4L60E Sonnax Build - Questions
04-19-2021, 12:09 PM
#1
4L60E Sonnax Build - Questions Hello,
I'm attempting to build my first 4L60E transmission.
I realize I'm posting about a truck and that I'm in the Camaro and Firebird section.
I mean no disrespect, but this forum just seems to be where the web points me for all the really good transmission advice.
I've learned a ton reading here.
What I'm searching for is some expert advice on how big to drill the following on the 4L60E valve body separator plate:
1-2 shift feed:
2-3 shift feed:
3-4 shift feed:
band release:
forward clutch:
And any other modifications I should make.
Hopefully I've provided all the important information needed below. Please let me know if I've left anything out.
Truck
2003 7000lb Chevy Suburban 2WD
11:1 compression 6.0 LQ9 conversion 243 heads and GM Hot Cam.
3:73 True Trac
4L60E
2004 case
new 3rd accumulator check ball capsule installed
Planning on installing Sonnax Pinless Accumulator (Sonnax 77998-03K)
Nothing else modified on case
Valve Body
Sonnax TCC Regulator Valve (#77754-04K)
TransGo Seperator Plate (stock)
Accumulator Valve Train Kit (Sonnax 77777M-K)
Pinless Accumulator Piston Kit (Sonnax 77998-03K)
Pinless Forward Accumulator Piston Kit (Sonnax 77987-01K)
3-2 Control Valve Spring (Sonnax 77754-23)
Heavy Duty 2-3 Shift Valve (Sonnax 77754-41)
Forward & Reverse Abuse Bore Plug (x2) (Sonnax 77754-21)
Pump
PWM 13 Vane (no PWM converter engagement in tune - no gradual lock-up)
New Oversized pressure regulator valve (Sonnax part # 77917-07)
New Vane Rotor Guide
.500 Diameter Boost Valve Steel
2 - TransGo Rings
Sonnax Stator Shaft Assembly (Sonnax 77918S-1K)
Converter
Yank SST3600 9.5" 3600 stall 2.4 STR
Input Drum/Shaft
Sonnax Smart-Tech Input Housing kit w/ heavy duty input shaft (Sonnax 77733-11KA) 3/4 clutch clearance .040 (Dry) and forward clutch .050 (Dry)
(8) .067" frictions and (7) .095" steels Borg Warner
Stock 3/4 input clutch return spring cage (should I update the springs? Transgo?)
Servos
2nd Gear Super Hold Servo Kit (Sonnax 77911-03K)
4th Gear Super Hold Dual Servo Kit (Sonnax 77767K)
Have not installed the band yet, so no servo pin clearance. What would I shoot for?
Other upgrades:
SmartShell Heavy Duty Reaction Shell Kit (Sonnax 77749-02k)
Heavy Duty Output Shaft (Sonnax 74678L-HD)
Heavy Duty Reaction Shaft (Sonnax 74602-01K)
Sonnax Wide Reaction Sun Gear Bushing
5 pin planets
Any assistance would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
B
I'm attempting to build my first 4L60E transmission.
I realize I'm posting about a truck and that I'm in the Camaro and Firebird section.
I mean no disrespect, but this forum just seems to be where the web points me for all the really good transmission advice.
I've learned a ton reading here.
What I'm searching for is some expert advice on how big to drill the following on the 4L60E valve body separator plate:
1-2 shift feed:
2-3 shift feed:
3-4 shift feed:
band release:
forward clutch:
And any other modifications I should make.
Hopefully I've provided all the important information needed below. Please let me know if I've left anything out.
Truck
2003 7000lb Chevy Suburban 2WD
11:1 compression 6.0 LQ9 conversion 243 heads and GM Hot Cam.
