I really need some help. I can't quite make up my mind whether or not to go
a3 or a4. I have a pretty serious street machine and i like to go to the track at least 5 times a month on slicks. I drive it about 200 miles a week and like to take some long trips 100 miles each way. I have 4.10's in there and about 700rwhp and i need something reliable and street friendly. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

4l80E would be my suggestion.

 

thats not an option....any other suggestions?

 

why not?

 

The reason I said 80 is because of the miles you drive weekly. It is basically a th400 with an over drive and a lockup torque converter. To answer your original question at 700rwhp I think you will be best with a th400 over the 60. Vince

 

least favorite to favorite:

1. Im sorry but TH400 would be INSANE! It would definitely hold the power but... I have a TH400 in my TA with 3.73's, 4k stall. On the freeway 60mph-65mph is about 3k rpms in 3rd. Talk about HEAT!

2. 700hp and a 4L60... good luck with that. I dont think it will hold. My buddies car is about 500hp and he has been through 2 4l60's all motor. Now has a 4L80. But you might be able to find a heavily built one.

3. IMHO I think the 4L80 is your best option. It will be strong enough to handle the power, but will have overdrive so you can actually use it on the freeway.

 

I rather go for 4L80E..

 

thanks for all the input guys but a 4l80e is not in my budget at the moment. Sounds promising though.

 

A 4L80E setup for auto or full manual would be less than $2500 shipped.
A 4L60 for similar power is probably the same or more.

 

I bet the price difference isnt as much as you think when all is said and done.

 

4L60E's suck. There's no way I would trust it behind 700 rwhp. Either settle for the TH400 or go 4L80E. My vote is 80.

 

I understand that the 80s are affordable but what is the cost and the amount of work that goes into putting one in an ls1 fbody?

 

make the 4l80e an option.


i have a th400, i've driven it on many 300+ mile road trips, and a handful of 600+ mile road trips with it. but i really want a 4l80e.

 

You need a crossmember that is about $200.
You need a new yoke, you can use the 4L60E or T56 driveshaft.
You need some tuning changes, and minor wiring modifications, i.e. repinning a connector.
You need a 4L80E specific converter.


Using a TH400 you really would want to add an electronic speedo setup, $250-300. It uses a specific crossmember, longer driveline, same yoke as the 4L80E.
So you have a bit more initial investment in the 4L80E (approx $500) but the car will be much more driveable with the OD, lockup converter, PCM controlled trans, and the resale value would offset the cost difference, not to mention fuel savings over time vs. the TH400.

The 4L80E fits and installs easily, just need to clearance the floor brace for the electrical connector and possibly ding the tunnel for cooler lines.

 

It's not that hard to do as Jake's Performance stated. I did the swap by myself in the driveway. There are a couple of people selling 80 setups in the classifieds - basically everything you would need to do it. You could piece it all together yourself though. Mine will be up for sale soon too (only because I miss shifting gears and don't hit the track often).

 

anyone want to trade a th400 setup for a 4l80e setup? haha

 

Just now seeing that you are located in Indiana. You might want to hit up RPM to price out a conversion for the 4l80E. They are in Indy and I believe they will pick up and deliever your car if you ask nice! They do this type of work all the time and it is another option for you if you can not do it yourself. Vince

 

i appreciate it mr vince, thank for all the input guys

 

We would be glad to talk to you about a conversion. If you want us to do it or if you just want to source the parts. We can get you everything you need to do the swap. Just let me know if can help you in any way.

 

I had to be talked into it at first.. I thought i was going to have to beat my tranny tunnle to hell and have all kinda of fitment issues.. I was mistaken. If your pushing 700RWHP and want a real DRIVEABLE street car, 4l80E and never look back!!