Extreme Automatics is installing a 4l60e for my GS455

And here is why I chose the 4l60e:

1st. It has the lowest first gear of 3.06. My car has a 12 bolt with 3.31's.

2nd. I have a Thermoquad carburetor and don't want to mess with a TV cable.

3rd. I will be able to cater the shift points to my 455.

4th. I lost the use of my right arm in a motorcycle accident. I can set the shift points and leave it in Drive!

5th. Lonnie Diers is the owner of Extreme Automatics. He is one of the best Buick transmission builders! He has some of the fastest transmissions in GN's and Turbo T's. I've known Lonnie for over 25 years, back when he was building BBB in GS's. He knows Buicks!:3gears:

 

I hope to get more detailed info on what's needed to be changed. This has been a long time coming.

 

You can't go wrong with Lonnie.

 

Great builder from what I've heard. Good luck with the trans though. They aren't the most durable or reliable.

 

Why not 4L80E trans?

John

 

Lonnie has had 4l60e trans in 10 second cars.

The 4l80e is 75 lbs heavier than a 400.

 

Lots of people have done that. They also usually get rebuilt at least once a season. Everyone I know who was running them had a spare ready to go for when it would blow up. In stock trim they don't hold up behind 4.3's. I always had more luck with the later 700r4 which is considered a "less refined" version of the trans. Never blew one of them up and I ran them on fullsize trucks with off road tires and strong motors.

 

If Lonnie rebuilds it, it won't be stock!:grin: And my driving style has mellowed with age.

 

There are some pretty slick aftermarket parts out there for these now, even six gear planetary sets. It would be cool to know what the particular recipe for your trans is if you can share.

Devon

 

Lots of heavy duty trucks got the 4L60e and the 4L65e. If built right it'll do the job just fine for a lot of years. I wouldn't mind having a 4L60e or 4L65e for my Firebird.

 

I know alot of people have started to swap in the 4l65 parts. Never had one myself so I can't say anything about them. Like it was said though, you have a great builder so I'd trust him with what he can do. I know the new thing now is the 6l60e but it's still so new that there's not much support or info on how to build them.

 

I am running one of his 2004r behind my nailhead. Great builder.Was fun to talk to also:TU:

 

Lonnie is building a 6l80e out of a CTSV. It would be nice if there was electronics available for them.

 

How do the 4l60e's work without a TCM? Or do you add one?

 

There are a lot of different controllers available. I like the whole thing being able to adjust the shift points so I can just leave in drive with optimum shift points.