3:73 True Trac
4L60E
2004 case
new 3rd accumulator check ball capsule installed
Planning on installing Sonnax Pinless Accumulator (Sonnax 77998-03K)
Nothing else modified on case
Valve Body
Sonnax TCC Regulator Valve (#77754-04K)
TransGo Seperator Plate (stock)
Accumulator Valve Train Kit (Sonnax 77777M-K)
Pinless Accumulator Piston Kit (Sonnax 77998-03K)
Pinless Forward Accumulator Piston Kit (Sonnax 77987-01K)
3-2 Control Valve Spring (Sonnax 77754-23)
Heavy Duty 2-3 Shift Valve (Sonnax 77754-41)
Forward & Reverse Abuse Bore Plug (x2) (Sonnax 77754-21)
Pump
PWM 13 Vane (no PWM converter engagement in tune - no gradual lock-up)
New Oversized pressure regulator valve (Sonnax part # 77917-07)
New Vane Rotor Guide
.500 Diameter Boost Valve Steel
2 - TransGo Rings
Sonnax Stator Shaft Assembly (Sonnax 77918S-1K)
Converter
Yank SST3600 9.5" 3600 stall 2.4 STR
Input Drum/Shaft
Sonnax Smart-Tech Input Housing kit w/ heavy duty input shaft (Sonnax 77733-11KA) 3/4 clutch clearance .040 (Dry) and forward clutch .050 (Dry)
(8) .067" frictions and (7) .095" steels Borg Warner
Stock 3/4 input clutch return spring cage (should I update the springs? Transgo?)
Servos
2nd Gear Super Hold Servo Kit (Sonnax 77911-03K)
4th Gear Super Hold Dual Servo Kit (Sonnax 77767K)
Have not installed the band yet, so no servo pin clearance. What would I shoot for?
Other upgrades:
SmartShell Heavy Duty Reaction Shell Kit (Sonnax 77749-02k)
Heavy Duty Output Shaft (Sonnax 74678L-HD)
Heavy Duty Reaction Shaft (Sonnax 74602-01K)
Sonnax Wide Reaction Sun Gear Bushing
5 pin planets
Any assistance would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
B
Last edited by Brando1118Burb; 04-22-2021 at 12:27 PM.
04-20-2021, 12:39 PM
#4
TECH Addict
Since this is such a heavy vehicle I don't feel comfortable giving you feed hole sizes. Be patient and hopefully vorteciroc or MaroonMonster will chime in. Your parts selection looks very good. There are still a few things that you need to do to the valve body.
04-20-2021, 01:33 PM
#5
Thanks sjsingle1 and bbond105!
Yes, I hope to hear back from some people that are familiar with this type of heavy truck and these types of 4L60E mods. I realize there are a lot of fine details I am missing that will dictate whether the truck drives and shifts well. I look forward to getting all of this sorted.
I'm very familiar with HP Tuners and have tuned this truck quite extensively. I just need the mechanics in the transmission nailed down.
bbond105,
What type of valve body modifications do you suggest? I appreciate any and all feedback. I want to learn.
Yes, I hope to hear back from some people that are familiar with this type of heavy truck and these types of 4L60E mods. I realize there are a lot of fine details I am missing that will dictate whether the truck drives and shifts well. I look forward to getting all of this sorted.
I'm very familiar with HP Tuners and have tuned this truck quite extensively. I just need the mechanics in the transmission nailed down.
bbond105,
What type of valve body modifications do you suggest? I appreciate any and all feedback. I want to learn.
04-20-2021, 02:10 PM
#6
TECH Junkie
Hello,
I'm attempting to build my first 4L60E transmission.
I realize I'm posting about a truck and that I'm in the Camaro and Firebird section.
I mean no disrespect, but this forum just seems to be where the web points me for all the really good transmission advice.
I've learned a ton reading here.
What I'm searching for is some expert advice on how big to drill the following on the 4L60E valve body separator plate:
1-2 shift feed:
2-3 shift feed:
3-4 shift feed:
band release:
forward clutch:
And any other modifications I should make.
Hopefully I've provided all the important information needed below. Please let me know if I've left anything out.
Truck
2003 7000lb Chevy Suburban 2WD
11:1 compression 6.0 LQ9 conversion 243 heads and GM Hot Cam.
