Zeromitch87

iTrader: (5)

I needed a 700r4 for my 383 swap so I called Dana at pro built and he recommended me to Gilbert from ace racing transmissions in Texas since Dana said his would take 6-8 weeks and I needed one sooner.
After talking to Gilbert (Great Guy) for a bit on the phone he recommended me to buy a 4l60E over the 700r4 and said he would help me with the build as much as he could.
I talked to a few guys before him and seems everyone hates doing 700r4's due to warranty issues. I guess no one can get the TV cable adjusted right and burn up alot of 700r4's.

I will be using a USA Shift from Baumann Electronics http://www.usshift.com/ to control the 4l60E which he is providing in my build and he is still looking into the speedo module for me.
Has anyone done this project before or have any questions or concerns?

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

Id do the OBDII PCM and run the engine and 4L60E as one unit thats fully programable before using a stand alone controller and dated 3rd gen EFI controls

So much of the 700R4 and 4L60E is the same, a shop thats scared to build one but ok with another is worriesome. Adjusting the TV cable is simple, look it up. Since the shop is local, have them do it so they cant deny your warranty. Takes longer to type it out than to do it, so if they charge you more than $10, they're ripping you

Zeromitch87

iTrader: (5)

I use holley hp computer with a stealth ram. He said he would build me a 700r4, it was other shops that said they didn't like to, he just suggested 4l60E because he thought it would fit my project better than the 700r4. I can see why it would be better for me with setting the shift points myself rather than taking the governor out and messing with springs and weights, since I went holley hp and hsr getting my tcc lock up will have to be redone.
So does this project not sound good to you? Are you guys just hell bent on staying with 700r4's?

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

I prefer the 4L60E with a proper PCM control. Stand alone controllers never have worked to my liking

Zeromitch87

iTrader: (5)

I agree with you on using what it's suppose to have. Will the stand alone computer work well enough to work for me? Just daily driving and spirited driving. I'm not racing or doing anything to crazy.

FRMULA88

If you wanted a bullet proof 4 speed OD trans a 4L80E would have been a much better choice and leave you room to grow, it is no bigger than a TH400 and just as durable.

A TH400 fits in a 3rd gen like it was meant to be there from the factory. LOL

I heavily modified my 700 to live behind a stout 383 SBC, and it lived a good life. That being said because it was still a wide ratio trans with no aftermarket gearsets (at least ones that are affordable) to improve it. and it still is no where as durable as a 400 (3L80) or 4L80E

if you plan to exceed the limits of a 700 the wise thing is to ditch it.. otherwise it is a good transmission for daily driving.

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

Id stick to the 700R4. Stand alone controllers are very expensive on their own, about as much as an entire OBDII conversion engine and trans harness

Bulletproof? Out of the JY, they are stout, but not indestructible. Its alot bigger than a TH400, plus twice as heavy as a 700R4. Price out a converter for one while you're at it...

I should know, I rocked one for quite a while

FRMULA88

Give me a break; nothing claimed from a junk yard should be considered bullet proof because you have no ideas what it went thru before you grabbed it.

I never said is was cheaper than 700 either, but properly built a 4L80E will outlast and outperform one.

Zeromitch87

iTrader: (5)

I'm getting the stand alone controller for $350. Gilbert is working with me on the prices. The 700r4 would be about $500 cheaper, so I figure I would go with the 4l60E. I was hoping I would find someone else that had done it here that had pointers. Either way I will post updates.

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

just a good set of the right hard parts to go in my 700r4 came to $3200.
and thats with my tranny..and the convtr was another $500..did it my self..I love mine

Night rider327

iTrader: (13)

the 4L80E is heavy but not that heavy lol.
Dry weights, no converter
4L80E 178 lbs
4L60E 135-140 lbs
700r4 134 lbs
TH400 135 lbs
TH350 125 lbs.

450 HP is about the max range on a stock 4L80E due to it's hydraulic system/valve body. With changes to the valve body I have read it can handle 750 HP.
With a better input shaft, forward hub, 36 element "super drum" mods then you have a bullet proof trans that will handle well over 1,000 HP