4L60E 4th gear torque capability
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 60
Likes: 16
4L60E 4th gear torque capability I'll be importing my 1988 Cadillac Brougham with a 5.3 LS to Europe. I'll be driving on the Autobahn at continuous high speed in 3rd or 4th.
I was wondering what the actual torque capacity of 4th gear and the lockup clutch is.
A very large tranny cooler is an obvious addition.
Are there any other big problems with continuous 100-120+ MPH operation?
I was wondering what the actual torque capacity of 4th gear and the lockup clutch is.
A very large tranny cooler is an obvious addition.
Are there any other big problems with continuous 100-120+ MPH operation?
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 390
From: Alaska
"Big Problems"
I think you will run into gearing problems. You'll make 100 mph in 4th, but the rpm will leave the 5.3 far under it's not substantial torque curve... It'll be a dog.
. In order to accelerate,buck a headwind or maintain 120 mph you will downshift to 3rd gear.
I'd recommend re-gearing to 3.73 for high speed operation, AND a belt driven supercharger wouldn't hurt.
I think you will run into gearing problems. You'll make 100 mph in 4th, but the rpm will leave the 5.3 far under it's not substantial torque curve... It'll be a dog.
. In order to accelerate,buck a headwind or maintain 120 mph you will downshift to 3rd gear.
I'd recommend re-gearing to 3.73 for high speed operation, AND a belt driven supercharger wouldn't hurt.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 60
Likes: 16
Top speed will be in 3rd. Hell, 2nd goes up to 93MPH. I would love a supercharger but then the authorities won't believe me when i show them a dynosheet with "263" HP. I can only make 40% over the max power offered in the Brougham.
It will be interesting to see if i can maintain 120MPH in 4th or if i actually need 3rd. I know for shure that it cruises nice @ 90-100MPH in 4th. I'm also very happy with 23MPG @ 80MPH. With fuel prices here I'm not sure i want to give that up.
How about lockup in 3rd at WOT. I just don't think the lockup clutches will hold 300ft/lbs without slipping. At least not with a stock conerter
It will be interesting to see if i can maintain 120MPH in 4th or if i actually need 3rd. I know for shure that it cruises nice @ 90-100MPH in 4th. I'm also very happy with 23MPG @ 80MPH. With fuel prices here I'm not sure i want to give that up.
How about lockup in 3rd at WOT. I just don't think the lockup clutches will hold 300ft/lbs without slipping. At least not with a stock conerter
