4l80e vs. t400+gear vendors

[502imp]

I currently have a gear vendors od, and a turbo 400 trans. Was considering going to a 4l80e but have a couple questions...
1. Which setup is more efficient in terms of power robbing, I would assume the gear vendors uses more power, as there are effectively 2 transmissions in the car.
2. Which weighs more? I have heard that the 4l80e is a pretty hefty trans, but is it lighter than the 400 +GV?
3. Which setup is more bulletproof?

[Texas Hotrod]

I have a friend that built up a Monte Carlo SS. Since he ran a computerized Vor-Tec 350, he plugged a 4L80E into the system.
To save weight (and gain power) he later rebuilt a 4L60E and swapped it in. He was amazed at the better response and more power the engine had.
The 4L80 is strong but some of the internals are really dellicate, it is heavy and it does take power to run it. The TH400 is heavy (compared to a 350),it too takes power to spin it, the internals are strong and they can be rebuilt fairly cheap. I built the TH400 that's in my Biscayne and I am happy w/it. The 4L80 would be expensive to rebuild, torque converters are pricey and it takes electronics to make it work. It probably weighs about the same as a 400 w/a GV.

I plan to run a Muncie/GV combo in my Camaro. If you can cooridinate the shifts correctly, you can turn a TH400 into a 6-spd or a Muncie into an 8-spd box.

I would go TH400+GV myself.

[Steve Chryssos]

Sounds good but I'm sure that for the cost of a TH400/GV you can build a very strong 4L60E and end up with less overall weight, less parasitic loss, and far less complication.

[502imp]

Thanks for the help but I think I'm gonna change up my t400 + GV for the 4l80e since my application is a turbo big block and I don't want to destroy trannys with the torque. Then I will also be able to go with a shrifter.

[Texas Hotrod]

Will the GV be for sale?

[502imp]

eventually... I already got an e-mail, guess it was you huh? It may be a while before it goes in, hopefully in the next 6 months...

[67RSSS502]

Not to step on toes, but can you do me a favour and check on who the email was from, as I emailed you re: shortly after your post to switch out the t400 + gv? My email asked if you would sell the gv or the gv+400 ( I just need the gv) and stated I can wait for you to finish the swap

Thanks!
Dion
67RSSS502

[protour_chevelle]

Is this the GV that allows 6 or 8 gears? Sounds like a trick product. Pretty pricey though.

-Matt

[Matt]

I'd suggest against a 4l60e (a few people mentioned those)...I've seen a handful of busted built ones. From everything I've ever seen a th400 is one of the hardiest trannys out there, and since you all ready have that much money in it with the GV bits...just stick with that.

[502imp]

Sorry about the confusion, 67rsss502, the e-mail was from you, I just didn't know when I planned to pull out the GV. That's why I didn't respond. I will e-mail you when I have a better idea, then put it up ion here for sale.
In regards to the GV unit in general, I got it when I was sick of getting horrible mileage with my big block, and had GV themselves freshen it up with new parts, then do the install. They told me it was one of the "older" units with kevlar something or another innards that they like because they are more bulletproof than the newer enviromentally-sensative innards they have to use on the new units. It works great, and shifts nioce and firm, I'm just planning on changing a ton of stuff on my car, and figured I could go with the all-in-one setup. (mostly to get the paddle shifter)

[73-TYPE-LT-LS1]

I don't suggest the 4L60E either. I've been an LS1 owner since 2001 and have seen nothing but bad in the long run.

4L80E is a better trans but the TH350 and TH400's are stronger. Then again, there is the 200R4 no one has mentioned. They seem to hold up to some serious power and have OD to boot.

[502imp]

Heres some tranny weights I found:
|--------Maximum-------|
Engine Gearbox Gross Torque Overall
Transmission Weight Torque Torque Veh. Wt. Conv. Dia. Length
Model (lbs.) (lb/ft) (lb/ft) (lbs) (inches) (inches)
Rear Wheel Drive:
TH-180C (3L30) 130/140 258 440 7716 9.6/10.24 26.29/28.11
TH-200-4R 157 330 550 6000 11.73 28.26
TH-300 (Jetaway)
TH-350
TH-400 (3L80) 190 440 885 12000 12.20 29.30/34.48
TH-700-R4 (4L60) 167/184 350 650 8600 9.6/11.73 29.77/30.64
4L30-E 168/177 258 440 7716 9.6/10.24 28.54/31.57
4L60-E 160/176 350 612 8600 9.6/11.73 29.77/30.64
4L80-E 260 440 885 15000 12.20 31.93/33.02

I'm pretty sure these are with the stock converters... I have heard the stock 4l80e converter is 65-75 lbs. many aftermarket ones are 1/2 that. So If I estimate the GV at ~50 lbs I figure they are pretty close.

[blazer4corners]

Isnt the 4l80e basicly a TH400 with overdrive and electronics just like the 4l60e is the 700r4 with electonics? I'm a BIG fan of the 200-4r trannys will handle power/torque if built right and are dual bolt pattern for most gm blocks.