs, you're making enough grunt to pull ANY gear your want:
do you really need a deeper first gear, and/or an OD, offered w/ the 4l80E?
Why-not just gear the car for your anticipated top-end/cruising speed, and make it simple?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 9
From: B'Ville NY
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
If you're going to go thru the hassle & expense of installing an OD into your car then why not go to a more performance oriented gear ratio ? A 3.45 would cruise the highway fine.
The 4l80E should handle your power goals fine
The 4l80E should handle your power goals fine
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by cbernhardt
1- Did you use a stock 4L80E or a rebuilt one?
2. If rebuilt, what company did the work and what modifications were made to the transmission?
3. Are you using an electronic controller or manual shift?
4. If using an electronic controller, which brand and did you have any problems getting it "dialed in"?
5. I believe both the TCI and Compushift controllers have a "switch shift" feature that allows upshifts and downshifts to be controlled with pushbutton switches. Anyone using this feature?
2. If rebuilt, what company did the work and what modifications were made to the transmission?
3. Are you using an electronic controller or manual shift?
4. If using an electronic controller, which brand and did you have any problems getting it "dialed in"?
5. I believe both the TCI and Compushift controllers have a "switch shift" feature that allows upshifts and downshifts to be controlled with pushbutton switches. Anyone using this feature?
1.) NO production trans is going to last long behind THAT kind if power.
2.) See No. 1
3.) The 4L80E REQUIRES electronics in order to function.
4. & 5.) No help from me.
The builder of my 700R4 (4L60) claims it will handle in excess of 700 hp. You might consider such a trans. With the C4 suspension/drive train, the "C" beam can bolt up to a Corvette 700R4 tail housing. Any non C4 trans will require adapting. Physically, the size is easier to deal with. If you WANT the complications of an electronic trans, consider the 4L60E.
RACE ON!!!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 6
From: FRANKLIN GA
On the contrary they do make 4L80e's that dont require a computer.
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4L80E.htm
I've been thinking of going this route too, if my 700 R4 craps out on me. The way the trans companies get ya is their trans are very capable of handling 650-700 hp, the torque is what kills them.
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4L80E.htm
I've been thinking of going this route too, if my 700 R4 craps out on me. The way the trans companies get ya is their trans are very capable of handling 650-700 hp, the torque is what kills them.
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Verdad Gallardo
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,329
Likes: 10
From: Cape Coral fl
I have a GM 4L80E, with 3000 miles on for sale. Comes with the stand alone computer system, and a 3000 stall Art Carr torque convertor. The trans was bought new form GM in 2000, and used in a hot rod project car.
http://www.smartgroups.com/picvault/23678602.jpg/4l.jpg
looking for $1200.00 plus shipping for all.
Tony
kllrvet92@aol.com
http://www.smartgroups.com/picvault/23678602.jpg/4l.jpg
looking for $1200.00 plus shipping for all.
Tony
kllrvet92@aol.com
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 789
Likes: 0
From: BF Egypt Tx
Anyone thinking of using this outfit: http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4L80E.htm ...and wants to hear my personal horror story, can request by post.
My story is one of many. They have the best website presentation you will be able to find, but their service and products will make you angry enough to kill!!! The list on them at the BBB, is as long as your leg!!! Consider them a Black Widow Spider, and their website an attractive lure!!!
My story is one of many. They have the best website presentation you will be able to find, but their service and products will make you angry enough to kill!!! The list on them at the BBB, is as long as your leg!!! Consider them a Black Widow Spider, and their website an attractive lure!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,329
Likes: 10
From: Cape Coral fl
Originally Posted by cbernhardt
Tony:
You have mail.
Charles
You have mail.
Charles
Tony
kllrvet92@aol.com
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,397
Likes: 1,190
From: Lexington,NC,USA
C1 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
Originally Posted by KLLRVET
Please resend, as I never got it.
Tony
Tony
You have email (again). I sent the first email through the forum.
Charles
