Hello, unless the deal does not pan out, I am getting a 4l80e to put in my wagon. I will get the transgo shift kit ($250-ouch) that makes it full manual, no computer necessary. TCI makes adaptor plates. Hopefully I can make my Pro-ratchet shifter from my old th200-r4 work. The big quesiton is, will I be able to make the lock up work( converters are expensive for these)? Hughes has a 2500, 3000, and a 3500 stall. They all have lock up. Is it possible to make the lock up work w/o any computer? On my th200, it was a toggle switch on the dash. Will that be possible with this set up? Or will no computer mean no way to activate the lock up? Thanx.
I see you're not faring much better than I did with my 4L80e question. I thought for sure we'd have some expert opinions on this board. Hopefully, someone comes around. :Comp:
I think they are pretty weird trannies and not many hot rodders have that much experience with them. I just started reading about the manual shift, no electronic, 4L80E's.
Sorry I can't help answer the questions on a 4L80E, but I'm curious as to why you are considering using one? It seems that the weight of that trans would negate any mileage or performance gains.
I am aware that they are heavy, but I don't really know how much more they weigh than a 400. I bought it tonight, $400. I hope it was a good thing. I had to grab at the opportunity. It is out of a 93 suburban. It has all new GM rebuilt parts, but it was plauged with electronic shifting problems. Main reason I want it is to have the Th400 strength with an overdrive. I have been looking for a gear vendors, but they go for big dough used and my Th400 trans needs a rebuild. Hopefully I can make it work, if it turns out to be discouraging, I am sure I can unload at w/o any financial loss. Wish me luck, thanx.
Some info on the 4L80E. I run one(66 BB Chevelle 427/Vortech blower) The trans-go kit is not to bad to install, but if you don't have auto-trans experience I would have a "Pro" install the kit. Lock up converter will work with any 12v switch input to lock-up solenoid. Very similar to 700R4, EXCEPT you must use a ballast resister in the line because the 4L80E uses PWM(pulse width modulation) from the computer to activate lock-up. Full 12v. will burn up solenoid. I used ballast resister off 57 Chevy I had laying around. I used Precision Industries "Vigilante" 9 1/2" converter(2800 stall/single disc lock-up) Awesome converter. I personally would not use stock GM converter(too big & Heavy) I'll bet a 4L80E/w small converter weighs less than a TH400/with gear vendors overdrive. Any ratchet shifter for GM 4-speed auto will shift it. A 4L80E is an TH400/w overdrive. Nothing wierd about that. Go for it. Mine works great. I wish I had one in my GSX, but hate to modify the car. The converter connection lines at the tranny were a little tight against the tunnel. I installed short pigtails & 90 degree fittings on before I put it in the car. Hope this helps.
Hey RDK, does the torque converter/flywheel set up bolt up like a Th400, same bolt holes & stuff? Also, are the tranny cooler lines same as a TH400? I ordered some tranny cooler lines for a Th400 before I bought the 4l80e. Thanx. p.s. - I could not believe how much the stock 4l80e converter weighed! A guy & I picked up the trans (no fluid), no problem, I picked up the converter and I was like; "Dang!"
I used a regular GM flex-plate. I had Precision Industries build the converter, didn't check to see if converter snout was the same as TH400. Just put in & bolted up to flexplate like any old GM tranny. The front part of the tranny is supposed to be the same as the old TH400. The converter: what a TANK. I would not use it, but if you don't care about all that rotating weight-use it. I wanted the .7 overdrive, with 3:31 rear I have final drive ratio of 2:31. Nice hi-way gear for any BB car. Other ratios are same as TH400 The tranny lines are that newer "snap in" stepped o'ring connection. I used 1/4 pipe/90 degree fittings & rubber lines. Didn't want that, but tight in the tunnel. Your big car may have more room. Nice stainless short(12" long)flex lines to your new lines would be the correct way- I'm cheap. Output shaft spline is same as TH400, you'll have to shorten drive shaft. Glad to help. Yell, if you need more info. Since I got a Buick too, I lurk here often.
Hey, I forgot something. 4L80E has no provision for mechanical speedo. You will need a modified tailhousing(expensive) or use GPS or electronic speedo. Search the WEB they sell em.
