Transmission Question
 

(I tried searching but couldnt find a clear answer)

I bought a 2004 5.3 without a trans. I want to go with a 4l80e. Do I have to get a specific year for it to work? Or can I just tell the company that is modifying the harness what year trans I have and that be enough?

I know different generations of the trans have pro/con's but for a mildly modified 5.3 I dont think that would matter, correct?

Thank you!

Re: Transmission Question
 

they had changes in I believe 96 or 97, though either generation can technically work. I'm running a 97 4l80e. I believe top bolt on early transmissions may not line up (tho its fine to install without that bolt)

Re: Transmission Question
 

Ditto. I'm running a 97 4L80E behind my 07 LQ4.

Re: Transmission Question
 

Great. Thanks guys!

Re: Transmission Question
 

But O.P. has a 5.3, won't he have to have his PCM tuned to accept the 4l80 since 5.3's didn't come with that trans. How does that work?

Re: Transmission Question
 

Yes, Transmission calibration segment swap using EFIlive or HPtuners.

tinydb84, A mild 5.3L doesn't require a 4L80E...All Im going to say, Me, Brewcity & Wasted Income have already been in a debate over this.

Re: Transmission Question
 

I burned up 2 700r4/4l60's in a almost stock Camaro....is there a thread with the debate? I would like to read it if possible

Re: Transmission Question
 

'98 & up rollerized 300mm 4L60E's with certain upgrades will hold any N/A 5.3L.

You smoking stock 700R4's is a whole other matter.

Re: Transmission Question
 

Agreed 100%.
I have a friend who ran low 11's n/a on an internally stock 4L60E in an F-body.
That's way more punishment than a 5.3 will dish out.

To put an 80 in it you'll have to do the segment swap(find a good tuner!) and sort out the wiring difference too.

If you want an 80 I'd sell the 5.3 and find a 6 liter/80 dropout complete. Much easier.

Re: Transmission Question
 

My setup requires the use of a 4L80E....because I hate swapping out transmissions. ;)

tinydb84, clinebarger is a smart guy, and from what I gather, he deals with transmissions professionally on a daily basis. He's probably right that a 60E would suit you fine for a mild 5.3.

HOWEVER, I have also seen mild N/A 5.3s shred 4L60Es. Even in bone stock silverados.

If you can find an 80E for a good price, there is no reason not to stab it in your truck...especially if you're starting your LS swap from scratch.

My $0.02

Re: Transmission Question
 

Lol i think cline and I have argued over this in probably 6 different threads. I break stuff so I just built an 80e behind my 6L, but short of running boost is figure u might break the rear end before a good (read, GOOD, 4L60)

smoking a 700r4 is easy, i'd wager it was the first trans most hobbyists destryoy first.
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Re: Transmission Question
 

My TBSS has a 4L70e in it...the "super duty" version of a 4L60e. It's been rebuilt once (stock) by the dealership and living behind the LS2 in this 2.5 ton brick...when it goes again and I believe it will...I'm hoping I can get someone as sharp as clinebarger to build it for me, as I plan on hp upgrades and really don't want it to ever have to come back out again.

I will say I like the gear ratio's in my 4L85e better then the 4L70e. Its more like the 200-4r and turbo350 the truck had in it, prior to their replacement.

Re: Transmission Question
 

Parts list for 60E/65E/70E

Sonnax Smart Shell...http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=P_T02PDnUbI

Sonnax Smart Input Housing...http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/...ion/parts/3966

Pin-less Accumulator Pistons...http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/...ion/parts/3092 Forward Accm...http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/...ion/parts/3110

Sonnax 2nd piston...http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/...ion/parts/2012

Sonnax Billet Forward Clutch piston...http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/...ion/parts/2012

Wide Sungear Bushing...http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/...ion/parts/3096

Trans-Go SK-4L60E...http://transgoonline.com/products.ph...dcountview=Yes **If you want hard shifts go with the HD-2**

Trans-Go high rpm return springs...http://transgoonline.com/products.ph...dcountview=Yes

Trans-Go Pump Rings...http://transgoonline.com/products.ph...dcountview=Yes

Trans-Go Separator Plate...Year specific

Alto Products Red Eagle & Kolene 3-4 clutch kit...057757BHP, This is really the only weak friction in a 4L60E.

Borg Warner sprags...Input/Forward & Low/Reverse.

New Delco 5 pinion Input & Reaction planets.

New Torrington bearing kit.

Replace ALL other bushings...Hydramatic uses aluminum bushings sporadically.

Re: Transmission Question
 

thanks clinebarger! now at least I have the shopping list. :lol: the 70e has the 5 pinion f&r doesn't it?

Thanks!

BTW....anything in particular I should do for my 480ft lb rated (I think) 4L85e? I plan on roughly 3k stall torque convertor soon.

Re: Transmission Question
 

Great info. I'm sure that will help a lot of guys out.

Re: Transmission Question
 

Both the 65E & 70E have 5 pinion planets from the factory.

4L80E's are pretty stout in factory form, A TransGo 4L80E HD2 shift kit would fix what most commonly goes wrong with a 80E....Direct clutch burn up!!