LS6427

iTrader: (2)

How do you guys know which one to buy?

Like a guy locally selling one from a 1992 Chevy G-30 Conversion Van.

Are certain years better than others.....?

What's the best year to find....?

.

BIG_MIKE2005

iTrader: (116)

I'm curious about this as well. I have heard the 97 & earlier had a different input shaft size but I see tons of listings on local Craigslist stating 94-02 were all the same for a 4L60e.

I'm looking for a cheap used unit to have rebuilt but the ads are misleading since I have conflicting info.

performabuilt

iTrader: (25)

The very early ones 89 to I think 92 had a different wiring harness though the new harness can be installed. Then they stayed pretty much the same after that , In 97 the lube strategy was changed hence one of the cooler lines moved to back of trans. Later there was a bolt hole added top center. The units with one cooler line near mid ways back trans are the best cores to use.

BIG_MIKE2005

iTrader: (116)

So I guess the info I found on here about different input shafts was incorrect? Maybe I mis-read the thread it was in, which happens sometimes, LOL.

If the older ones will work that opens up my options locally then. I'd rather not have to eat shipping on one if I can avoid it.

Also does it matter at all if it originally came from a truck/van/car?

Mystery Bird

iTrader: (7)

It is easier if you can find one from a two wheel drive vehicle for obvious reasons.

Dynamic396

The input shafts are the same size year to year.

As mentioned, the early ones had a different connector which can be updated to the new style. You should be replacing the internal harness anyway.

In '97, the cooler return moved back to the center support. This can, in some instances, make running cooler lines more difficult if tunnel space is tight. In my experience, the newer lube strategy has no real advantage over the early ones.

In '01, they changed the OD sprag to one with smaller rollers. I prefer the early OD sprags, but it's not a deal breaker in my book.

BIG_MIKE2005

iTrader: (116)

Cool, thankx for clearing it up guys. I found a couple local for anywhere from $100 to $400 some working condition some needed rebuilt.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

****.....this info doesn't help with which one to look for.....LOL

So, mine will be getting FULLY built by someone at some point. I mean all the billet hard parts and whatever other parts are available to handle 1200 RWHP.

So.....which year 4L80E should I look for knowing that......? I just want to buy one of these "good condition" used ones from someone's van or truck.....put a shift kit in it and install it for now to use with my approximate 425 RWHP 390ci. Because my 4L60E is not gonna last long. Then when Modular Turbo gets my car for the Twin-Turbo project it will get pulled out and sent for its build.......

So which one.......I don't want trouble with running cooler lines either......it's going into my FBody.....

Thanks.

.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Same here....these used 4L80E's are everywhere around here for sale. I've seen $200 for ones in perfect running condition up to about $500.

So they are plentiful, that's for sure.

.

Dynamic396

I'd look for a mid-90's ('94, '95, '96) if you don't want much cooler line hassle. They have both the cooler lines up front like a 4L60E.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

So what year started with the cooler lines up front...?

1997 and later.......?

.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

So 1997 and later have the cooler lines in easy spots to deal with...?

What do you man LATER years a bolt hole was added in the center.......?
That's what I don't want right.....since I will have limited tunnel space....right?

.

Dynamic396

The added bolt hole was for the upper bell housing bolt on the LS engines.

1997 and later have one cooler line up front and the return comes in about 2/3 of the way back. If you have good enough access in the tunnel way back there, then it will work fine. Most conversions have limited access, especially that far back, so the earlier ones (1996 and earlier) are easier to plumb because both lines are up toward the front like a 4L60E.

1BAD98LS1

iTrader: (33)

Not putting the bolt in the upper center bolt hole wont hurt anything as long as you put the other 6 into the bellhousing and snug um down. I took my 4L60E out so many times it got to where I started cutting corners to make it a lil faster LOL, then I quit being cheap and put a built one in lol.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Oh, sorry....so the earlier ones 96 and earlier are the ones with cooler lines up front....which is better. Ok.....cool.

.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Also.....will a stock 4L80E converter work till I upgrade everything with the TT project...?

Or will I need to keep the same 3200 size stall I have now so the engine can idle properly with its tune......since its crammed right now.

.

CattleAc

iTrader: (7)

I'll add this...early K series 4l80e models, (4x4), did not have the rear output speed sensor reluctor wheel on the output shaft. the hole is cast into the case, it will accept a speed sensor. There's nothing inside for it to read. (Rear speed sensor is in the transfer case on these.)

BUT...It is close enough to the parking pawl lugs to read off of them...it will read half speed...the computer DOES NOT like this...

I learned this the hard way on a swap...

LOW72NOVA

Is the vans 4l80e the same length as the 2wheel drive trucks 4l80e. It seems like all the trucks 4l80e are hard to find here but the vans are around. I seen some big letters on the trans tags "can't remember the letters but something like let's say MZJ " would those letters mean anything important to picking the trans or just pay those letters no attention.