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

TH400 vs. 4L80E

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 17, 2002 | 07:27 PM
  #1  
XLR8NSS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Adkoonerstrator
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 21,420
Likes: 0
From: Deep in the seedy underworld of Koonerville
Default TH400 vs. 4L80E

First, I am posting this because I'm putting a 422 in a heavy truck and will probably end up spraying a small <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> shot on top of it. The 4L60E is not an option for me. I also won't get rid of overdrive. <img src="http://64.127.132.31/smilies/nono.gif" alt=" - " />

Ok I want to know if a 4L80E can be built as strong as a TH400. I always here that a 80E is just a 400 with an overdrive.

Are the hard parts in both the same? Is there any reason I should go TH400 over a built 4L80E? Once you figure in the price of getting an overdrive unit for the 400 the prices couldn't be much different.

I am leaning towards a 4L80E but, my brother-in-law has a TH400 w/ratchet shifter I can have for cheap.

Professional and experienced trans. guys please throw in what you think.

Thanks

John
Old Nov 17, 2002 | 07:45 PM
  #2  
supersp0rt's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: akron/canton, ohio
Default Re: TH400 vs. 4L80E

i dont know all the details as far as building it up, but i know the 4L80E is damn near unbreakable and yes, it can be built very very strong.
Old Nov 17, 2002 | 08:00 PM
  #3  
sited12's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Land
Default Re: TH400 vs. 4L80E

the 80 is A4 and the TH400 is A3. You shift the TH400 for better results as for the 80, it is much like the 60E. Just put it in drive i go i believe.
Old Nov 17, 2002 | 09:44 PM
  #4  
fbird_ta's Avatar
Teching In
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Central FL
Default Re: TH400 vs. 4L80E

When it comes down to it the 4L80E and a TH400 with a Gear Vendors overdrive (if that is what you were thinking of) are about the same. The TH400 can be built almost indestructable and the Gear Vendors is also almost idestructable. If you can get a TH400 already built cheap I would go with it and a Gear Vendors. If not go with the more compact 4L80E.
Old Nov 17, 2002 | 10:17 PM
  #5  
XLR8NSS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Adkoonerstrator
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 21,420
Likes: 0
From: Deep in the seedy underworld of Koonerville
Default Re: TH400 vs. 4L80E

Yes, the gear vendors OD is exactly what I am talking about. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

The TH400 that my brother-in-law has is not really built and will have to have a few seals and problems worked out. The gear vendors unit is also not cheap. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" />

The thing I like about the 80E is that it comes in the HD trucks and will probably be a relatively hassle free swap. The stock computer will also be able to control it.

I've heard the 4L80E can be built to handle 1000+ hp. How much of that is truth and how much is <img border="0" alt="[bullshit]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_bs.gif" /> ? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

Thanks fellas. Keep the replies coming.

John
Old Nov 18, 2002 | 09:31 AM
  #6  
turbo's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
20 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 687
Likes: 4
From: TX
Default Re: TH400 vs. 4L80E

Id go with the 4L80E, thats what im going to go with when I get a bigger transmission.

Which stock computer you talking about? the one out of our cars?

Casey
Old Nov 18, 2002 | 10:16 AM
  #7  
Speedfreaks101's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Native Texan
Default Re: TH400 vs. 4L80E

The 4L80E is for all practical puposes a AOD T-400. There are a few drawbacks to the 4L80E: Core price, and weight. These suckers are heavy. I cant remeber the exact weight but I will try and find out. As far as which unit to use, well me personally I would like to use the AOD. I think it would be a simpler install and in the end less expensive compared to the GVOD setup. I beleive in the KISS theroy.
Old Nov 18, 2002 | 03:01 PM
  #8  
FASST's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Default Re: TH400 vs. 4L80E

If you're going to use the F-body computer, the 4L80E will be an easy upgrade. The 4L80E retains computer control, and as such you can modulate the programming to stiffen, soften shift feel. Hughes makes an extremely stout version....they stand behind their work and have often replaced/repaired their trannys for free after the warranty had passed.
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-8

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 18, 2002 | 03:05 PM
  #9  
turbo's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
20 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 687
Likes: 4
From: TX
Default Re: TH400 vs. 4L80E

Cool, was curious if the fbody ecu would still control the 4L80E.

Hughes sells conversion kits for the fbody? Ive been looking at finding one.

Thanks

Casey
Old Nov 21, 2002 | 05:48 PM
  #10  
Pro Stock John's Avatar
LS1Tech Co-Founder
20 Year Member
Community Influencer
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 45,355
Likes: 1,787
From: Chicago, IL
Default Re: TH400 vs. 4L80E

Geoff Skorupa of Performance Technical Center did one of the first swaps of a 4L80E into a C4 Corvette (847-228-7256).

