4l60E and 4l80E questions with Gen III motors

[mahanian]

I searched but couldn't find the answer I'm looking for so here I am.... I'm putting together my build sheet for my Gen III motor swap into my 67 and I'm starting to chase parts, but I want to make sure I cover all my bases before spending the hard earned dough...so your help with a few questions is greatly appreciated!

Is there big differences between the 4l60E transmissions through the years?

Different clutches or gear ratios? Is one beefier than the rest?

Differences between car trannys and truck trannys?

Will they all bolt up to all Gen III engines? I'm currently looking at an LS1 out of a 2002 Corvette but I'm not 100% set on it yet.

Is the same true for the 4L80E?

How difficult is it to add a 4L80E to a block set up for a 4L60E, mechanically speaking...I know the harness is different and the ECM would have to be reprogrammed.

Thanks in advance for the help...

[mahanian]

Is this question better suited for ls1tech.com?

[airdale94]

I think the bolt patterns are all the same. The 4l80e is the truck trans.

[67ChevyRedneck]

4L60 trannys were used in the 1/2 ton trucks as well, not just cars. The 4L80 was used in the HD's and I think the 6.0L in the 1/2 tons. That's about all I know.

[mahanian]

That's one thing I'm trying to figure out....what's the difference between the 4l60E car tranny and the 4l60E 2wd truck tranny

[Custom 68]

I think there are some differences externally in the different applications. I do remember specifically seeing a different torque converter for the Corvettes. Now I dont know wht is different but you might need to check. I believe any 4l60e will bolt to the motor but the output shafts and tail shafts are different.
for the 4l80e check out this link, http://www.ls1truck.com/forums/front...rans-swap.html
there is info on what needs to be don for the conversion. My aftermarket wiring harness came with provisions for both transmissions.
as far as tuning I dont know what might be different.
good luck
Dave

[Ackattack]

the f-body 4L60E has provisions on the tailshaft for the torque arm. It doesn't matter though. The 4L60E from a 2wd truck will work just the same. The 4wd trannies have a longer output shaft, so you can't just switch out the tailshaft....so you'll want a 2wd unit. The torque converters are probably different between the car and the truck, but either will work. I would imagine the truck one is a little tighter from the factory.

They switched to a 4L65E at somepoint, but is essentially an upgraded 4L60E.

The 4L80E is bigger and requires different wiring as you already mentioned. In stock form it will hold more power, but I've seen a lot of 4L60Es handle A LOT of power (700RWHP in low 10/high 9 second cars)

Oh, don't mess with the corvette tranny. It's mounted to the rear diff and not worth your time chasing parts to try to get it to work, if even possible.

[jayharrell]

I think the 4l60e's were in alot of 4x4s. My dad runs trany shop. We were talking alot about them this weekend. Seems the U joint goes out and snaps the rear of the case. So even finding a good used core will be tricky. But the internalls should be good in those cracked cases.

my 2 pesos.

[mahanian]

Thanks for all the feedback!

Does anyone know if the tranny bolt pattern was different between the LT and LS engines?

[mahanian]

Ok, a little more information I found is the '93-'95 4l60E did not have a removable bell housing, but the '96 and newer does. I will update this thread as I compile information...

[68 short step]

Originally Posted by mahanian

Thanks for all the feedback!

Does anyone know if the tranny bolt pattern was different between the LT and LS engines?

get one for a LS engine, but the LT version will bolt up..

[Ackattack]

yeah, the trannies for gen III engines use a removable bellhousing that bolts all the way around....including to the oil pan. The older 4L60e as well as TH350, TH00, and 700R4 will all bolt up too. If you're going OD, might as well get the correct 4L60E. I found mine on craigslist for $300 and it's supposed to be perfectly fine (haven't drivin the truck yet though.

[boostat4500]

The 4L80E bell housing is not removable, just the bottom cover plate. Mine is out of an 01' so I can't speak for all years though. It is also noticeably bigger than the 60 and the converters are different. The 60 has a .70 overdrive versus the 80's .75 if that makes a difference to you. And I believe the 60 has a steeper ( higher numerically ) 1st gear, but don't quote me on that.

[ed2552]

Think of the 80 as a od version of the TH400, the 60 as an OD TH350

[mahanian]

I thought the 4l60E was more similar to the 700R4 than the TH350?

[boostat4500]

It is, I think he's just talking about the size and strength differences between a TH350 and TH400 and then comparing a 60 to an 80.

[mahanian]

Ok, that makes sense

[ed2552]

Originally Posted by boostat4500

It is, I think he's just talking about the size and strength differences between a TH350 and TH400 and then comparing a 60 to an 80.

That is basically what I meant, they are basically the same strength in comparison to each other.