Difference between new modern 4l80e's and old 80e's?
 

Hey guys, for a while now I have been trying to get some good info about he differences of a new modern 4l80e 1998-2012 range compared to a 1993-1996 range. All I have found out is that the old style 4l80e's have different oil lines or have different positioned oil lines... Is this true? I also read that they can both really be rebuilt almost the same, just minor differences in the rebuild process. According to a few people I have talked to say that a old version 80e tends to have problems? One of the guys told me that they tend burn down because they really arent that good of a transmisson to rebuilt... is this a fact? I would really appreciate any type of info regarding the old versions of 4l80e's compared to the new modern 80e's... Thanks guys!

Alex

bell housing bolt hole locations are different

older models have a couple slightly better internal parts (forget off the top of my head which they are)

oil lines are located near the front in older models (better location imo)

'92-'93's have old style wiring harnesses/plugs if they haven't been rebuilt already.


That's about all I remember when I did research on my swap. I've always heard that builders tend to like the older ones as far as mild builds and holding more power. Plus core costs are a lot less on the older ones, which means a cheaper trans in the long run. With an older case, you'll have a better location for dealing with the oil lines, better parts if you leave it mostly stock, and only have to deal with maybe not using two bolt holes.

Thanks soo much for the info! Because ive been worndering if the old 4l80e's are worth investing money on rebuilds... Because i know they can be rebuilt to a Level 4 with all new forged internals, but you think they are capable of holding over 800HP on a F-Body?

Yes. They can hold much more than 800HP when built right.

Thanks!

Older 4L80Es are stronger. There seem to be less lube related failures on older style units. Older 4L80Es are cheaper. A 4L80E can be built to hold over 1500hp+ with the right parts. A stock internal 4L80E is good for about 750 hp or so reliably.

Thanks for the info! I just wanted to know the difference since I am currently going to get one from a member here in LS1 Tech, since a few people have different opinions I thought id start a thread about it :) THANKS GUYSS!

So is a 97 year model a good year to get for around $200?

Oh yes^ :D no doubt

Even if it needs a rebuild? Well I think I have a connection on one for that price. I don't currently need it but if its worth having ill put it up for a rainy day....

Yes, because here where I live (Houston area) I have seen a few junk yard 80e's that need a full rebuilt for $200-$350 dollars, all depending on the year and condition, now days they are really hard to find at that price due to the amount of people buying them and looking for them for their car/truck builds.If your planning to have it newly rebuilt just look for one thats at a really low cost BUT that is also in good shape to consider it good for a rebuilt :) :burn:

Get in touch with Jakes Transmission. He has a run down of the differences and is the best source for a power rebuild.

From what I remember stock they are good to 450 but with a shift kit ($100) they jump to ~750

I sure did, one of the customer service guys told me older 80e's are stronger than modern 80e's in different ways I was like "wow" would of never thought! Lol :shocked: they answer your questions with very detailed answers!

Blackpanther, that was me you spoke with on the phone :) Good talking with you. I'm not sure if I mentioned it on the phone or not, but the 5 pinion planets on the new 4l85es are not really an upgrade like the 4l60es as they're not particularly a weak point to begin with. Something to keep in mind if anyone ever asks :)

It was my pleasure speking with you as well bud! Thanks for all the info! It really helped :) my main concern was if it was worth rebuilding a 93 4l80e because of the year and if it is a strong of a transmission for high HP builds lol as I have read, seen the posts on this thread, and as of what you have told me it is worth investing money into the 93 4l80e :D which makes me have no doubt that its hell of a good 80e :D

Blackpanther99 sent you a pm.

Got it^