4l80e year preference
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Teching In
Joined: Jun 2024
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4l80e year preference Going to be purchasing a 4L80e for a heavy street car LS swap this winter. The older designs are a little cheaper online it seems. I know they went to a center lube design around the year 97, but from researching and talking to a couple people it seems the older design is fine and a good builder will make either work. I hoped to find a serviceable stock one and run it for a while as this is just a street cruiser and will never see the track. Then rebuild down the road if needed.
Any reason I shouldn't consider the earlier design? I know the 5.7 bellhousing is one, but I don't see that as being a major issue. I've read the cooler lines seem to fit better on a swap if you stay away from the center lube. I've got my eyes on a potential 1995 model close to my area. I'm just curious if there are major internal design features that should deter me from going this route. Thanks!
Any reason I shouldn't consider the earlier design? I know the 5.7 bellhousing is one, but I don't see that as being a major issue. I've read the cooler lines seem to fit better on a swap if you stay away from the center lube. I've got my eyes on a potential 1995 model close to my area. I'm just curious if there are major internal design features that should deter me from going this route. Thanks!
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From: BERWICK PA
Yes the 95 and 96 have the good input sprag in them. But any can be converted.
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TECH Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2018
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Also, one of those units had the 34 element spray. The other had the 16 element sprag (that I upgraded to the 34 element sprag). One of those units got mated to a 6.0 in my brother's 90 C1500 and is a daily driver. No issues with the bellhousing bolts mated to an LS.
I would agree that 95-96 units are probably good candidates because the front cooler lines make the connections easier. The rear cooler line on 97+ that may cause issues with that line hitting the vehicle's floorboard.
TECH Junkie
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From: Nitro Alley
I will have to find My Father's Thread on 4L80E Lubrication Systems later.
However, something that is not often discussed is the Lubrication to the Front of the Transmission.
The Input Sprag, Over-Drive Planet, Over-Drive Clutch, and Overrun Clutch ONLY receive "Cooled Lube" on the 1996 and Earlier Cores.
Even with the Late Lubrication System Modified with an Early Main-Shaft and Early Output-Shaft, there is NO "Cooled Lube" to the Front of the Transmission.
Some of the Mid-Year Cores (1997- 1999 and 2000-2003) Have Cases that can be Modified to cool the Front of the Transmission.
An Early Pump is required is required for this Modification.
I do not Think My Father ever Posted the Details.
I will ask Him if He wants to.
-Marcello III
However, something that is not often discussed is the Lubrication to the Front of the Transmission.
The Input Sprag, Over-Drive Planet, Over-Drive Clutch, and Overrun Clutch ONLY receive "Cooled Lube" on the 1996 and Earlier Cores.
Even with the Late Lubrication System Modified with an Early Main-Shaft and Early Output-Shaft, there is NO "Cooled Lube" to the Front of the Transmission.
Some of the Mid-Year Cores (1997- 1999 and 2000-2003) Have Cases that can be Modified to cool the Front of the Transmission.
An Early Pump is required is required for this Modification.
I do not Think My Father ever Posted the Details.
I will ask Him if He wants to.
-Marcello III