3:73 True Trac
4L60E
2004 case
new 3rd accumulator check ball capsule installed
Planning on installing Sonnax Pinless Accumulator (Sonnax 77998-03K) Waste of money but install if you feel so inclined
Nothing else modified on case
Valve Body
Sonnax TCC Regulator Valve (#77754-04K) Are you purchasing the reamer for this? If not...you won't be able to use it
TransGo Seperator Plate (stock)
Accumulator Valve Train Kit (Sonnax 77777M-K) Your stock accumulator valve lineup will be fine. Why do you want to replace with the sonnax part?
Pinless Accumulator Piston Kit (Sonnax 77998-03K) Waste of money
Pinless Forward Accumulator Piston Kit (Sonnax 77987-01K) Waste of money
3-2 Control Valve Spring (Sonnax 77754-23) This is just a replacement for the stock spring...is your spring broken? If it is...I'd recommend just blocking the 3-2 control valve inboard anyway
Heavy Duty 2-3 Shift Valve (Sonnax 77754-41) This is a nice part. I recommend it. Just remember. If you're towing or if you're driving agressively, put the shifter in D3
Forward & Reverse Abuse Bore Plug (x2) (Sonnax 77754-21) This is a nice part
I recommend you add sonnax 77964-08K
Pump
PWM 13 Vane (no PWM converter engagement in tune - no gradual lock-up) 10 vane rotor is better but the 13 will likely never cause you issue
New Oversized pressure regulator valve (Sonnax part # 77917-07) Again...this requires reamers. They are expensive and you need experience to use them properly. Have you vacuum checked the stock valve to ensure you even need the sonnax part?
New Vane Rotor Guide
.500 Diameter Boost Valve Steel Sonnax LB1, Transgo .500, etc they all work nicely
2 - TransGo Rings
Sonnax Stator Shaft Assembly (Sonnax 77918S-1K) What makes you think you need this?
Converter
Yank SST3600 9.5" 3600 stall 2.4 STR
Input Drum/Shaft
Sonnax Smart-Tech Input Housing kit w/ heavy duty input shaft (Sonnax 77733-11KA) Likely overkill for your build but you spend your money however you desire 3/4 clutch clearance .040 (Dry) and forward clutch .050 (Dry)
(8) .067" frictions and (7) .095" steels Borg Warner This is good
Stock 3/4 input clutch return spring cage (should I update the springs? Transgo?) If you plan to rev past 5000 rpm, I'd install the 7-cs spring kit
Servos
2nd Gear Super Hold Servo Kit (Sonnax 77911-03K) NO! Just use a "corvette" ratio servo
4th Gear Super Hold Dual Servo Kit (Sonnax 77767K) Not needed, but you're certainly welcome to use this. won't hurt anything
Have not installed the band yet, so no servo pin clearance. What would I shoot for? .060"
Other upgrades:
Heavy Duty Output Shaft (Sonnax 74678L-HD)
Heavy Duty Reaction Shaft (Sonnax 74602-01K)
Sonnax Wide Reaction Sun Gear Bushing Good
5 pin planets search this forum and find other posts...5 pinions are a waste of money. They are a worse part in my opinion than the 4 pinions. There is data to support this, and if you're getting anything other than OEM 5 pinions you're getting chinese junk anyway
Any assistance would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
B
I'm attempting to build my first 4L60E transmission.
I realize I'm posting about a truck and that I'm in the Camaro and Firebird section.
I mean no disrespect, but this forum just seems to be where the web points me for all the really good transmission advice.
I've learned a ton reading here.
What I'm searching for is some expert advice on how big to drill the following on the 4L60E valve body separator plate:
1-2 shift feed:
2-3 shift feed:
3-4 shift feed:
band release:
forward clutch:
And any other modifications I should make.
Hopefully I've provided all the important information needed below. Please let me know if I've left anything out.
Truck
2003 7000lb Chevy Suburban 2WD
11:1 compression 6.0 LQ9 conversion 243 heads and GM Hot Cam.
3:73 True Trac
4L60E
2004 case
new 3rd accumulator check ball capsule installed
Planning on installing Sonnax Pinless Accumulator (Sonnax 77998-03K) Waste of money but install if you feel so inclined
Nothing else modified on case
Valve Body
Sonnax TCC Regulator Valve (#77754-04K) Are you purchasing the reamer for this? If not...you won't be able to use it
TransGo Seperator Plate (stock)
Accumulator Valve Train Kit (Sonnax 77777M-K) Your stock accumulator valve lineup will be fine. Why do you want to replace with the sonnax part?
