Automatic Transmission 2-Speed thru 10-Speed GM Autos | Converters | Shift Kits
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Effect of RPM's on a 4L60E

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-03-2006, 10:12 PM
  #81  
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
 
RPM WS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,232
Likes: 0
Received 1,661 Likes on 1,191 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by ChocoTaco369
downshift into 3 or D. if you ever go WOT, get out of OD. shift into 3 or D with no throttle after you've let your RPM's fall a bit. a 4-1 and 4-2 shift is very bad i've heard many times. a 3-2 shift isn't harmful. as for 3-1, not sure but it's not as bad as the 4-1. remember, if you downshift from 4-1 and 4-2, you're still using that weak 3-4 band - and you're doing it under heavy power! that's DANGEROUS in a stock 4L60E. downshift to 3/D under no throttle since it's easier on the 3-4 band. then when you go WOT, you don't have to worry about harming the weakest bands in the tranny.

this is my opinion.
This is the way I thought for many years as well. And I still do,....but.... I hear decent arguements on both sides from people that know a hell of a lot more about the 60e's than I do.

Recently I was leaning more towards the manual 4-3 being worse than the auto 4-2/4-1 (based on wear to the overrun clutches), but I dunno anymore.

It'd be nice to get a final conclusion on that. Maybe get all the top trans builders on here to fight it out till we get the best answer.

Either way I guess I'll probably end up sticking with the no-load manual downshift to 3rd prior to WOT just because the 3-1 or 3-2 downshift feels less sloppy.
Old 10-03-2006, 10:37 PM
  #82  
Pontiacerator
iTrader: (12)
 
RevGTO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
Posts: 6,153
Received 206 Likes on 173 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by ChocoTaco369
downshift into 3 or D. if you ever go WOT, get out of OD. shift into 3 or D with no throttle after you've let your RPM's fall a bit. a 4-1 and 4-2 shift is very bad i've heard many times. a 3-2 shift isn't harmful. as for 3-1, not sure but it's not as bad as the 4-1. remember, if you downshift from 4-1 and 4-2, you're still using that weak 3-4 band - and you're doing it under heavy power! that's DANGEROUS in a stock 4L60E. downshift to 3/D under no throttle since it's easier on the 3-4 band. then when you go WOT, you don't have to worry about harming the weakest bands in the tranny. this is my opinion.
First of all, there is no 3-4 band; the band applies in 2nd and 4th. This post explains it:
Originally Posted by James B.
A 4 to 2 downshift is easier for a 4L60-E to do than a 3-2 downshift. It is a single event of disengaging the 3-4 clutch pack. Downshifting from 3 to 2 has to release the 3-4 clutch pack and engage the band at the same time. There is a valve specifically for doing this just to make sure it doesn't let the engine over-rev trying to pull that off. Keep in mind that mechanically the 4L60-E is only a 2-speed auto with overdrive.
Old 10-03-2006, 10:45 PM
  #83  
Pontiacerator
iTrader: (12)
 
RevGTO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
Posts: 6,153
Received 206 Likes on 173 Posts

Default

A couple of oldie but goodie threads on this subject:https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=293017; https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...6&page=2&pp=20 especially the schematic in the post by joecar.
Old 10-03-2006, 11:42 PM
  #84  
Tech Resident
Thread Starter
 
ChocoTaco369's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Philly
Posts: 5,117
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by RevGTO
First of all, there is no 3-4 band; the band applies in 2nd and 4th. This post explains it:
technicalities. it doesn't change the fact that what i wrote makes sense. common sense should tell you to put it in 3/D. if the biggest weakness in the 4L60E lies in the 3-4 shift, why risk a 4-X WOT shift? get away from OD as quickly and gently as possible. a manual downshift under no throttle will be much more gentle than a WOT 4-X downshift.

i don't think we will ever know the correct answer to this question. i've heard from sooo many people on these boards the 4-2 downshift is so bad for the 4L60E and downshifting 1 gear at a time is so much safer than downshifting 2 gears. i will take my chances downshifting into 3. most trans builders say the 4L60E's problem lies in overdrive. i don't wanna put any heavy power through it.

Originally Posted by TwoFast4Lv
We started out by putting 700R4s in 454 four door duelly tow rigg's and learned from there. With a good driver they would last 60-100k miles no problem. Put one in OD and pull a hard hill (lot's of 10%+ grades here)with 15,000Lbs or so and it would be dead by the top of the hill Use 3rd and keep on trucking. We were testing parts that are common place now.
i agree with this man he's built many of them. he's blown more 4L60E's than probably everyone in this thread put together. i'm sure he knows the biggest weaknesses in the real world.

