Help me decide trans for my LS swap
Help me decide trans for my LS swap Looking for advice on which trans to use for my 78 Camaro LS3 swap. I want to go 4 speed automatic.
I have a used stock LS3 from a doner 2010 Gen 5 Camaro that I'm putting into a 78 Gen 2 Camaro.
Eventually down the road I plan to make 700hp but for now it will remain stock because I'm on a limited budget and I want to be able to drive it next spring/summer. So I want to invest in a trans that I can build on.
I'm looking at this 4L70E stage 4 from Gear Star at 4500.00
But it looks like I can actually get a stage 3 4L80E that is comparable HP and torque wise for slightly less money.
I also looked at some transmissions from Monster, TCI, and ATI.
I have no experience dealing with any of these companies. Just sort of liked the Gear Star name and well I watch a lot of Road Kill
I'm thinking I will try the new Holley TerminatorX Max controller for all this. That is fuel, spark, DBW, and trans. Spoke to Holley and they said it will work.
Any advice? Pros and Cons between the 4L80E and 4L70E? Will a 4L80E even fit in my Gen 2 Camaro?
I have a used stock LS3 from a doner 2010 Gen 5 Camaro that I'm putting into a 78 Gen 2 Camaro.
Eventually down the road I plan to make 700hp but for now it will remain stock because I'm on a limited budget and I want to be able to drive it next spring/summer. So I want to invest in a trans that I can build on.
I'm looking at this 4L70E stage 4 from Gear Star at 4500.00
But it looks like I can actually get a stage 3 4L80E that is comparable HP and torque wise for slightly less money.
I also looked at some transmissions from Monster, TCI, and ATI.
I have no experience dealing with any of these companies. Just sort of liked the Gear Star name and well I watch a lot of Road Kill
I'm thinking I will try the new Holley TerminatorX Max controller for all this. That is fuel, spark, DBW, and trans. Spoke to Holley and they said it will work.
Any advice? Pros and Cons between the 4L80E and 4L70E? Will a 4L80E even fit in my Gen 2 Camaro?
TECH Junkie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 1,331
From: Iowa
not monster...seriously do a search on them...terrible
Jakes performance 4l80e will be a great option
Rossler, FTI, ATI, performabuilt etc will also sell you a plenty capable 80e
4l60e will be perfectly reliable at 500hp if built properly...see above names. if your REAL goal is 700 and you're already doing a swap...80e is the way to go
Jakes performance 4l80e will be a great option
Rossler, FTI, ATI, performabuilt etc will also sell you a plenty capable 80e
4l60e will be perfectly reliable at 500hp if built properly...see above names. if your REAL goal is 700 and you're already doing a swap...80e is the way to go
4L80E for sure. I'd run a stock one until it breaks, then get a built one or build your own. If you have one built for you I'd research and try to buy it from a shop close to you. That way if there's any problems you can go to the shop.
Interesting. So basically a stock junkyard 4L80E is more reliable than a very expensive built 4L60E series?
I believe I will stay away from the JY transmissions but looks like I can get a 4L80E stage 2 build for around 3K. Thats rated for 500hp and 500ft lbs tq. Thats around 2K less than a high end built 4L70E stage 4 rated for 650hp and 650tq.
From what I am reading the 80E will handle more than what its rated for and the 70E probably wont handle as much as it is rated for. Am I understanding this correctly?
I believe I will stay away from the JY transmissions but looks like I can get a 4L80E stage 2 build for around 3K. Thats rated for 500hp and 500ft lbs tq. Thats around 2K less than a high end built 4L70E stage 4 rated for 650hp and 650tq.
From what I am reading the 80E will handle more than what its rated for and the 70E probably wont handle as much as it is rated for. Am I understanding this correctly?
Blue01ta mentioned running a stock one till it breaks. So thats where I got the JY swap thing.
Yes your correct the stock LS3 wont be an issue for either trans, but Lord willing that LS3 is only going to be stock for one season. Kept thinking all summer that I was going to come into some funds to make my 700+ dream come true, but just spent too much money this past year. Now its winter and dont have enough money. I do however have this stock LS3 thats a perfectly fine running motor and I do have enough funds to do the rest of the swap. So heck I figured I may just as well drop the LS3 in there for now. Get it all set up for running the new technology. Then next winter all I'll have to do is concentrate on building a stronger motor.
I've already started buying parts for this so I'm committed.
Yes your correct the stock LS3 wont be an issue for either trans, but Lord willing that LS3 is only going to be stock for one season. Kept thinking all summer that I was going to come into some funds to make my 700+ dream come true, but just spent too much money this past year. Now its winter and dont have enough money. I do however have this stock LS3 thats a perfectly fine running motor and I do have enough funds to do the rest of the swap. So heck I figured I may just as well drop the LS3 in there for now. Get it all set up for running the new technology. Then next winter all I'll have to do is concentrate on building a stronger motor.
I've already started buying parts for this so I'm committed.
TECH Junkie
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,203
Likes: 1,391
From: Nitro Alley
A used/ stock 4L80E with a few modifications can go a long way for far less money involved compared to a 4L60E.
Stock 80 series with:
-the direct clutch assembly dual fed (properly)
-pressure regulator boost valve-train upgraded to aprox. 180Psi
-reverse boost circuit deleted
-line pressure to lube circuit bleed drilled
-third accumulator circuit deleted
-sonnax AFL kit and tools
-THM400 intermediate clutch return springs and retainer
-intermediate clutch snap-ring replaced with THM200-4R snap-ring
-sprag spiro-lock
-THM400 case bushing
-THM350 pump torrington bearing replacing case thrust-washer
-if a "LATE" unit: get an early unit used hollow main-shaft
Except for the Sonnax boost valve-train and AFL kit + tools... everything else listed is dirt cheap to do and worth every penny.
Stock 80 series with:
-the direct clutch assembly dual fed (properly)
-pressure regulator boost valve-train upgraded to aprox. 180Psi
-reverse boost circuit deleted
-line pressure to lube circuit bleed drilled
-third accumulator circuit deleted
-sonnax AFL kit and tools
-THM400 intermediate clutch return springs and retainer
-intermediate clutch snap-ring replaced with THM200-4R snap-ring
-sprag spiro-lock
-THM400 case bushing
-THM350 pump torrington bearing replacing case thrust-washer
-if a "LATE" unit: get an early unit used hollow main-shaft
Except for the Sonnax boost valve-train and AFL kit + tools... everything else listed is dirt cheap to do and worth every penny.
TECH Junkie
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,203
Likes: 1,391
From: Nitro Alley
4L60E units can be built for about 1,000 HP...
However, when pairing a 4L60E transmission with engines over aprox. 700 HP:
-they are extremely expensive, relatively speaking.
-they require more maintenance than a 4L80E at the same power level.
I simply refer to 4L60E transmissions in this scenario as: "A Bad Investment".
However, when pairing a 4L60E transmission with engines over aprox. 700 HP:
-they are extremely expensive, relatively speaking.
-they require more maintenance than a 4L80E at the same power level.
I simply refer to 4L60E transmissions in this scenario as: "A Bad Investment".
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TECH Junkie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 1,331
From: Iowa
4L60E units can be built for about 1,000 HP...
However, when pairing a 4L60E transmission with engines over aprox. 700 HP:
-they are extremely expensive, relatively speaking.
-they require more maintenance than a 4L80E at the same power level.
I simply refer to 4L60E transmissions in this scenario as: "A Bad Investment".
However, when pairing a 4L60E transmission with engines over aprox. 700 HP:
-they are extremely expensive, relatively speaking.
-they require more maintenance than a 4L80E at the same power level.
I simply refer to 4L60E transmissions in this scenario as: "A Bad Investment".
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