65chev

Hello all, first post here. I have a 65 El Camino that currently has the driveline out of the car. I have an aluminum headed 327 built for boost with an intercooled P1SC that I'm going to sell to make the switch to the LS family. I have a 700R4 out of the car and the parts and converter for it to hold 750+ hp. I want to put in a 4.8L LS and keep it an auto with overdrive. Should I build the 700R4 or use the go fast parts for a 4L60 build. The question is how do I setup an electronic auto tranny on an older vehicle?

I want to start by putting in a pretty much stock 4.8L and tranny and get the tune down for the engine and tranny using whichever controls I use for either. Then start adding go fast goodies to include twin turbos. The question is, how do I do this on a budget. I just recently completed college with a degree in electronics engineering and took a job as a PLC programmer. I could probably figure out how to program about anything, but don't want to spend a bunch of time learning a new programming language "that's what I do 8hrs a day". What are the best options for controllers for the engine and tranny on a budget? Any Ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Sarg

iTrader: (6)

if your eventual goal is turbos I personally would go to the 4l80e. A stock firebird or camaro ecu can be used to control both engine and transmission with a program like efi live or hptuner. If you want to stick with a 700r4 varient I would jump up to the 4l60/4l65e and have everything controlled by the ecu.

65chev

Thanks, I'm leaning towards the 4L60 for now so the transition to a stronger auto will be easier. Can the 6L80 be built as strong as the 4L80? Why do most prefer the 4L80 over the 6L80, is the 4L80 cheaper to build?

boostnut

iTrader: (7)

4L80's are available, durable, and cheap to upgrade. Don't waste your time with a 700 or a 4L60 if you're planning on forced induction, its cheaper to start with an 80.

Sarg

iTrader: (6)

But if you do decide on the 4L60, I have a ton of unused parts I bought for one before I decided on the 4l80. Selling them for less than half of what they cost me just to get rid of them.

99VetteFRC

I did a stock 4.8 and 700r4 in my 70 Chevelle. 700 didn't live. Read my build, there may be some ideas there. I have done my entire build so far for about $3500.

spacemanspif

iTrader: (5)

The 6L80 is bigger than the 4L80 and requires major floor pan modifications to fit into most old cars. I saw on "the power block" that some aftermarket place is producing a 6L80 in a 4L80 case but don't know anything more than that.

The 80 is more durable than the 60/65 but I have heard that with the right upgrades the 60 can be just as durable as the 80....I went with the 80 in case I ever make real power so I don't have to buy another trans down the line, just have to upgrade the one I already have.

65chev

I already have all of the high dollar parts ready for a 700r4 including an $850 lockup stall setup for 33-3500rpm. Most of these parts will work on the 4L60, that's why I'm considering going with it.

I've been through two 700r4 builds through local shops claiming they'll hold 600hp.. Blah blah.. I should've known the price was to good. This time I consulted Dana at pro-built and ordered the right parts. I've got some money wrapped up in those parts so I might as well use them. I just need to send of a shaft for cryogenic treatment and I'll be ready to build.