4l60e or 4L80e? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cris well · 06-01-2010, 06:19 PM

I'm about to go look at an engine and trans from a 97 chevy truck 350/auto and i'd like to know what to look for to distinguish the two trannys apart.

I will also write down the casting #'s from the engine and tranny if there are any on the trans.

I know what the vortec motors look like but not the trans.

BigBlocksRule · 06-01-2010, 07:31 PM

4L80E is the easiest of GM's to recognize. It will have a waffle pattern on each side of the bellhousing about the size of your hand. Once you've seen it, you'll never miss it. If you decide to try it by feel, pick it up. If your guts end up in your shorts and it's still on the ground, it's the 4L80E

ChevLoRay · 06-01-2010, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBlocksRule

4L80E is the easiest of GM's to recognize.....If your guts end up in your shorts and it's still on the ground, it's the 4L80E

I had a virtual hernia just visualizing that.....

GASoline71 · 06-02-2010, 12:41 AM

4L60E's are more common behind the 350's... However... I had a 3/4 ton Suburban with a 350 small block and a 4L80E in it. That small block worked it's butt off spinning that tranny.

Gary

BigBlocksRule · 06-02-2010, 07:32 AM

They're heavier and take a bit more power to spin, but they're as bulletproof as anything made up to the Allison. I've towed close to 10,000 lbs with one in overdrive all the way with zero ill effects. Can't say that about a 4L60E for sure - they're a decent design for street vehicles but aren't worth much if you're planning to work 'em hard.

cris well · 06-02-2010, 11:32 AM

yea i thought the 60s were behind all the 350s then i read somewhere that it could be either.

i'm gonna ask the guy if it came from a 3/4 ton or a suburban or something.

he wants to trade me the engine/trans/harness/ecm (with 70,xxx miles) for a 700r4 and a set of 15x10 vette rallys with good tires (for a 5 lug truck) that i have.

i'm just considering it at this point.

jb1016 · 06-02-2010, 12:36 PM

That seems like a good deal to me...

BigBlocksRule · 06-02-2010, 01:40 PM

My '97 1-ton has a 350 and the 4L80E. The truck has 240K miles and nothing has been overhauled yet, great oil pressure and no problems, KNOCK ON WOOD!!!

cris well · 06-02-2010, 01:47 PM

that's what i like to hear.

i have a 93 sierra sle sportside with about 285,000 miles with the 4L60e rebuilt about 2 years ago but not the motor.

still runs like a new one. it has been well taken care of.

Tom · 06-02-2010, 11:40 PM

Plenty of vortec 350/4L80e combos out there, just none in 1/2tons.

06-01-2010, 06:19 PM	#1
cris well Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: atlanta, ga Posts: 318	4l60e or 4L80e? I'm about to go look at an engine and trans from a 97 chevy truck 350/auto and i'd like to know what to look for to distinguish the two trannys apart. I will also write down the casting #'s from the engine and tranny if there are any on the trans. I know what the vortec motors look like but not the trans.

06-01-2010, 07:31 PM	#2
BigBlocksRule Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 2,047	Re: 4l60e or 4L80e? 4L80E is the easiest of GM's to recognize. It will have a waffle pattern on each side of the bellhousing about the size of your hand. Once you've seen it, you'll never miss it. If you decide to try it by feel, pick it up. If your guts end up in your shorts and it's still on the ground, it's the 4L80E

06-02-2010, 07:32 AM	#5
BigBlocksRule Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 2,047	Re: 4l60e or 4L80e? They're heavier and take a bit more power to spin, but they're as bulletproof as anything made up to the Allison. I've towed close to 10,000 lbs with one in overdrive all the way with zero ill effects. Can't say that about a 4L60E for sure - they're a decent design for street vehicles but aren't worth much if you're planning to work 'em hard.

06-02-2010, 11:32 AM	#6
cris well Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: atlanta, ga Posts: 318	Re: 4l60e or 4L80e? yea i thought the 60s were behind all the 350s then i read somewhere that it could be either. i'm gonna ask the guy if it came from a 3/4 ton or a suburban or something. he wants to trade me the engine/trans/harness/ecm (with 70,xxx miles) for a 700r4 and a set of 15x10 vette rallys with good tires (for a 5 lug truck) that i have. i'm just considering it at this point.

06-02-2010, 01:40 PM	#8
BigBlocksRule Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 2,047	Re: 4l60e or 4L80e? My '97 1-ton has a 350 and the 4L80E. The truck has 240K miles and nothing has been overhauled yet, great oil pressure and no problems, KNOCK ON WOOD!!!

06-02-2010, 01:47 PM	#9
cris well Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: atlanta, ga Posts: 318	Re: 4l60e or 4L80e? that's what i like to hear. i have a 93 sierra sle sportside with about 285,000 miles with the 4L60e rebuilt about 2 years ago but not the motor. still runs like a new one. it has been well taken care of.

06-02-2010, 11:40 PM	#10
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,763	Re: 4l60e or 4L80e? Plenty of vortec 350/4L80e combos out there, just none in 1/2tons. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.



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