Pinless Accumulator Piston Kit (Sonnax 77998-03K) Waste of money
Pinless Forward Accumulator Piston Kit (Sonnax 77987-01K) Waste of money
3-2 Control Valve Spring (Sonnax 77754-23) This is just a replacement for the stock spring...is your spring broken? If it is...I'd recommend just blocking the 3-2 control valve inboard anyway
Heavy Duty 2-3 Shift Valve (Sonnax 77754-41) This is a nice part. I recommend it. Just remember. If you're towing or if you're driving agressively, put the shifter in D3
Forward & Reverse Abuse Bore Plug (x2) (Sonnax 77754-21) This is a nice part
I recommend you add sonnax 77964-08K
Pump
PWM 13 Vane (no PWM converter engagement in tune - no gradual lock-up) 10 vane rotor is better but the 13 will likely never cause you issue
New Oversized pressure regulator valve (Sonnax part # 77917-07) Again...this requires reamers. They are expensive and you need experience to use them properly. Have you vacuum checked the stock valve to ensure you even need the sonnax part?
New Vane Rotor Guide
.500 Diameter Boost Valve Steel Sonnax LB1, Transgo .500, etc they all work nicely
2 - TransGo Rings
Sonnax Stator Shaft Assembly (Sonnax 77918S-1K) What makes you think you need this?
Converter
Yank SST3600 9.5" 3600 stall 2.4 STR
Input Drum/Shaft
Sonnax Smart-Tech Input Housing kit w/ heavy duty input shaft (Sonnax 77733-11KA) Likely overkill for your build but you spend your money however you desire 3/4 clutch clearance .040 (Dry) and forward clutch .050 (Dry)
(8) .067" frictions and (7) .095" steels Borg Warner This is good
Stock 3/4 input clutch return spring cage (should I update the springs? Transgo?) If you plan to rev past 5000 rpm, I'd install the 7-cs spring kit
Servos
2nd Gear Super Hold Servo Kit (Sonnax 77911-03K) NO! Just use a "corvette" ratio servo
4th Gear Super Hold Dual Servo Kit (Sonnax 77767K) Not needed, but you're certainly welcome to use this. won't hurt anything
Have not installed the band yet, so no servo pin clearance. What would I shoot for? .060"
Other upgrades:
Heavy Duty Output Shaft (Sonnax 74678L-HD)
Heavy Duty Reaction Shaft (Sonnax 74602-01K)
Sonnax Wide Reaction Sun Gear Bushing Good
5 pin planets search this forum and find other posts...5 pinions are a waste of money. They are a worse part in my opinion than the 4 pinions. There is data to support this, and if you're getting anything other than OEM 5 pinions you're getting chinese junk anyway
Any assistance would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
B
what do you plan to rev the motor to?
where will it spend most of it's life? Towing a car trailer? Making 1/8th mile blasts? Running at bonneville?
What shift feel are you looking for? Do you want your 7000lb suburban to feel like a race car, or do you want somebody's grandma to drive it comfortably to church.
04-20-2021, 04:04 PM
#7
Can't give feed hole sizes without way more info:
Roger that
what do you plan to rev the motor to?
6200-6400
where will it spend most of it's life? Towing a car trailer? Making 1/8th mile blasts? Running at bonneville? LoL
Not towing with a 9.5" converter. Just fun driving around on the street. Occasional 1/8 and 1/4 mile runs.
What shift feel are you looking for? Do you want your 7000lb suburban to feel like a race car, or do you want somebody's grandma to drive it comfortably to church.
I'd like a smoother shift when putting around town, but a crisp shift when my foot is in it.
Roger that
what do you plan to rev the motor to?
6200-6400
where will it spend most of it's life? Towing a car trailer? Making 1/8th mile blasts? Running at bonneville? LoL
Not towing with a 9.5" converter. Just fun driving around on the street. Occasional 1/8 and 1/4 mile runs.
