I am planning on rebuilding my 700R4 out of my 92 Camaro, and I am looking for some tips from anybody. I still haven't decided on a rebuild kit yet, and I am still trying to decide if I want to do it myself anyways. I did get the manual for it and reading it is like watching paint dry, but at least I know what it's talking about. I'm just looking to see if anybody can tell me any special tools I might need, some good parts to change out that won't come in the kit, and just some genral trial and error tips learned along the way. The motor I am working on is a mild single turbo setup that should be around 400 to 450hp. I figure that's about the limit for this tanny, and if I go higher in horse power I'll upgrade to a 400. The car will be a daily driver with the occasional race here and there.
Thanks
Mike

 

Taken directly from a pm I got when I asked Vader pretty much the same question;

You can purchase a kit, but it's probably better to purchase the individual parts to build up what you want. The 5-pinion planetary set is OEM on 2003-up versions of the 4L60-E (same internals) so you can use a later stock unit or purchase aftermarket parts.

The 3-4 clutch set should be Red Eagle/Alto or Raybestos Z-Pack sets, and if you are pushing anything close to 500HP should probably be at least an 8-plate set with new steels. For less than that, a 7-plate set with stock thickness steels is adequate.

You can purchase a rebuild seal/gasket set with bonded actuator pistons or standard seals.

The valve body is usually a straightforward rebuild, with worn bores being honed for new oversized spools or sleeves. A new separator plate is a good idea, and a higher volume accumulator set is a plus for shifting under higher power.

The pump can be upgraded to the later 13-vane pump rotor and high RPM support and vane guide ring set for sustained operation over 5,000 RPM.

The reaction sun shell should be replaced with a SPX or TranStar "Beast" shell only, since the Chinese knock-offs of the "Beast" shell are no better than a stock replacement.

You can check most prices and availability at several places, but I've had really good luck here:

http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/me...ode=4L60-700R4

And Here:

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/dealer_price_list.htm

hope this helps.

 

Thanks! That gives me a good direction to start at.

 

have a pro assemble what you want.
i'd recommend
upgrade 3-4 clutch pack
replace separator plate with a new one and modify to transgo 2-3 specs.
buy a transgo 2-3 shift kit
buy a complete master overhaul kit
avoid wide 2-4 band but upgrade with a stock width high performance one
aftermarket 5 pinion planets not needed if your 4 pinions are good
buy a better 2-4 servo to apply the band
buy a better 4th piston and servo cover
get a heavy duty torque converter
rebuild the pump with the 10 vane-be wary of 13 vanes their specs. are different unless built for a 10 vane housing
if you want to change the pump performance just install the shift kit pump spring and install hardened rings
the special tools to install all the seals internally will be needed or when the pistons are installed to apply the clutches the rubber will rip and that's not good. also the sizing tools for the one piece rings are needed to fit them properly. a spring compressor for all the drums is needed to get the snaprings on and off properly.
not for a beginner transmission. even the checkballs go in different places with the shift kit. I say have someone you trust do it while you watch-hot tank everything.
----------
the beast reaction shell is a must have