Needing advice for having my 4L60 built
Needing advice for having my 4L60 built Car is a Ls1 with H/C/I and 100 shot at the moment (makes 530rwhp unlocked).
Wanting to build the trans and rear for future use and the inevitable decision of wanting more nitrous.
As it sits, car has stock 4L60 with an FTI billet converter (3600), runs great now; however, i know when I up the jets or go bigger on my next motor setup, I'm going to need a stronger trans to hold the power.
Overdrive is a must, and would like comparability with stock PCM, so some info where I should start would be great.
Probably looking for it to hold 700rwhp, max 800rwhp likely.
What parts are needed, and what type of cost should I expect?
Thank you so much, always appreciate the info from the guys here on tech.
Wanting to build the trans and rear for future use and the inevitable decision of wanting more nitrous.
As it sits, car has stock 4L60 with an FTI billet converter (3600), runs great now; however, i know when I up the jets or go bigger on my next motor setup, I'm going to need a stronger trans to hold the power.
Overdrive is a must, and would like comparability with stock PCM, so some info where I should start would be great.
Probably looking for it to hold 700rwhp, max 800rwhp likely.
What parts are needed, and what type of cost should I expect?
Thank you so much, always appreciate the info from the guys here on tech.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 529
From: Ann Arbor, MI
At those power levels you would need a top-of-the line 4L65E from FLT, RPM or PerformaBuilt. Figure on close to $5000 with the billet options.
Don't worry about the parts - these expert builders know what is needed, but it will include the Sonnax Input Drum, a billet output shaft, the 5-pinion planetaries and various other upgrades. I would recommend a billet input shaft too, in case that is an option and not already standard. Skip the expensive close-ratio planetary option as it won't gain you much.
A better choice is probably a 4L80E, which with only modest upgrades can handle that power. Something like a Level 2 for $2850 from Jake Performance should be adequate . Obviously you need a 4L80E converter and some conversion work which is well documented here.
Don't worry about the parts - these expert builders know what is needed, but it will include the Sonnax Input Drum, a billet output shaft, the 5-pinion planetaries and various other upgrades. I would recommend a billet input shaft too, in case that is an option and not already standard. Skip the expensive close-ratio planetary option as it won't gain you much.
A better choice is probably a 4L80E, which with only modest upgrades can handle that power. Something like a Level 2 for $2850 from Jake Performance should be adequate . Obviously you need a 4L80E converter and some conversion work which is well documented here.
Why do you recommend the 4l65 or 4l80 over the 4l60?
I would like to avoid the 80-100lbs heavier trans (4l80) unless i NEEDED it. Seems like a step backwards to add so much weight.
I would like to avoid the 80-100lbs heavier trans (4l80) unless i NEEDED it. Seems like a step backwards to add so much weight.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 529
From: Ann Arbor, MI
A 4L80E is NOT 80-100 lbs heavier! It is only about 40 lbs heavier. Here are some threads on the subject:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...60e-4l80e.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...fo-thread.html
Crazy that there is so much incorrect information out there, even published in magazines, that doesn't come close to agreeing with just putting the trans on a scale. (We probably don't know the real weight of most celebrities either.)
The (wrong) reason the 4L80E is often quoted as being so heavy is that the stock GM converter weighs 70lbs by itself!
A performance converter will weigh much less and not be significantly different from the weight for a 4L60E converter.
A 4L65E is the same case and 95% same internals as a 4L60E, the only differences are 5-pinion planetaries, a hardened input shaft and from the factor 7-friction 3/4 clutch.
A 4L80E is NOT 80-100 lbs heavier! It is only about 40 lbs heavier. Here are some threads on the subject:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...60e-4l80e.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...fo-thread.html
Crazy that there is so much incorrect information out there, even published in magazines, that doesn't come close to agreeing with just putting the trans on a scale. (We probably don't know the real weight of most celebrities either.)
The (wrong) reason the 4L80E is often quoted as being so heavy is that the stock GM converter weighs 70lbs by itself!
A performance converter will weigh much less and not be significantly different from the weight for a 4L60E converter.
A 4L80E is NOT 80-100 lbs heavier! It is only about 40 lbs heavier. Here are some threads on the subject:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...60e-4l80e.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...fo-thread.html
Crazy that there is so much incorrect information out there, even published in magazines, that doesn't come close to agreeing with just putting the trans on a scale. (We probably don't know the real weight of most celebrities either.)
The (wrong) reason the 4L80E is often quoted as being so heavy is that the stock GM converter weighs 70lbs by itself!
A performance converter will weigh much less and not be significantly different from the weight for a 4L60E converter.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 529
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Yes, at 700rwhp a modestly built 4l80E will handle that power and be more reliable and cheaper (including swap) than a super-high-end 4L65E. This assumes something like your Firebird/Camaro.
For something like a C5 Vette a 4L80E swap is crazy expensive and complex and a super-high-end 4L65E might then be the better choice.
For something like a C5 Vette a 4L80E swap is crazy expensive and complex and a super-high-end 4L65E might then be the better choice.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
At those power levels you would need a top-of-the line 4L65E from FLT, RPM or PerformaBuilt. Figure on close to $5000 with the billet options.
Don't worry about the parts - these expert builders know what is needed, but it will include the Sonnax Input Drum, a billet output shaft, the 5-pinion planetaries and various other upgrades. I would recommend a billet input shaft too, in case that is an option and not already standard. Skip the expensive close-ratio planetary option as it won't gain you much.
A better choice is probably a 4L80E, which with only modest upgrades can handle that power. Something like a Level 2 for $2850 from Jake Performance should be adequate . Obviously you need a 4L80E converter and some conversion work which is well documented here.
Don't worry about the parts - these expert builders know what is needed, but it will include the Sonnax Input Drum, a billet output shaft, the 5-pinion planetaries and various other upgrades. I would recommend a billet input shaft too, in case that is an option and not already standard. Skip the expensive close-ratio planetary option as it won't gain you much.
A better choice is probably a 4L80E, which with only modest upgrades can handle that power. Something like a Level 2 for $2850 from Jake Performance should be adequate . Obviously you need a 4L80E converter and some conversion work which is well documented here.
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