4L80e for road racing / Auto-X
#1
4L80e for road racing / Auto-X
I currently have a turbo LQ4/T56 in a 67 Camaro that was restored/modified with corners in mind, but it's by no means a dedicated road racer. I'm finding myself driving it on the street more than anything and am considering swapping to a 4L80e. While searching the internet, I came across a thread discussing the damage that can occur with TH350's and TH400's using 2nd gear engine braking. Something to do with a band wearing prematurely. 4L80's are a close cousin to the TH400, so I figured it might be plagued by the same issue.
My question: Will there be any ill effects from shifting a 4L80e manually when on a track for engine braking? I'm thinking maybe 2 or 3 track days a year. Any input related to a 4L80e and road racing would be appreciated. I don't have to make the swap, just feeling out what the trade-offs might be.
My question: Will there be any ill effects from shifting a 4L80e manually when on a track for engine braking? I'm thinking maybe 2 or 3 track days a year. Any input related to a 4L80e and road racing would be appreciated. I don't have to make the swap, just feeling out what the trade-offs might be.
#2
Not too much of an issue. The intermediate band is pretty small in a TH350 and TH400, slightly bigger in a later 4L80E. We use the late 4L80E band for any engine braking 80E or 400.
We also do some spragless stuff on the TH400 for extreme offroad combos.
For 2-3 times a year, don't sweat it. You may tune it for max line pressure at 0% throttle while competing and if/when it needs rebuild be sure to put the late band in it.
We also do some spragless stuff on the TH400 for extreme offroad combos.
For 2-3 times a year, don't sweat it. You may tune it for max line pressure at 0% throttle while competing and if/when it needs rebuild be sure to put the late band in it.