Automatic Transmission 2-Speed thru 10-Speed GM Autos | Converters | Shift Kits
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

4L80E with Transbrake?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 21, 2010 | 09:28 PM
  #1  
longrange4u's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 0
From: Reston, VA
Default 4L80E with Transbrake?

Ok guys... I have heard different things about this. Lately I have heard that many of the builders out there are going away from offering Trans-brake's for a 4L80E due to stability issues.

I really want the launch capability of a Transbrake but want the overdrive of the 4L80E...

Input? Thoughts? Anyone running a 4L80E with Transbrake with 1k RWHP?
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2010 | 04:26 PM
  #2  
longrange4u's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 0
From: Reston, VA
Default

Ok... I am wearing out the search button here as well as some google. Rossler makes a TB and TCI does as well...

Lots of complaints of Rossler's being slow to release (up to a second)...

TCI has some good initial review's but I can't find anyone using one for a real report...

There seems to be "another" solution that a member here has discovered, but havent looked deeply into that yet.

What concerns me most is that I am running and will be running 1000+RWHP... I need a TB that can handel some boost on the line... and not frag the trans.

Guys? Anyone have experience with TB's on 4L80E's with my HP or more??
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2010 | 04:30 PM
  #3  
Frans96SS's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,004
Likes: 3
From: New Castle Del.
Default

We get Trans Brakes on all of the 4l80's we do.
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2010 | 04:35 PM
  #4  
turbo_ase's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Default

I just finish my build TWIN 70mm 6.0..with a 4L80E with a [jakeshoe]transbrake...
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2010 | 06:43 PM
  #5  
longrange4u's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 0
From: Reston, VA
Default

Have you guys heard issues with this causing failure in the trans?

What about speed? What kind of kit do you use and does it tree well? (I have heard of Jakeshoe's but know little about it)
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2010 | 08:02 PM
  #6  
jakeshoe's Avatar
TECH Resident
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 821
Likes: 114
From: North Texas
Default

4L80E transbrakes...

To be blunt I developed my transbrake because I felt the rest of the offerings on the market left something to be desired (if they even worked...).

I've tested Rossler's. It works. To be totally fair to Carl I have not tested his Pro version. I bought the Gen III version for a customer and then the customer couldn't use the deep pan required with Rossler's brake, so we pulled it off.
The regular Gen III version had what I would consider a VERY slow release.

My understanding is the Pro version is MUCH better but I've been told it's still not pro-tree release time.

I tried the Trinity brake. It was an utter failure. To have been designed by someone who is/was supposedly a Hydramatic engineer it was a POS. Why anyone would use torque signal to function the brake, I don't know.
Concept was a good idea, execution was junk, and it cost me thousands of dollars.

I've tried others, they worked. They seemed to have "quirks", lazy shifts, unpredictable release time, etc.

My design is simple, it does not use any external manifolds to make it happen. The fluid path for release is short and fairly large. It does not alter the normal shifting of the trans (neither does Rossler's), so no oddball issues.
It doesn't require a deep pan.

A transbrake is a racing device. It does add strain to the trans and especially to the drivetrain/suspension behind the trans.
I recommend adding a billet forward hub to ANY TH400 or 4L80E that a transbrake is installed on. It's not mandatory but it's good insurance.
On a 4L80E I like to install a billet input shaft as well. These seem to be hit or miss. Some stock shafts live at 1000+, some break in 600 HP combos. My "number" for a new input is ~750 HP/TQ, transbrake and N2O combos need it sooner.

The direct clutches need a hydraulic change and a bleed hole needs to be drilled in the drum for better release, so the trans needs to be disassembled for proper installation.
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2010 | 08:48 PM
  #7  
turbo_ase's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Default

Hey Jake I just finish the project in the next week or two it will see the track i will let you know how it did...but for now it holds ...check on the streets...jaja NICE...
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2010 | 12:32 PM
  #8  
longrange4u's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 0
From: Reston, VA
Default

Jake that is great info... are you building these "one off" or actully producing them for sale. I undersand you arent a sponsor at this time so I wont ask too much.

What about the TCI TB? Anyone have any experience?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 23, 2010 | 06:03 PM
  #9  
jakeshoe's Avatar
TECH Resident
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 821
Likes: 114
From: North Texas
Default

I'm producing them for sale, I don't believe I am competing with any sponsors as far as the brake goes.
I actually need to send some demo units out to the trans sponsors, just been buried with work lately.
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2010 | 10:45 AM
  #10  
Frans96SS's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,004
Likes: 3
From: New Castle Del.
Default

Originally Posted by jakeshoe
I'm producing them for sale, I don't believe I am competing with any sponsors as far as the brake goes.
I actually need to send some demo units out to the trans sponsors, just been buried with work lately.
Send them to RPM Transmissions first. They will be the best person to test them.
Reply
Old Jun 25, 2010 | 07:54 AM
  #11  
mach2004's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Default

I installed a TCI transbrake in my 4L80 several monthes ago and I have been very satisfied. It has quick firm shifts and the brake releases perfectly. After several thousand miles of driving and many mid 11 second passes at the track I couldn't be happier. Oh and there is nothing like having an OD in your Hot Rod.
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2010 | 10:37 PM
  #12  
jakeshoe's Avatar
TECH Resident
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 821
Likes: 114
From: North Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Frans96SS
Send them to RPM Transmissions first. They will be the best person to test them.
I called them on Friday. No answer. We've got several of the units out there in operation without issue, so the testing phase is complete as far as I'm concerned. I am sending them out to all the notable performance shops to try out. I'm confident enough that once they try them, they will prefer them over the other options.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2010 | 11:24 PM
  #13  
4bangermustang's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 721
Likes: 0
From: Chitown, IL
Default