You are looking at like $1100 + your core to do a T400.

I think a 4L80E core is pricey, how much do they cost to beef up?

My only concern is that a 4L80E done up might be like double or triple the cost of a T400.
Old Nov 22, 2002 | 02:31 PM
  #11  
XLR8NSS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Adkoonerstrator
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 21,420
Likes: 0
From: Deep in the seedy underworld of Koonerville
Default Re: TH400 vs. 4L80E

JR, I found a place that sells manual 4L80E's that are supposed to be good for 900+ hp for less than $3000. They are like 2900 and some change with no core charge. That is outright.

These do not work with a computer though. They are full manual.

I'm sure one could probably be got at a junkyard for a good price. I don't know how much to beef them up. It shouldn't be anymore than a 4L60E but, that is just my thinking. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

JK <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

Oh yeah, the gear vendors overdrive is alot of money just by itself. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />

<small>[ November 22, 2002, 02:32 PM: Message edited by: XLR8NSS ]</small>
Old Nov 22, 2002 | 02:46 PM
  #12  
FASST's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Default Re: TH400 vs. 4L80E

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by r8ls1:
<strong>Hi FASST , im curious how exactly do we get the 4l80e to work with the stock PCM , is the wiring harness the same as the 4l60e and it just plugs in and works the same way , or does there have to be re-wiring done ? I like to get a 4l80e but it has to stay electronic . Nothing like setting your shift points with ls1edit and just point and shoot .

btw I found a website lists the weights as 4l60e - 170 lbs , 4l80e - 260 lbs .</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The easiest way to do it is to get a new wiring harness, stand-alone computer go from there. Hughes sells the full kit with race-built 4L80E (no core required) for $5300. A bit expensive, but it's plug and play. The shift points, shift lag time, lock-up percentage and full auto/manual control settings can all be changed at the push of a button...or two. The driveshaft will also need to be shortened and the yoke will need to be modified...32 spline instead of a stock 27. All in all, it's pretty sweet...and if you break this thing you have WAY too much power anyway <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> (over 1000).

BTW, great info on the weights...hmmmm...now, where to find 90 pounds to lose.

<small>[ November 22, 2002, 02:56 PM: Message edited by: FASST ]</small>
Old Nov 23, 2002 | 08:43 PM
  #13  
FASST's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Default Re: TH400 vs. 4L80E

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by r8ls1:
<strong>Sound good , but cant a 4l80e be used with the cars stock PCM ? In the above post you said its an easy upgrade with an f-body computer .
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">So it depends...The 4L80E programming is supported on 99 and up PCMs. 98...your SOL. This comes from the guys at carputing: "I could cut and paste the 4L80E trans section into an LS1 PCM for 1999 and up, but not for 98." Since I have a 98, I either need to go out and get a 99+ computer (which then will not have the correct VIN number), or use the stand-alone.

As for the converter, when I talked to Hughes they said that they can make the 4L60E converter work. Personally, I don't know how they do that--I was pressed for time and didn't pry. Most guys that use a TH400, or 4L80E use a TH400 converter. In which case you can go with any stall you'd like.

<small>[ November 23, 2002, 09:29 PM: Message edited by: FASST ]</small>
Old Feb 13, 2010 | 09:42 PM
  #14  
rcsfastmonte's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: OHIO
Default

Originally Posted by ;54201
the 80 is A4 and the TH400 is A3. You shift the TH400 for better results as for the 80, it is much like the 60E. Just put it in drive i go i believe.
you can do the 80 in a manual shift as well as an auto.
Old Feb 13, 2010 | 10:05 PM
  #15  
uphigh07's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
15 Year Member
iTrader: (48)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: Garden City Kansas
Default

back from the dead, this post is like 8 years old man
Old Feb 11, 2016 | 08:38 PM
  #16  
Stephan Tharp's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by uphigh07
back from the dead, this post is like 8 years old man

Back from the dead once again, and now its 14 years old. Man how technology has changed since the first post here haha.
Old Feb 19, 2016 | 02:21 PM
  #17  
agenthol302's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Chanhassen, Minnesota
Default

sounds like you already have your mind made up on the 4l80, I would say if you plan on doing a lot of street just go with the 4l80, if it will mostly be a track car go with the th400
Old Feb 19, 2016 | 07:05 PM
  #18  
mrvedit's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 529
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Default

Since there are much more current and up-to-date TH400 versus 4L80E threads, this is closed.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:14 PM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE