JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

Yeah, it's another one of those. I know both have stellar reputations with RPM having perhaps an even greater following. Both are similar in price, and I would assume build quality/power handling.

Right now, I'm looking at either the Level 4/5 from either and was wondering what people's thoughts were? Not looking to race much, but want reliability in the 450+rwhp range on the street.

My setup is in my sig - so I think a Level 4 would be adequate, but if I decide to step up to more in the future, a Level 5 might be better (and may provide an extra measure of reliability at my heads/cam power level). I do plan to stay NA for the foreseeable future. If I do a supercharger down the road, I think a 4L80E swap will be in order to have reliability above 600rwhp.

Thanks fellas!

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

Can't go wrong with either one IMO. If I had to pick it would be RPM just for personal preference.

Blackbird-WS6

iTrader: (15)

have a good friend that had a problem with his FLT. i also know a friend of a friend that has a problem with his level 7 4l60 from RPM. these where both installed with new parts and by very well know LSx shops. like i always say iv heard bad things about them all. would i buy either or? hell yes. but i know the limits of the 4l60. yes it might hold the power but when uses to beat on over and over again with that said power is when it takes its toll i have seem.

this is just my .02

you want the best of the best it seems like in your build, go with the 4l80 and give it hell and dont look back.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

That's my thought as well. Both have been around for a long time and have many happy customers and impressive time sheets to back up their build quality.

From what I gather the difference in the level 4 and 5s for each is the addition of the GM 5 pinion planetary gearset. Also looks like FLT comes standard with a deep pan.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

I've thought about the 4L80E. I just find it hard to believe the 4L60 can't survive 500rwhp reliably. Maybe I'm delusional.

therabidweasel

iTrader: (5)

Jake, im pretty sure youre going to get an equivalent trans from both. I had an FLT L7 coverted to an RPM L7 for the sole reason that FLT would give me no estimate whatsoever to rebuild just the wear items as the trans was working fine with 15k miles when pulled.

Im not saying FLT wouldnt give me a fixed price, im saying they wouldnt give me a squishy estimate. Made my decision easy, RPM gave me a hi/lo, shipped quickly, wasnt a perfect deal, but no complaints. YMMV.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

That definitely means something. I think this probably will come down to who I'm more comfortable giving several thousand dollars to. As is with most things.

Blackbird-WS6

iTrader: (15)

thats the thing, it will hold the power. but holding that power over and over again and beatings is a whole diff story. lets be honest here. your not building the car to fart around town with. you know at the end of the day when you need/want to drop the hammer the last thing you need to worry about is the trans.

whats the use of a part if your just going to worry about it and that making you hold back from using your car the way you built it for.

therabidweasel

iTrader: (5)

Yeah, not really saying anything bad about FLT. Id say go with your gut after talking to both, and/or the one closer to you to save on shipping. They are both respected companies and will no doubt stand behind their work...my situation required some form of box around the pricing.

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

I'm running an FLT level 3 in my bolt on car and so far it's been great. Chuck was a great guy to deal with during the whole process, helped me out alot. You can't go wrong with either IMO.

When I asked about future rebuilds I was told that it would be either $200 or $250 ( I forget) plus parts.

97camaro383

iTrader: (31)

I have the FLT level 4 and I have been running a h/c/i setup on it for around a year with the occasional 150 and no hiccups. I was also told a rebuild from FLT would be 250 plus parts, but if you can swing a 4l80 then I'd do that.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

I'm definitely going to weigh the 4L80E option. The downside is the power it robs and the taller first gear. With a lot more power neither would matter. At 500HP I have to weigh bullet proof reliability with less performance. The good news is a 4L80E isn't much more expensive than a well built 60.

Blackbird-WS6

iTrader: (15)

PM sent. hope that helps you out some.

duh

iTrader: (16)

I just put a LVL 4 FLT in my car. I'm local to Chuck so it made my decision a no-brainer. I've heard everyone's stories, especially the local guys. I know a LOT of guys around here have his trans in their cars. I also know of quite a few on LVL 4's that have been to mid-low 10's and stay there constantly on his lvl 4. I'm not, and he will tell you the same, that you should not be putting that much power through a LVL 4 if you want it to live. I also know quite a few guys putting more power through the 60E than you would ever think was possible. All built by Chuck. I'd definitely vote for FLT. I have no complaints, as he's even helped me out after hours when I was late getting to the shop. Most definitely a top notch shop to deal with.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

I've seen where Chuck's 60Es have run some impressive times in some big *** trucks making huge power on turbos. That should definitely kill a trans, but they seem to hold up better than a 60E should.

I saw one time back in the day a Corvette I really wanted to buy when I was in college. It was an pearl Orange C5 Coupe with iForged Chrome wheels (beautiful car) that had a 422cid sleeved Cartek engine in it, an FLP (old-school) Level 4, Vig 3600, and a 150 shot of nitrous. Trans held up well in that car. I think when the guy sold it, he had like 10k miles on the trans an quite a few nitrous passes on it. That was impressive.

duh

iTrader: (16)

Yea, that trans shouldn't hold up but it does and quite well. I told him I had the goal of 600 crank HP maybe 650 and he said the lvl 4 can do that all day. But 700 I'll probably need to go up to the lvl 5. It comes with the truck pan that is only 1/8" deeper and not even need until the the lvl 5.

slayer performance

iTrader: (4)

I love my rpm trans! I have ran it for years and so have several friends. They have a grey product and customer service.

Bluecar2847

I went with RPM for my Camaro. Jeremy Jones fully took care of me and I was so impressed with their service I had them install it as well. They gave me a sweet deal on a military discount and if you went with a precision vigilante like I did, Precision will ship it straight to them! They let you do full tours of the shop and you can check out what goes on behind the scenes. Very curteous staff. Now lets get to business. I picked up a Level V from them and couldn't be happier. Car drives like stock but since they put in shift kits automatically, the shifts are firmer and faster. Overdrive not affected at all and I absolutely am 100% satisfied. Install looks clean and professional. No monkey business. I have gone to them again and again for other Fbody odds and ends and they have only exceeded expectations. My car has stock engine, lid, headers, slp ram intake (low) ,ss hood, full suspension, relocated lca, 3.73 gears, built and girdled ten bolt . 11.78 is cars best run. Another excellent thing about RPM is that if you for whatever reason need to upgrade, they will take care of you! Bad *** service, excellent price and if its one thing I know, I like to have peace of mind when I decide to press that skinny pedal

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

Good information.

john563

iTrader: (17)

rpm level 4 here..heads cam intake(around 440rwhp) no problems with it for bout 7 years..it with a 100 shot but not often..so im very happy with RPM