Best place to buy a 4l60e for a reasonable price.

[chevnut55]

need to buy a 4l60e trans/converter for my 69 Camaro ls1.
I do not want anything crazy,the motor is stock but might go with a bigger cam, the car will ,I want smooth shifting unless I manually shift it like stock.
I want something pre tested so I do not waste my time removing my motor to install junk.
I was looking at monster but the prices were too high for me and there seem to be a lot of choices.
Any opions on who to buy from and who to stay away from are welcome.
Also the torq converter size and what level trans to buy would help.

[Schwartz Performance]

GM performance parts has 4L60e's for a decent price... You could also call local trans shops to see what they offer. For a rebuilt one you're going to spend at least 2 grand since you don't have a core.
Otherwise buy something used from a trusted source... Good luck :)

[CFster]

Phoenix Transmission. I've still got their RV transmission (4L60E) behind my 480hp LS3 with no problems. Highly regarded by Compushift as well.

Phoenix Transmission Products | 700R4 - TH-2004R - TH-350 - 4L80E - High Performance Transmission Products (http://www.phoenixtrans.com/GM_Transmissions.html)

[chevnut55]

So far is between maddog and GM performance .
gm is $1,900.00 shipped w/ 2000 converter but need to call to see if there is a residential shipping or core charge.
maddog is $1,655.00 slevel 1 or $1,475.00 level 1 both w/ 2200 converter shipped no core, tested and all .
Waiting to hear from a few others.
Not looking forward to pulling the motor after I just got my 69 camaro all finished and never want to do it again so Im not chancing a rebuild or used.

[69cutlassrkt]

I would not go with maddog. Have you noticed that their transmissions that can supposedely handle x amount of power are not built to handle the amount of power the website claims the trans can handle, compared to other transmission builders. Pretty sketchy to me. If you look at other builders it seems it requires more than what maddog puts into their transmissions to handle the same amount of power. For example FTL, rpmtransmission and aceracingtrans. Look at maddog's level 2 4l60e it has a 4 pinion planetary gear that has been "cold-freezed" and it can handle 500hp hmm. It should have the 5 pinion gm planetary set and what is cold freezing.

[djfxall]

Maddog gave me an 83 core one of the weekest ever made dont go with them do your homework and ask allot of questions. Maddog says he uses a hardened input shaft and drum it is hardened from the gm factory mine was just a stock drum. He is cheap for a reason and it has to do with what you are getting for your money. I suggest going with a reputable brand and know what your money is being spent on. PATC has some nice stuff and have allot of info also. I know mine was supposed to handle 500hp put afr heads on my block and brought my power up and fried the band.

[chevnut55]

Good to know, I was going to order from maddog today because they look good with fully tested a warrantee , free shipping and converter. but I got screwed over enough and listen to warnings from others and will look else ware thanks.
The prices with some of these places are way out of line..up to $5k , some with no residential shipping, core charges, $500+ converters.
Flt and peformabuilt look good but Ill call around today and make sure there are no hidden cost if so Im going with gm performance.

[CFster]

You pay for what you get.

[djfxall]

I will give mad dog this they do have good customer service I call them and they are happy to answer any questions for ya. I just know you are gonna get what you pay for.

[chevnut55]

Not going with mad dog ,Calling around still , performabuilt was $2,500.00 w/ converter ..a bit too much for my budget, flt is tough because no residential shipping and high core charge.
Calling GM performance next.

[djfxall]

Cant blame you there but hope you find some thing good for your money I saw your profile said your a custim painter and artist you airbrush?

[Steve Chryssos]

For the money, you can't beat Phoenix for quality or service. That's what we sell. For a stock LS1 -- even with basic cam upgrade -- the Phoenix HD will get the job done. That's assuming primarily street use with limited traction and engine speed kept under 5500 for any extended duration (i.e. track days).

There's just no way to guarantee that you'll get a good trans and converter on the cheap. Good guy parts cost real money. Don;t buy anything with out studying and comparing the parts list. Also, whatever trans you buy will be subject to a lift gate charge, so find a buddy with a commercial address who is will ing to accept the trans. They don't need a fork truck just the right address and a coupla guys to schlep it off the truck.

[chevnut55]

Hows Monster? the only one in stock for a decent price so far.

