Light84vette

Would a 4L80E transmission fit into a C4 corvette because this looks like it is the way to go for a 4 speed automatic High HP capacity Transmission. Also I heard that it only runs with a computer but what if I use a non electronic 4L80E like the one from http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4L80E.htm anybody have experience with this or know of anything done like this? :cool:

BBA

There are two forum members that have done this conversion. I don't know who, but I remember the conversions.

Light84vette

Come on more people know about this. SOme one with some info on this topic please reply. :)

BOWTYE8

Tom from this fourm did this conversion to his 87 vette. Yes it does fit with some modification.
Here is a couple links to his picks. http://bowtye8.tzo.com/hovmovies/pic...es/tom87vette/ http://bowtye8.tzo.com/hovmovies/pics/tom4l80etn.htm http://bowtye8.tzo.com/hovmovies/pics/tomspicsb.htm

Check a few months back in the enigne mods area. He posted there a few times.

Dennis

-=Jeff=-

Dennis,

Some of the links don't work to enlarge the pics..

BOWTYE8

Hi Jeff,

Sorry about that. My server only allows so many connections. I am trying to remedy this. Best to try back in a few minutes.

Dennis

Light84vette

What is the weight difference between the 4L80E and the 700R4? ;)

kawboy5792

a non-electronic 4L80E would just be a 4L80. the e stands for electronic. so if you got rid of the electronic control, it would just be a 4L80

Matt383

I put in a Turbo-400 three speed. No over drive. Considered the 4L80e.
The 4L80e requires a computer to manage it. You could go with DFI type system that enables a daughter board to adapt to the 4L80e. You may want to go with the non-e if you don't want to spend a couple grand for a computer system and wiring harness to manage it if you have the stock ecm now. Also the bolt in is simailar to the T-400. I had a custom tailshaft housing made for me by a tool and die company out of aircraft aluminum. Basically it was the internals (bushings, etc) of a turbo-400 with the external bolt pattern of a 700-R4. This enabled me to bolt into the stock C type clamp that holds the trans in place. Thus avoiding thousands in frame mods to accomodate holding the trans in place. Also the 4L80e wieghs about 100 lbs more than the 400. Need torque converter as well. Think there is a market for that tailshaft housing? how many C4's want a T-400 anyway? Good luck! :chevy

Fatt Vette

I had one in my '86. It was a lot of work, but it did fit and worked very well. You need a tail shaft housing, computer, wiring harness, driveshaft, and a few little odds and ends. You end up cutting the machining locator "ears" off of the bellhousing. The Turbo Shop (TTS) makes a tailshaft housing for this conversion. They keep none in stock, and do not seem very willing to machine just one for me. I ended up modifying a stock one from a four wheel drive truck, by welding a block on the side for the drive line support beam. It ended up cracking, so I am back to a 700r4. If I can ever get a hold of a TTS unit, I will go back to the 4l80e.

Matt

Light84vette

What website is this tts unit from?

Fatt Vette

Its not on their website, I had to email them

Matt

Bob86ZZ4

How about doing a TH400 with a Gear Vendors overdrive on the back of that? That's what I did. I'm very happy with it. There are a few advantages over going to the 4l80. It's lighter. Very much cheaper to rebuild. I would argue that the install is much easier too. I have a page on my web site which tells a bit about the conversion. Take a look.

Light84vette

Correct Me if I am wrong but the Overdrive unit cost $2,000 alone. Well the TH400 is like $900 and the overdrive is 2g's so thats $2,900. The 4L80 is $2,700 and is built to handle 1200hp the TH400 I saw from Transmissioncenter.net is rated at 800hp. So maybe I saw the overdrive unit wrong, were do I go once I get to the site? I was planing on going that way but if it is this much then I'll stick to the 4l80, unless you could show me where it doe'nt cost me that much?

Bob86ZZ4

If you look on the left side of my home page there is a spot that says, "Conversion to TH400 transmission." Click on that and you will see my page about it.
The Gear Vendors unit sells for $2500 (that includes shipping if I remember correctly) with the correct fittings to attach to the torque arm on a C4. I paid $1400 (includes shipping) for a th400 manual valve body tranny built by a shop in Deleware, that includes the converter. He assured me that he has many customers running 1000 h/p on these trannies with no problems. So, it is more expensive than a 4L80 tranny.
The 4L80 is a very heavy tranny. I don't know how heavy but I do know that my th400 with the Gear Vendors unit is 200 lbs. That's only 30 lbs more than my 700r4 weighed.
If/when you need to rebuild the 4L80 how much is that going to cost you? You can completely rebuild a TH400 with the best parts for about $500.
The Gear Vendors unit is warranty'd for 2 years unlimited mileage. After the 2 years if the unit needs repair they will fix it or completely replace it with a brand new one for $500.
Driving with this setup on an autocross course or road course is wonderful. I have 6 gears to chose from, not 4 as in the 4L80. The shifts are instant with the push of the button on the side of my shifter handle (I have a B&M Megashifter with that aluminum T-handle). The shifts into and out of the Gear Vendors are rock solid.

How much will it cost you to fabricate the proper brackets to bolt the 4L80 to the torque arm? It seems to me there is somebody on the Forum that has been having problems with this. I know it can be done and has been done but don't forget to figure that into your cost/headache factor. No matter which way you go I'm sure you will be happy you dumped the 700r4. Good Luck.

Don't everybody rag on me for posting my opinions on the tranny. If you have a preferance then just tell us why. Thank you.

Matt383

I've got a turbo-400 3 speed in my C4. Are you saying gear vendors may have an overdrive system for this set up? I had my T-400 built for 1200 HP.
The reason I dumped the 700R4 (you are right by the way) is that I went through seven rebuilds before I gave up and had a bullet proof Turbo-400 made for me. I am hoping to do low 10's next spring. Over drive would be cool if it holds up. :chevy

Bob86ZZ4

Yes, Gear Vendors makes the overdrive unit to attach to the c4 torque arm and it bolts to the th400 output. It costs $2500 tho. You need to cut and redrill your torque arm and shorten the drive shaft. Take a look at my web site.

Matt383

OK. great. I'll check it out. How much does it weigh?
Thanks! :chevy

Light84vette

Yeah your right. I mean I dont want my transmission to fall out on the track because the costum Fab support for that 4L80 transmission. I think I'll just go with a TH400, but you said it cost you $1,400 with converter and can take 1000hp? How much does it cost for this transmission to take more if I wanted it to handle more power?

Bob86ZZ4

I don't know about making it even stronger how much that would cost. I was very happy talking to Shawn at http://www.dynamicconverters.com. I would check their web site and then get the number and call him and talk to him. You will notice on their web site that they have many customers competing on a national pro level. One other point to remember. If you go manual valve body (which I did) make sure you know if you want it to have engine braking (let off the gas and the car slows down). One of my 700r4 manual valve body trannies didn't have that and it is awful for road/autocross/street driving. The only place to use a tranny without engine braking is the drag strip. Good luck.