Overdrive choices- 4L80E or??

[Thumpin'66]

Hey guys,

I have a Blown 85 Monte that I just wiped the 2nd gear sprag out of. I want an overdrive that will hold up to my 508 RWHP. I am considering a 4L80E but am open to ideas. I am usng a full manual Trans brake valve body in my 400 on the street and do not mind it at all so a 4L80E with full manual might be the ticket for me. I build my own trannys so I figure I would get a decent core and freshen it up. I found one locally that came behind a 6.0 liter in a 2003 van and it has a slip-in yoke. I figure the higher 1st gear ratio of the 80E would help me to hook out of the hole with my 4.10 rear gear and tons of torque. I have read that the torque converters are an issue? I was thinking I might try the stock converter since my 6-71 blower gives me immediate torque and throttle response. I would appreciate any input you guys have.

Thanks!
Russ

[PRRC]

We are a daler for Monster trans. We can have tem build the 4L80 to with stand up to 650 hp. It will be built to your needs.
Thanks Tim

[myclone]

Hey guys,

I have a Blown 85 Monte that I just wiped the 2nd gear sprag out of. I want an overdrive that will hold up to my 508 RWHP. I am considering a 4L80E but am open to ideas. I am usng a full manual Trans brake valve body in my 400 on the street and do not mind it at all so a 4L80E with full manual might be the ticket for me. I build my own trannys so I figure I would get a decent core and freshen it up. I found one locally that came behind a 6.0 liter in a 2003 van and it has a slip-in yoke. I figure the higher 1st gear ratio of the 80E would help me to hook out of the hole with my 4.10 rear gear and tons of torque. I have read that the torque converters are an issue? I was thinking I might try the stock converter since my 6-71 blower gives me immediate torque and throttle response. I would appreciate any input you guys have.

Thanks!
Russ

Russ,

If you do youre own trans's then you shouldnt have any problem freshening up an 80E. If youre running a TH400 now then you'll find a lot of familiar parts inside (some not so familiar too).

As far as the torque converter I havent really heard of the stockers being failure prone but they weigh a TON compared to an aftermarket higher stall piece which is why most ppl wont fool with them. If the unit youre getting comes with a stock converter youll see what Im talking about the first time you grab hold of it and try to lift it.

HTH,
Dave

[Thumpin'66]

You can't use a 400 non-lock up converter, can you?

[myclone]

Im not aware of any lock up TCs for the th400....not to say that someone with really deep pockets or a lot of time couldnt make it work.

[Thumpin'66]

What I mean is will a TH400 converter fit since the 4L80E is basically the same in the front of the case?

[myclone]

80e TC wont work on the 400....different pump drive set up.

[Thumpin'66]

Bummer, guess I will have to fork out the big bucks for a 11" 4L80E unit. Thanks

[Tokyo Torquer]

If you want overdrive on an automatic, a gear vendor OD behind a Turbo 350 may be the way to go with a big roots blowers. I have seen too may built OD GM trans go up in smoke behind the torque of a roots blower.

[TheMonkey]

... I have seen too may built OD GM trans go up in smoke behind the torque of a roots blower.

have you seen this happen with a 4L80E ? and how much power was required ?

[nekkidhillbilly]

the 6.0 4l80e wont work behind the older engines without changing the input shaft

[nekkidhillbilly]

have you seen this happen with a 4L80E ? and how much power was required ?

ive not with 500 hp diesels

[calforniacuda]

Project f-bomb is using a glide and later after the 1/4 mile stuff they are going to fit a gearvenders behind the 2 speed.

[TheMonkey]

ive not with 500 hp diesels

right, and 500hp diesel is some stupid amount of torque, yes? isn't torque what kills trannys?

[68Formula]

The 4l80e is rated at 800Nm (590 ft-lbs) from the factory.

[64duece]

I would suggest you call Chris at CK Performance Trans in NY. He builds and sells CNC parts for all types of trans inlcuding the 4L80E. He'll be happy to let you know what's needed for your torque and weight.

He just finished a T-braked TH400 for our Twin 71mm Turbo 555" BBC equipped 69 Chevelle (4000lb and 1240ft lbs of torque) and a 4L80E for my Twin 76mm Turbo 565" BBC equipped 55 Chevy (4000lb and 1300 ft lbs of torque) for us not along ago and offered a 1 yr warranty as well.

As for converters, one of the best I've seen for the 4L80E is probably Midwest converters. They offer a 10" unit with a clutch wide enough to lock-up in high gear under power. Nice having a "0%" slippage! We just received ours and they offer a 2yr warranty as well.

I realize you mentioned full auto trans control. But, the advantage of the the 4L80E controller offered by PCS is really nice. Being able to control the WOT shifts and converter lockup is really awesome. BTW, Rossler is making a t-braked valvebody w/ full automatic control. Abit pricey (~$650) but very cool.