Thinking about getting my 60e out of my 03 silvy built by RPM or Performabuilt, do they use a shift kit in their builds?

 

The reason why is because I want to turbo my 4.8 down the road and make some decent power. Before everyone yells 80e, id rather not have to do fab work because i dont have experience in welding or the tools..

 

Both are very good builders.. id call them and get a feel over the phone. I also am looking at these 2 to build me a 60E.

i actually ran a stage 2 60e from performabuilt on my old 00 Z28 and was very impressed. So considering them again.

 

Your thread would be better off in the transmission section

 

Give us a call we would be happy to discuss your options with you

 

Rpm!!!

 

What is the phone number for you guys? Thanks.

 

RPM has built some great transmissions for my friends in the past

 

I dont want to start a brand war here, but objectively speaking, do performabuilt and RPM use similar components in their rebuilds?

 

Yes, for the most part probably even identical as the parts will be from GM, Sonnax, Borg Warner and a few from Transgo. On premium builds with billet input shaft, output shaft, and/pump rotor, there are only 2 or 3 companies that make those which everyone then uses.

This does not mean their transmissions are absolutely identical, and certainly not like a mass-production rebuilder. First, RPM, Performabuilt (PB) and Finish Line (FLT) build each ordered transmission to spec, one at a time. While they probably use slightly different parts, the assembly details and custom modifications are probably a bit different. For example, FLT re-machines each pump for perfect rotor surfaces; I don't know if PB and RPM do that, but mass-production rebuilders certainly do not, nor does a local builder likely do that. The separator plates are drilled a bit differently to give the "shift feel" each builder thinks is best. Some drill the input drum for better high RPM operation, some drill a few hard parts for better oiling, etc.

There is a lot more art to rebuilding a trans than just slapping a bunch of parts together. Another difference between the sponsors and the cheap mass-rebuilders is that the sponsors won't reuse a questionable existing part, while the mass rebuilders use everything that isn't obviously broken and hope for the best (meaning it breaks after the warranty). For example, when FLT rebuilds a trans that had a hard-part failure, they replace both planets because there might be metal fragment hidden within the internal bearings. That adds $120+ in cost but makes them more reliable long term. RPM and PB probably do the same.

You wont't go wrong with any of these three companies. Don't overthink it.

 

thank you mr vedit, they have different stages/levels of trannies depending on how much power the user wants to push through them right?

 

Yes, for higher levels more expensive parts from GM and Sonnax are used - for example 5-pinion planetaries from GM, input drum reinforcement from Sonnax or even the $500 Sonnax input drum. Billet input/output shafts cost $300 each and even then may require additional machining by the builder.
They typically list all the special parts on their specs sheet/website, and the cost of them is typically about equal to the increase in the price for higher levels.

All these sponsors are just making an honest living; their is only modest profit in each transmission. None of them are driving around in Ferraris with arm candy.

In short, each sponsor will give you excellent value and a more reliable trans than you are likely to get from anyone else.

 

Is fitting an 80e really that difficult in a truck? I figured if I could fit one in my firebird with hardly any modifications, it would fall into a truck.

I'll be that guy that yells 80e. Get yourself a stage 15 4L60E and still worry about it. Your truck is heavy more than likely, you want to go turbo... That is a shoe in for an 80e.

 

what will i need to do to get an 80e to work?

 

im looking at 450rwhp max

 

Yeah maybe check out FLT also. I'm running their level 4 60e trans and I'm loving it. Been beating on it the past 3 years so far.

 

I would strongly recommend you look at what both the TBSS (http://www.tbssowners.com/forums/4l7...smission-help/) and Performance Truck sites have to say before deciding to go with a 4L60E-based trans in a heavy vehicle. Many folks are divided on the matter. Personally, I tried an RPM trans in my TBSS and it just didn't hold up past 6000 miles. I should have done a 4L80E conversion from the outset.

 

there is no such thing as a built 4l60e

 

While I don't agree with AutomagicLS1, I would also suggest a 4L80E for any turbo application and even any performance application where the slightly larger size and weight of the 4L80E is not a big issue. Not sure if you mentioned having a truck, but I would also suggest a 4L80E for any truck due to its weight and plenty of space for the trans.