I have a rossler that I feel is slow as hell. on both the release and engage.

as for how well it leaves, I think that sucks also(but have a feeling it is most likely my stall )
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2010 | 11:41 PM
  #14  
jakeshoe's Avatar
TECH Resident
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 821
Likes: 114
From: North Texas
Default

Originally Posted by 4bangermustang
I have a rossler that I feel is slow as hell. on both the release and engage.

as for how well it leaves, I think that sucks also(but have a feeling it is most likely my stall )
I'll give you a brake for the cost of the VB core if you want to test one. You shouldn't need any internal mods, just a VB swap.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2010 | 12:02 AM
  #15  
4bangermustang's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 721
Likes: 0
From: Chitown, IL
Default

depanding on the core cost I'll give it a shot. Would be nice to cut some sub .1xx lights coming off a T-brake :/

When I bought mine, Rossler was the only one on the market. Any more info on yours besides what is listed above?

How is the engage time? Can I use it in OD(Guessing this is some sort of wiring deal with rosslers. Not sure if there is a reason they don't want you to use it on OD, But When spraying a big shot and running out of gear, I much rather it shift then bounch off the limiter)
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2010 | 01:01 AM
  #16  
jakeshoe's Avatar
TECH Resident
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 821
Likes: 114
From: North Texas
Default

Originally Posted by 4bangermustang
depanding on the core cost I'll give it a shot. Would be nice to cut some sub .1xx lights coming off a T-brake :/

When I bought mine, Rossler was the only one on the market. Any more info on yours besides what is listed above?

How is the engage time? Can I use it in OD(Guessing this is some sort of wiring deal with rosslers. Not sure if there is a reason they don't want you to use it on OD, But When spraying a big shot and running out of gear, I much rather it shift then bounch off the limiter)
Mine only engages in manual low. I designed it that way for safety reasons. It also helps with the setup time because the low band is already on, so the trans only needs to engage the direct clutches to set the brake.
It sets very quick. Less than a second.

Once you come off the brake you can shift to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th either manually or setup the shifter to make a 1-3 or 1-4 shift and let the PCM shift the trans.

I'm pretty sure Rossler wants it in 3rd gear so the overrun clutches are supporting the OD sprag, which is a smart move. I've never taken the time to really look at how he did his circuits. I've still got the one we took off in a box in the shop. $600 paperweight at this point. Since he is doing it in manual 3rd, it must be taking PRND4-3 oil and splitting it to go to the low servo and 3rd clutches at the same time. Quite a volume of oil at low pump speeds.
I would have to look at it, but I can probably tell you how to make the Rossler setup quicker.

The internal mods that you do to install a Rossler unit are the same as most transbrakes including mine.
Bleed hole in the direct drum for faster release and to prevent centrifugal apply. Heavier springs for the same reasons.
Internal hydraulic changes to "dual feed" the direct clutches.
The pressure regulator parts that Rossler provides with his setup will work with my setup.

So no major disassembly would be needed to swap from the Rossler. VB removal, and some changes at the servo.
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2010 | 10:24 PM
  #17  
Rickys S/C Z28's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 0
From: MOREHEAD KY
Default

i would really like to try one of you brakes out jakeshoe can you pm me? il pm you as well
Reply
Old Jul 18, 2022 | 08:36 PM
  #18  
Dcroyd's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default Would like more info

Originally Posted by jakeshoe
4L80E transbrakes...

To be blunt I developed my transbrake because I felt the rest of the offerings on the market left something to be desired (if they even worked...).

I've tested Rossler's. It works. To be totally fair to Carl I have not tested his Pro version. I bought the Gen III version for a customer and then the customer couldn't use the deep pan required with Rossler's brake, so we pulled it off.
The regular Gen III version had what I would consider a VERY slow release.

My understanding is the Pro version is MUCH better but I've been told it's still not pro-tree release time.

I tried the Trinity brake. It was an utter failure. To have been designed by someone who is/was supposedly a Hydramatic engineer it was a POS. Why anyone would use torque signal to function the brake, I don't know.
Concept was a good idea, execution was junk, and it cost me thousands of dollars.

I've tried others, they worked. They seemed to have "quirks", lazy shifts, unpredictable release time, etc.

My design is simple, it does not use any external manifolds to make it happen. The fluid path for release is short and fairly large. It does not alter the normal shifting of the trans (neither does Rossler's), so no oddball issues.
It doesn't require a deep pan.

A transbrake is a racing device. It does add strain to the trans and especially to the drivetrain/suspension behind the trans.
I recommend adding a billet forward hub to ANY TH400 or 4L80E that a transbrake is installed on. It's not mandatory but it's good insurance.
On a 4L80E I like to install a billet input shaft as well. These seem to be hit or miss. Some stock shafts live at 1000+, some break in 600 HP combos. My "number" for a new input is ~750 HP/TQ, transbrake and N2O combos need it sooner.

The direct clutches need a hydraulic change and a bleed hole needs to be drilled in the drum for better release, so the trans needs to be disassembled for proper installation.
How can I reach you? This winter I would like to add trasbrake.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:32 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE