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

Are all 4L80E's the same.....all years......?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 5, 2013 | 11:29 PM
  #1  
LS6427's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 13
From: South Florida
Default Are all 4L80E's the same.....all years......?

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....?

.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 09:48 AM
  #2  
BIG_MIKE2005's Avatar
12 Second Club
20 Year Member
iTrader: (116)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,221
Likes: 1
From: Skiatook, OK
Default

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.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 10:19 AM
  #3  
performabuilt's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (25)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,854
Likes: 80
From: BLOOMSBURG PA
Default

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.
__________________
Built..PerformaBuilt..Tough

Call 888-744-6542


Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 10:34 AM
  #4  
BIG_MIKE2005's Avatar
12 Second Club
20 Year Member
iTrader: (116)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,221
Likes: 1
From: Skiatook, OK
Default

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?

Last edited by BIG_MIKE2005; Jun 6, 2013 at 10:43 AM.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 12:20 PM
  #5  
Mystery Bird's Avatar
10 Second Club
10 Year Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 2
From: Massachusetts
Default

It is easier if you can find one from a two wheel drive vehicle for obvious reasons.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 12:47 PM
  #6  
Dynamic396's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 189
Likes: 12
From: Newman Lake, WA
Default

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.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 12:58 PM
  #7  
BIG_MIKE2005's Avatar
12 Second Club
20 Year Member
iTrader: (116)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,221
Likes: 1
From: Skiatook, OK
Default

Cool, thankx for clearing it up guys. I found a couple local for anywhere from $100 to $400 some working condition some needed rebuilt.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 01:00 PM
  #8  
LS6427's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 13
From: South Florida
Default

****.....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.

.
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 6, 2013 | 01:06 PM
  #9  
LS6427's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 13
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by BIG_MIKE2005
Cool, thankx for clearing it up guys. I found a couple local for anywhere from $100 to $400 some working condition some needed rebuilt.
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.

.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 01:45 PM
  #10  
Dynamic396's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 189
Likes: 12
From: Newman Lake, WA
Default

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.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 06:57 PM
  #11  
LS6427's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 13
From: South Florida
Default

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

1997 and later.......?

.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 07:02 PM
  #12  
LS6427's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 13
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by performabuilt
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.
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?

.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 07:28 PM
  #13  
Dynamic396's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 189
Likes: 12
From: Newman Lake, WA
Default

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.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 07:38 PM
  #14  
1BAD98LS1's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (33)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 1
From: Gloucester, VA
Default

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.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 08:19 PM
  #15  
LS6427's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 13
From: South Florida
Default

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

.

Last edited by LS6427; Jun 6, 2013 at 08:25 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 10:07 PM
  #16  
LS6427's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 13
From: South Florida
Default

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.

.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 11:17 PM
  #17  
CattleAc's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 428
From: Dakota Territory
Default

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...
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2013 | 08:24 AM
  #18  
LOW72NOVA's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Default

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.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:35 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