What shift feel are you looking for? Do you want your 7000lb suburban to feel like a race car, or do you want somebody's grandma to drive it comfortably to church.
I'd like a smoother shift when putting around town, but a crisp shift when my foot is in it.
Trending Topics
04-20-2021, 06:04 PM
#8
Now that I've been given some names to search for......this thread link below....OMG!
This is awesome info!!!!!
I still need experienced info for the weight of my truck....but wow...the wheels on 2BFast's First gen white Camaro are freakin' beautiful....well....the whole car is......just...well...beautiful.
This is awesome info!!!!!
I still need experienced info for the weight of my truck....but wow...the wheels on 2BFast's First gen white Camaro are freakin' beautiful....well....the whole car is......just...well...beautiful.
04-22-2021, 12:42 PM
#9
I want to thank MaroonMonsterLS1, 2BFAST, vorteciroc, Metalchipper and others for the incredible information I've been able to glean from your experience. To help others, my below questions/conclusions were formed from the following threads:
2BFAST'S 69 Camaro 4L60E Build
Blocking the 3-2 shift valve, and yes the 2-3 shift
Below are the steps I'm planning to follow for my 4L60E build and some questions that I have after reading the above aforementioned posts.
Am I on the right track?
1. 3/4 accumulator tapped with 5/16 set screw with Loctite.
2. Use directional switch valve Superior K0136 in place of 3rd accumulator ball capsule in case
3. Blocking 3-2 shift valve and 3-2 control valves? Seems like a good idea.
6. What ¾ clutch input drum final clearance am I shooting for on Sonnax Smart Tech Input Housing?
7. What servo pin/band clearance am I shooting for with new reverse drum and wide band?
*All information courtesy of MaroonMonsterLS1 except where noted:
2BFAST'S 69 Camaro 4L60E Build
Blocking the 3-2 shift valve, and yes the 2-3 shift
Below are the steps I'm planning to follow for my 4L60E build and some questions that I have after reading the above aforementioned posts.
Am I on the right track?
1. 3/4 accumulator tapped with 5/16 set screw with Loctite.
2. Use directional switch valve Superior K0136 in place of 3rd accumulator ball capsule in case
3. Blocking 3-2 shift valve and 3-2 control valves? Seems like a good idea.
a. Block both (adjacent to each other in valve body): One behind the solenoid and one behind bore plug
b. Approximate length( downshift valve=0.8150” and control valve=0.8040”) *information courtesy 2BFAST
c. Put removed 3-2 spring inside the existing AFL springd. I found the evolution of this circuit disappearing in the 2009 production run of the 4L60E incredibly interesting and furthers the efficacy of this mod greatly. *information courtesy vorteciroc
4. Valve body separator plate modification questions after completing #3 above for my trucka. What check b**** do I need to leave out? If any.
b. What orifices on separator plate need adjustment in size per my application?
5. Remove low/reverse check ball in case?6. What ¾ clutch input drum final clearance am I shooting for on Sonnax Smart Tech Input Housing?
7. What servo pin/band clearance am I shooting for with new reverse drum and wide band?
*All information courtesy of MaroonMonsterLS1 except where noted:
Last edited by Brando1118Burb; 04-22-2021 at 06:07 PM.
The following users liked this post:
Metalchipper (08-11-2021)
04-22-2021, 01:16 PM
#10
TECH Addict
This thread should answer the rest of your questions.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...ld-advice.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...ld-advice.html
The following users liked this post:
MaroonMonsterLS1 (04-22-2021)
04-22-2021, 01:34 PM
#11
Thanks bbond105,
You've been a great guide, pointing me to the 4L60E experts....
Your thread is great! It helps me narrow down answers even more....
My only other thing I need to get cleared up is if the clearances (reverse drum, input drum, servo pin/band), orifice sizes (separator plate) and check ball (inclusion/deletion) that were approved by MaroonMonsterLS1 and vorteciroc for your vehicle weight and power range would also work for my truck and power range. Hoping they will chime in here....
You've been a great guide, pointing me to the 4L60E experts....