[Steve Chryssos]

I assume, by "decent price" you mean their reman unit. Just so we're clear: Compare the Reman description with the HD description. See how the HD description has parts listed? And the reman doesn't? The reman is a stock transmission with no upgraded parts. I'm sure it will be fine. Monster has a good reputation.

Remember that we're all creating a public record here. When we post responses for your particular situation, we're also working together to help the next enthusiast who steps up. $2700 is a "Decent Price" for a true performance transmission with upgraded parts. Our 850HP 9 second pro-touring car has a $7000 Bowler 4l80E that rocks. That's a "decent price" for a transmission that will take you to the moon and back -- if you need it. For a pro-touring car, where spirited driving is a given and some abuse is top be expected, $2700 is a "decent price".

[chevnut55]

Yes DJx , I had a custom paint/resto/airbrush art shop here in ma. I have not took in a job in over a year to get my 69 built so I can sell my home/shop and move to fl.
I am off timewise by 6-8 months because I keep getting screwed by parts and tuners..everything on my part worked out great..so That's why I scared to order a trans , I do not have time or money to have another problem.
reasonable price I think is under $2k without the hassle of core returns/converter shopping etc..
I have a $5k trans in my 55 chevy but it has 800-1000 hp!
the Camaro is a driver, it will be driven hard but not raced or even in traffic..I want to do a power tour or autox but I just want it to be a easy going car that gets good milage and has no problems.
I called and tried everywhere for the last 3 days to find something.
Everytime I go to order theres a problem, I ordered a gm performance and they told me 2-??? weeks or months.
So far the only place that is willing to fill my needs is monster or mad dog.
mad dog got a lot of bad talk on here and lstech but They are willing to give me a great deal .$1,425.00 on a level 2 w/converter/shipping/no core/shipped today and stand behind it even on a ls1tech thred.
monster seems great and sponsor everything but there is way too much complaints the bbb and other sites say stay away.
This seems to be the hard part of the job..pulling the motor is going to suck too.

[djfxall]

I can say this I am in a bind due to the age of the core mad dog gave me is his customer service good yes he does stand behind his work yes but if you have a problem are uou gonna want to ship it back NC. His stage 2 is a stock upgrade with some minor upgrades and fixes. I dont know how hard you are gonna be on your trans but doing it right the first time might be your only choice unless you are looking to go back in later once in florida and finish whats started. Here are pics of what went on mine and never seen a track just floored it moving. Just make sure you get something that will take the abuse you give it. I am also an airbrush artist from eastern, ny though hopefully though you find what you are looking for.

[69cutlassrkt]

What about looking for a used 4l80e?

[csouth]

A deal isn't that good when the builder doesnt live down the road and you can't walk in the door for warranty issues. A 4L60E should be able to handle that slightly over stock LS1 you will eventually have with no prob.
You keep going back to the Mad Dog and Monster despite what people are telling you and what you have seen on LS1tech. It seems like you want someone to push you in that direction because you are second guessing. I don't need to buy online because I know a perfomance builder, but if I did it wouldn't be Monster or Mad Dog based on reviews. RPM, Phoenix or PerformaBuilt would probably get my business. I would likely lean towards Phoenix through Steve and Twist because he gives excellent customer service and he's part of the PT community. Forget the vendors and listen to what people are really trying to say, "spend the money once..."
Like Steve said compare the parts across vendors, but still be leary if the vendor has more negative reviews than you like.

[tflyboy77]

I have had horrible luck with my mega monster 700r4 and found out quickly that their customer service is second to worthless. I have placed probably 20 calls and they will not call you back. When you do get a rep they read to you from a troubleshooting book and claim there are no mechanics available. I gave up on my warranty and fixed mine on my own. Lesson Learned

[DCx]

I called a local GM wrecking yard and they wanted $650+$50 core for a 2wd 4l60e from a chevy truck, includes converter.

I got my 5.3 pull out from them for $500.

[DirtShark]

I second going to Steve at Twist Machine for the Phoenix Trans. It is where I purchased my 4l60e and Steve is very knowledgable and gives great service.

[cutlassmann]

Extreme Automatics the best and great customer service A-1!!!! Check out there web site www.Extreme Automatics.com

[alocker]

What about looking for a used 4l80e?

Yep, new clutches, seals, shift kit and your done.