Hello!

I've known that 4L80e s are bulletproof, so that's why I'm asking, why it failed? Recommendations? What should I get?

How much I'd used it:
Just a couple of drag races and normal street use.

The failure:
The 16 element sprag is turning to all sides. Just 2 intermediate clutch packs are wiped out (not burned). Direct is a little bit blackened.

The combo:
Precision industries 3700rpm converter
Jakes D3 auto transbrake (launching at 3400 on the transbrake and 2 step just with 3 pounds of boost)
junkyard freshened 4L80e, that previously I had a transgo shift kit on it
Turbo junkyard sloppy 5.3 LS (75mm vs racing, just a baby summit cam 228ish and the normal supporting mods)
Stock 99 camaro ECU



the wiped out

the normal burned direct


Thanks!

 

Stock 4L80E Transmissions are not "Bullet-Proof" by a long shot!

Especially when using the Early Intermediate Sprag.
The Later 4L80E 34-Element Intermediate Sprag is a great upgrade!


Also, the 1-2 Shift should never be made overly harsh for this Transmission.
It will be hard on the Intermediate Sprag.

Higher Power Units should go to the 36-Element 4T80E Sprag (Direct Drum must be modified).

Good luck!


P.S. Throw out all the TransGo Junk for this Transmission ...you would have been much better off just using a Kit from Jake's.

 

Thanks!
Nice to know that there is a beefier sprag! Also the transgo went out (all of it) and replaced by Jake's stuff

 

By the way, how can you take care of the sprag while doing burnouts and 1-2 shifts?

 

shift 1-2 in the water box and as you go into 3rd, roll out of water box

or if you are full manual just do a 2-3 burnout.

the 34 element sprag can go a long way if you keep the RPM in check

 

Regarding the sprag and drum (for the 4L80e)
- Now that I'm looking where to buy the 36 element sprag ... is the drum the same for the TH400 and the 4L80e?
- And if it is the 34 element sprag... Is there any modification needed for the 4L80e drum?
- And are the clutch packs the same for the 4L80e and TH400 for the intermediate and direct?

Regarding taking care of the sprag and general use of the 80e (computer controlled with D3 transbrake)
- After burning out and being in 3rd, how do I force it to not making 3-2 downshift while braking it. I imagine that it will hook, and because it is slowing down, it will try to hook while downshifting to 2nd gear, I think that that could damage the sprag...

Thanks gurus!