Your thread is great! It helps me narrow down answers even more....
My only other thing I need to get cleared up is if the clearances (reverse drum, input drum, servo pin/band), orifice sizes (separator plate) and check ball (inclusion/deletion) that were approved by MaroonMonsterLS1 and vorteciroc for your vehicle weight and power range would also work for my truck and power range. Hoping they will chime in here....
04-22-2021, 03:02 PM
#12
This thread should answer the rest of your questions.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...ld-advice.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...ld-advice.html
But me, just like the thread starter are super heavy. I dunno if 3150 lb truck has the same config that you have on the Firebird with the feed holes and 1-2 acum.
I have found a lot of different pieces of information all over the internet, glued it together and found that it confused me a lot. I already have the GPZ pack and all i need to rebuld, but i dont want to do it that fast
Too bad we only have one shot to try and it has to be right for our application.Thats why we have no confidence in what we find over the net. We need an experts approval
Btw, you did an amazing job mate!
@Brando1118Burb'
You're doing a hell of a project and good luck with that.
After you do all the work, please, for god sake, take a blank post and create a guide for the heavyweights with what you did and how it perform
It's funny how we ended in Camaro and Firebird forums ahaha. The pro's here are best, hands down.
Last edited by Edward Stark; 04-22-2021 at 03:15 PM.
04-22-2021, 03:53 PM
#14
Last edited by Edward Stark; 04-22-2021 at 04:03 PM.
04-22-2021, 04:57 PM
#17
TECH Junkie
"Expert" is a relative term in today's climate of vernacular...
You have plenty of experience and should feel confident in your posts.
You are not dumb, and you always ask if you do not know something.
That is why I posted this:
In the Thread: "Squeak 1-2 and 3-4 at WOT - 4l60e".
You have plenty of experience and should feel confident in your posts.
You are not dumb, and you always ask if you do not know something.
That is why I posted this:
In the Thread: "Squeak 1-2 and 3-4 at WOT - 4l60e".
04-22-2021, 05:05 PM
#18
"Expert" is a relative term in today's climate of vernacular...
You have plenty of experience and should feel confident in your posts.
You are not dumb, and you always ask if you do not know something.
That is why I posted this:
In the Thread: "Squeak 1-2 and 3-4 at WOT - 4l60e".
You have plenty of experience and should feel confident in your posts.
You are not dumb, and you always ask if you do not know something.
That is why I posted this:
In the Thread: "Squeak 1-2 and 3-4 at WOT - 4l60e".
But i dont think he can help me with my questions..
Please, can you check it with 1 eye? I have a few updates there
I'm in a bit trouble, and people here too busy nowdays to awnser newbies questions xD
04-22-2021, 05:24 PM
#19
"Expert" is a relative term in today's climate of vernacular...
You have plenty of experience and should feel confident in your posts.
You are not dumb, and you always ask if you do not know something.
That is why I posted this:
In the Thread: "Squeak 1-2 and 3-4 at WOT - 4l60e".
You have plenty of experience and should feel confident in your posts.
You are not dumb, and you always ask if you do not know something.
That is why I posted this:
In the Thread: "Squeak 1-2 and 3-4 at WOT - 4l60e".
04-22-2021, 06:37 PM
#20
TECH Junkie
Just as Maroon Monster said, there is more information needed for this particular case.
Also for many trucks and/ or vehicles as heavy as yours... I do not have specific recipes.
I am not in the Transmission repair business unfortunately.
I build complete drive-train systems for vehicles starting at 1,000 HP.
The reason I say this is because, I test all of my engines, transmissions, Etc on my dynomometers... and install everything in the vehicle for final testing.
With a vehicle that heavy, the type of and firmness of the suspension is a major factor, as well as the tire height and type, how well the torque-converter performs, and a lot more.
I start with small separator plate orifice holes, then test drive, then adjust as necessary and repeat.
I can give you clutch clearance and band clearance recommendations...
Just post which clutch pack and what type of clutch plate... and I will post a reply.
Same for the band... which one are you using.
The following users liked this post:
Edward Stark (04-22-2021)