teddyca

iTrader: (37)

I pulled and had rebuilt the LS6 from my Z06 and added a nice set of heads and a cam to it. Going to install it in a 57 Chevy Belair and just starting the research on the project. I figured the 4L60 was a no brainer but I see others going with th400's, 4l80's, etc.. what is the best bang for the buck tranny to use?

superbean

Bang for the buck as for as horsepower? Driveability? Feul economy?

The cheapest would be a TH350 as it's light, has great gearing for racing, and most importantly cheap to build with no electronics.

The best blend of them all would be a 700r4. It provides a super low 1st gear so you don't have to run as low of a rear end gear. Has an overdrive for feul economy. Can be built to handle modest power for cheap. No electronics to retain.

However, when swapping most people tend to use a 4L60E as that is what comes with about 3/4 of lsx engine swaps. It does require some wiring to retrofit into a car, but I would say most people have a harness converision done and they can do trans harness wiring as well.

chuckd71

iTrader: (23)

200 and 700r4s probably aren't worth the trouble with the tv considering they both also need to be built to take any power.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

I'd have to agree with Chuckd71.. the exception would be if your running a Carb... and either the 200R4 or the 700R4 are built to handle the power. Art Carr does a great job with the 200R4. If running EFI. then the TV cables become an hassle, but doable.

Its the same old ageless story for the TH350 vs TH400.. as compared to the 4L60E vs 4L80e, size and weight are the issues.

- The smaller TH350/4L60e are easier to work with (Size wise), takes less HP to turn, but need to be built to handle the Higher Output. Cheaper.

- The Larger TH400/4L80E, are heavy, usually take more work to fit (trans tunnel mod), take more HP to turn but can hanle more HP before it requires a rebuild to handle more power.

Then there is the Electronic issue. the new "E" trans require a controller, if Your PCM/ECM cannot manage the trans, then you have spend the extra cost of a controller.. and they are not cheap.

Bottom line is what your going to do with the car (racing/street/etc) and what you can afford ($$$$). Use the correct Trans for your application.

Just adding some fuel to the Fire ! For my cars. I'd go OD for sure. but that's just me.

BC

Reed35

[QUOTE=superbean;15174181]

The cheapest would be a TH350 as it's light, has great gearing for racing, and most importantly cheap to build with no electronics.


TH350 probly would be the easiest, since it has HUGE aftermarket support. Also, keep in mind you will need the spacer between the flexplate/flywheel to bolt up the older transmissions to an LS engine.

Cronic_Moronic

That really depends on what you're wanting out of the car.

Are you carb of EFI? Gm computer or aftermaket? Is mileage a concern? How many horses will the engine put down? Drag racing? Sticky tires?

GOrilla

Can the LS1 PCM controll the 4L80E?

gofastwclass

iTrader: (2)

If you're going 4L60E, you need a 2WD transmission that is 1996 or newer and has PWM cast in the front pump facing the converter. Those are the only ones that can be run by the factory PCM.

Do you mean "control?" Yes, it just requires re-pinning the connector and a proper tune. Of course this assumes the transmission will physically fit your application.

Cronic_Moronic

I thought the 97 and 98 PCMs would not control the 4l80.

rp0029

iTrader: (1)

Yes.

Throw my vote in for the 4l80e. If you build anything over 400 hp it is my understanding that 4l60e transmissions just get ripped to shreds.
I don't think electronics are a drawback, either. There's a reason all modern cars are electronically controlled - it is better. The 4l80e is beefy. Also I'd suggest an LQ4 instead of an LS1. 4.0" bore is better because you can run ls3 heads.