Last edited by ChocoTaco369; 10-03-2006 at 11:47 PM.
Old 10-04-2006, 04:52 AM
  #85  
TECH Addict
iTrader: (3)
 
BlackHawk T/A's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lincoln, NE
Posts: 2,869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Bringing it out of OD before going WOT is a good idea, however i've been advised not to take my foot off the gas. The only thing is going 3-2 takes forever, where as 4-2 is instant so this isn't very desirable unless you get a tune, which I think might fix it.
Old 10-04-2006, 05:45 AM
  #86  
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
 
RPM WS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,232
Likes: 0
Received 1,661 Likes on 1,191 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by BlackHawk T/A
The only thing is going 3-2 takes forever, where as 4-2 is instant so this isn't very desirable unless you get a tune, which I think might fix it.
Honestly I have to say I disagree with that. At least with the 4L60Es that I've had. The 3-2 or 3-1 downshift seems to be faster and more solid than the 4-1 or 4-2. Just my personal experiance with the ~5 or so 4L60Es I've owned.

But I do agree that it's probably a good idea to give it a very small amount of throttle (just enough to maintain current speed) if you're at highway speeds when going manually from OD to 3rd, to avoid engine-braking). At speeds under 45-50mph though, it probably doesn't matter much as the rpm change will be very small.
Old 10-04-2006, 04:23 PM
  #87  
TECH Addict
iTrader: (3)
 
BlackHawk T/A's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lincoln, NE
Posts: 2,869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Mine does. If I put it down to 3, then go WOT, it takes the computer a second to unlock, then downshift. During this time someone can get a pretty good jump on me. It feels like 2 downshifts. If I leave it in 4th it will go immediately when I hit the throttle. Don't ask me why but I wish it was the other way around.
Old 10-04-2006, 05:33 PM
  #88  
Banned
 
BLKWS.6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,636
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BlackHawk T/A
Mine does. If I put it down to 3, then go WOT, it takes the computer a second to unlock, then downshift. During this time someone can get a pretty good jump on me. It feels like 2 downshifts. If I leave it in 4th it will go immediately when I hit the throttle. Don't ask me why but I wish it was the other way around.

3rd does not lock IIRC
Old 10-04-2006, 06:00 PM
  #89  
TECH Addict
iTrader: (3)
 
BlackHawk T/A's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lincoln, NE
Posts: 2,869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Stanger88
3rd does not lock IIRC
Yes it does. 3rd gear @ 30mph in the "3" selection.

Does not lock in drive.

If you rode in my car you would know exactly when its locked and when its not. It is a night and day difference in feel, and sound, which is nothing like a stock car that you can barely notice.
Old 10-04-2006, 07:55 PM
  #90  
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
 
RPM WS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,232
Likes: 0
Received 1,661 Likes on 1,191 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by RevGTO
A couple of oldie but goodie threads on this subject:https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=293017; https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...6&page=2&pp=20 especially the schematic in the post by joecar.
See, it's conflicting info like what's in those threads that always makes me doubt myself.

Will we ever get a FINAL ANSWER?!?!

The arguements are just too good on both sides......
Old 10-04-2006, 08:01 PM
  #91  
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
 
RPM WS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,232
Likes: 0
Received 1,661 Likes on 1,191 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Stanger88
3rd does not lock IIRC
The TCC will lock in both 3rd or OD, once the proper speed is acheived.
Old 10-04-2006, 08:29 PM
  #92  
Banned
 
BLKWS.6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,636
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by RPM WS6
The TCC will lock in both 3rd or OD, once the proper speed is acheived.

I guess I was wrong then, thanks for the correction.
Old 10-04-2006, 09:04 PM
  #93  
Pontiacerator
iTrader: (12)
 
RevGTO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
Posts: 6,153
Received 206 Likes on 173 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by RPM WS6
See, it's conflicting info like what's in those threads that always makes me doubt myself. Will we ever get a FINAL ANSWER?!?! The arguements are just too good on both sides......
The reason that there are so many arguments about this is that they are centered on opinions rather than hard technical data. Many guys lack a basic understanding of how the 4L60e works, and so they advocate inaccurate ideas about things. I'm going to quote James B. again, because he explains clearly, succintly, and accurately how the downshifts work, and the basic architecture of the 4L60e. If you understand this, you'll see there is nothing to argue about.
Originally Posted by James B.
A 4 to 2 downshift is easier for a 4L60-E to do than a 3-2 downshift. It is a single event of disengaging the 3-4 clutch pack. Downshifting from 3 to 2 has to release the 3-4 clutch pack and engage the band at the same time. Keep in mind that mechanically the 4L60-E is only a 2-speed auto with overdrive.
Old 10-04-2006, 10:27 PM
  #94  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (8)
 
staringback05's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,695
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

hmmm....^^^^
Old 10-04-2006, 10:59 PM
  #95  
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
 
RPM WS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,232
Likes: 0
Received 1,661 Likes on 1,191 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by RevGTO
The reason that there are so many arguments about this is that they are centered on opinions rather than hard technical data. Many guys lack a basic understanding of how the 4L60e works, and so they advocate inaccurate ideas about things. I'm going to quote James B. again, because he explains clearly, succintly, and accurately how the downshifts work, and the basic architecture of the 4L60e. If you understand this, you'll see there is nothing to argue about.

Originally Posted by James B.
A 4 to 2 downshift is easier for a 4L60-E to do than a 3-2 downshift. It is a single event of disengaging the 3-4 clutch pack. Downshifting from 3 to 2 has to release the 3-4 clutch pack and engage the band at the same time. Keep in mind that mechanically the 4L60-E is only a 2-speed auto with overdrive.
Ok, BUT..... what about a 4-1 vs a 3-1 downshift? Which one is better/easier for the trans?
Old 10-04-2006, 11:01 PM
  #96  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (8)
 
staringback05's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,695
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

id have to go with the 3-1 on the same principle
Old 10-04-2006, 11:07 PM
  #97  
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
 
RPM WS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,232
Likes: 0
Received 1,661 Likes on 1,191 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by staringback05
id have to go with the 3-1 on the same principle
Explain?

If the 4-2 is preferred over the 3-2, then why would the 3-1 be preferred over the 4-1?

Furthermore, if you're already in OD at the time, but at a speed where it would/will go back to 1st (like at 35mph in a 2.73 geared car), then you'd have to shift manually back to 3rd first, then go WOT to allow the auto downshift from 3-1.

So which is better?

1) Manual 4-3 under no load, then auto 3-1 at WOT

or

2) Auto 4-1 at WOT?
Old 10-04-2006, 11:25 PM
  #98  
Tech Resident
Thread Starter
 
ChocoTaco369's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Philly
Posts: 5,117
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by RPM WS6
Explain?

If the 4-2 is preferred over the 3-2, then why would the 3-1 be preferred over the 4-1?

Furthermore, if you're already in OD at the time, but at a speed where it would/will go back to 1st (like at 35mph in a 2.73 geared car), then you'd have to shift manually back to 3rd first, then go WOT to allow the auto downshift from 3-1.

So which is better?

1) Manual 4-3 under no load, then auto 3-1 at WOT

or

2) Auto 4-1 at WOT?
i don't think it matters. you can't do a 4-1 shift on even a 2.73 car. my car goes into 4th gear at ~40 mph and first gear won't kick down above ~36 mph. i don't think you can do a 4-1. i don't think there's a way to stay in 4th gear under 36 mph. i never tried, but i postulate you can't.
Old 10-04-2006, 11:41 PM
  #99  
Pontiacerator
iTrader: (12)
 
RevGTO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
Posts: 6,153
Received 206 Likes on 173 Posts

Default

4-1: release the band and disengage the 3-4 clutch pack. 3-1: disengage the 3-4 clutch pack. But with the 4-1 downshift, the overun clutch is not applied; manually downshifting from 4-3 applies it, and then the 3-1 automatic downshift releases it. Although I don't think one is "safe" while the other is "destructive" to your tranny, on balance, I'd probably lean toward the manual 3 - automatic 1.
Old 10-04-2006, 11:42 PM
  #100  
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
 
RPM WS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,232
Likes: 0
Received 1,661 Likes on 1,191 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by ChocoTaco369
i don't think it matters. you can't do a 4-1 shift on even a 2.73 car. my car goes into 4th gear at ~40 mph and first gear won't kick down above ~36 mph. i don't think you can do a 4-1. i don't think there's a way to stay in 4th gear under 36 mph. i never tried, but i postulate you can't.
I have logged 4-1 downshifts with a-tap, so I know it can occur. But I can't remember now if it was with my 2.73 geared Camaro or the 3.23 geared WS6. I'm pretty sure it was with my 2.73 geared car though, as I recall under very light throttle it would shift into OD at just above 30mph, yet the tables would allow for a downshift to 1st at up to 36/37mph.


Quick Reply: Effect of RPM's on a 4L60E



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:18 AM.