I posted this over in the Engine Mods section, but received no reply. Perhaps someone here is running a 4L80E on a drag car, so here is my question:
I am strongly considering a 4L80E transmission for a project that I am working on. The car will be '59 with a new frame made to mount C4 suspension components front and rear. I am planning on a big block, 620HP and 650 ft.lbs torque, 3.45 rear end with about 10" wide tires. I am told that the 4L80E will handle this combination but I would like some feedback from those of you who have used this transmission. Particularly I would be interested in hearing about:
1- Did you use a stock 4L80E or a rebuilt one?
2. If rebuilt, what company did the work and what modifications were made to the transmission?
3. Are you using an electronic controller or manual shift?
4. If using an electronic controller, which brand and did you have any problems getting it "dialed in"?
5. I believe both the TCI and Compushift controllers have a "switch shift" feature that allows upshifts and downshifts to be controlled with pushbutton switches. Anyone using this feature?
Any general recommendations, warnings, advice, etc. would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Charles
Well, this car will see some street use so I would like an overdrive for cruising. I thought about a 350 or 400 with a gear vendors OD unit, but weight wise and price wise that would be about the same as a 4L80E.
I was also intrigued with the push button shift capability of the electronic controllers. I was thinking about building something like the paddle shifters found on some of the exotics.
If you're going to go thru the hassle & expense of installing an OD into your car then why not go to a more performance oriented gear ratio ? A 3.45 would cruise the highway fine.
The 4l80E should handle your power goals fine
__________________
Mike
Modified 1974 Corvette
388 big bore/ short stroke Dart SBC, TT II's, 4pt rollbar, Tremec TKO
1- Did you use a stock 4L80E or a rebuilt one?
2. If rebuilt, what company did the work and what modifications were made to the transmission?
3. Are you using an electronic controller or manual shift?
4. If using an electronic controller, which brand and did you have any problems getting it "dialed in"?
5. I believe both the TCI and Compushift controllers have a "switch shift" feature that allows upshifts and downshifts to be controlled with pushbutton switches. Anyone using this feature?
I haven't ever used one, but maybe I can offer a little insight.
1.) NO production trans is going to last long behind THAT kind if power.
2.) See No. 1
3.) The 4L80E REQUIRES electronics in order to function.
4. & 5.) No help from me.
The builder of my 700R4 (4L60) claims it will handle in excess of 700 hp. You might consider such a trans. With the C4 suspension/drive train, the "C" beam can bolt up to a Corvette 700R4 tail housing. Any non C4 trans will require adapting. Physically, the size is easier to deal with. If you WANT the complications of an electronic trans, consider the 4L60E.
I've been thinking of going this route too, if my 700 R4 craps out on me. The way the trans companies get ya is their trans are very capable of handling 650-700 hp, the torque is what kills them.
I have a GM 4L80E, with 3000 miles on for sale. Comes with the stand alone computer system, and a 3000 stall Art Carr torque convertor. The trans was bought new form GM in 2000, and used in a hot rod project car.
Anyone thinking of using this outfit: http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4L80E.htm ...and wants to hear my personal horror story, can request by post.
My story is one of many. They have the best website presentation you will be able to find, but their service and products will make you angry enough to kill!!! The list on them at the BBB, is as long as your leg!!! Consider them a Black Widow Spider, and their website an attractive lure!!!
__________________ 2001 C5, with 2002 LS6 engine, Lingenfelter LS6 Stg 2 heads, .228/.588/114+4 cam and 918 springs, LPE ported TB, ported oil pump, UD pulley,TR55 plugs, MSD wires, original LGM LT headers w/merge collectors, Hi-flow cats, off-road pipes, X-pipe, Borla Quad Stingers, 160 T-stat, LS1 Edit, Blackwing filter, Powerduct airbridge & smooth bellows, DTE stg. 2 3:73 differential, Level 5 trans, Vig 3200 stall TC, tranny cooler, Nitto DR's, & Line Lock. 430 RWHP before TC & gears. Yeah, we ready to roll!
Corvette Store
4l80e
