hey guys im a little new to the trans forum, i just would like to know the main differences between these 2 trannys...and is there some kinda kit to convert the 4l60e to a 700r..but overall if you pumping 500hp would it be a good idea to go to the 700 besides the 4l60e or can the 4L handle these kinda ponies?

 

I'll try to help, first off the 700r4, was introduced in 1982, and has went through verious design changes. In 1993 GM introduced the 4l60E. Stop there!The 4L60E....is (for lack of better words) an electronic 700R4. The 4L60E can handle 500 hp, the problem with these units seems to be more of a control issue, than anything else(only my opinon). We have seen stock units go over a hundred passes with theses hp ratings, hope this helps.......... Dave

 

The 700R4 was re-named 4L60 for some reason.
The internals are very similiar from 1982 up to 2003, the gear train is pretty much the same, there have been minor changes in the pump, forward sprag, and minor things.
The early ones for V-6's and small V-8's used to have fewer clutch discs in each clutch pack until 1990 when they made all 700's the same even the V-6 ones. (except for the input and case).
The valve bodies have gone through quite a few changes from '82-'93, then in '94 the electronic one came out and got the E designation.
I know the above through my own experiences.
Now I've also heard the early 4L60E's were different from the later ones, I think in '96. Then around '00 they got two piece main cases, in '03 they got five pinion planetaries.

So basically you could put all the gear train and clutches from a '04 4L60E into a '89 case, you'd have to use the '89 pump and valve body. The only thing you gain IMO is the planetaries. And I've seen everything from broken inputs, outputs and even a blown out case. All these had the old style planetaries still intact.
I might just be rambling about stuff I don't know. I know the pre E transmissions enough to get by.