Knowledge Builders

is a 4l80e a good transmission

by Foster Gottlieb Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Great transmissions? Though often overlooked, GM 4L80E automatic trans have had a reputation of being some of the best options on the market. The high-performance automatic transmission is known for its power and reliability.Jul 7, 2020

How much does it cost to rebuild a 4L60E transmission?

The cost of rebuilding a 4L60E transmission will vary depending on the specific model and year of the transmission. You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,000 for the parts and labor. Final Verdict: How Much Is A Rebuilt 4l60e Transmission.

How do you tell the difference between 4L60E and 4L80E?

Differences between 4L 60 E and 4L 80 E transmission

  1. Origin. Despite the fact that they both have similar model numbers, they originated from different places. ...
  2. W4L 80 E and size. One of the major differences between the two is the difference between the w4L 80 E and the size of the 4l60e and the ...
  3. The gear ratios. ...
  4. Pan gasket and pan. ...
  5. Maximum torque. ...
  6. Controller, sensors, and wiring harness. ...
  7. Price. ...

How to install a torque converter on a 4L60E transmission?

  • First, hold the torque converter horizontally and face down (bolt holes facing towards the ground) so that the fluid will not drain back out.
  • When ready to insert on the input shaft, turn the converter vertically with the bolt holes facing towards you. ...
  • Continue to gently push on the torque converter and slowly rotate it back and forth. ...

More items...

What is normal temp for 4L60E?

Only show this user. According to the owners manual for newer Silverado pick-ups (those with a 4L60, 4L80 or a 6L80 transmission): the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 82°C to 93°C (180°F to 200°F). It goes on to state that if the temp goes above that you need an external auxiliary cooler.

image

What are the common problems with a 4L80E transmission?

Gaskets, o-rings, rubber seals wear out over time and need replacement. But if you continue to drive while there is transmission fluid leakage, it is likely to cause irreparable damage, as a transmission requires fluid to function smoothly, and low fluid can cause friction among the components.

Which is better 4L80E or 4L60E?

The Bottom Line. The 4L60E vs 4L80E performance transmission differences are numerous. And these differences show that the 4L80E is the better transmission of the duo. However, it'll cost you more to acquire this unit compared to the 4L60E and the latter is also easier to find.

How much HP will a 4L80E handle?

In short, Performance Automatic yields a 4L80E engineered to handle 700+ horsepower and comparable torque.

How strong is a 4L80 transmission?

Also, the 4L80E performance transmission was designed for cars up to 16,500 lbs GVWR with towing capacity up to 22,000 LBS, and whose engine is up to 440 ft. lbs. (597 N·m) of torque. Some cars that used the 4L80E transmission include Chevrolet/GMC pickups, commercial vehicles, and vans.

What year did they stop making 4L80E?

The 4L80E was first released in 1991 in General Motors C/K trucks, and was still produced for use in new vehicles all the way up until 2013.

Which is better 4L80 or 6l80?

The 4L80E is more proven because it has been around much longer and more parts are available for it, but the 6L80E has come a long way and they can handle tons of power with a few basic upgrades."

What is the strongest Chevy transmission?

10L90EThe 10L90E is by far the biggest and heaviest modern automatic transmission in GM history, but it's also the strongest and offers amazing performance and economy when matched with a Gen V LT engine.

Is 4L80E good for towing?

The PerformaBuilt Heavy Hauler 4L80E... Durability while maintaining reasonable shift quality. Specifically developed for commercial, heavy towing, and 4X4 vehicles....

Is a Turbo 400 better than a 4L80E?

The 4L80E is just a longer, heavier, overdrive version of the TH-400. It uses the same first three gear ratios but adds a 0.75:1 overdrive. This means that with a 3.55:1 rear gear, the overdrive drops the effective rear gear ratio to 2.66:1.

Is the 4L80E a 4-speed or 5 speed?

4-SpeedSpecifications. The 4L80 nomenclature denotes that the transmission is a 4-Speed, Longitudinally mounted, and for 8000 lbs.

What's the difference between a 4L80 and 4L80E?

Like the 4L60 and 4L80 transmission models, the 4L80E is a 4-speed longitudinally-mounted automatic-shift transmission. The E in 4L80E denotes that the transmission comes with a powertrain control system instead of the mechanically-controlled TH400.

Can you run a 4L80E without a computer?

However, the 4L80E can be easily converted to a manually shifted valvebody, which eliminates the need for the computer and much of the electronics and wiring. This conversion turns the 4L80E into a great heavy-duty analog overdrive transmission that can be easily swapped into almost any high-horsepower 4x4.

What cars did the 4L80E come in?

4L80-Es were optioned only in Chevrolet/GMC pickups, vans, and commercial vehicles, and the Hummer H1. It was also adopted by Rolls Royce in 1991 and modified after extensive testing, and used initially in the Bentley Continental R, and subsequently other Rolls Royce and Bentley vehicles.

Does 4L80E have overdrive?

The 4L80E is a truck automatic transmission that was introduced by GM in the early '90s. It basically uses many of the same internal components as the TH400 but has an overdrive Fourth gear and uses electronics to control shift points, firmness and that sort of thing.

How much does a new 4L80E transmission cost?

4L80E Transmission - $2,395 | 5-Year Warranty | Money Back Guarantee.

How much does a built 4L80E cost?

The Stage 5 4L80E build is the Stage 4 build but adds a 36 element sprag Super Drum for increased power capacity up to and over 1400-1500 HP/TQ....Stage 5 – Warranted 1500+ HP.PriceBuild #Build Description$64354L80-5FMTB1Full manual forward pattern with Manual Low Transbrake8 more rows

What does the E mean in 4L80E?

The 4L80E transmission was mostly used in 34- and 1-ton trucks and larger SUV applications beginning in 1991. The "E" means that it must use an electronic ECU for control, as it will not function without it.

Is the 4L80E a 6 speed?

These TCI 6x 6-speed GM 4L80E automatic transmission packages are the first aftermarket 6-speed automatic transmissions capable of handling 850 hp. They give you six forward gears (2.97, 2.31, 1.57, 1.18, 1.00, and 0.75) for quicker acceleration and increased fuel economy at cruising speeds.

How much power can a 4L80E handle with a shift kit?

Our PERFORMANCE 4L80E series is ideal for street/strip driving and upgrades from a 4L60E/4L65E platform. It's rated at 1000 RWHP....

Can a 4L60E be replaced with a 4L80E?

The 4L80E has been used in a number of 1/2-, 3/4-, and 1-ton GM trucks over the years. Upgrading from the 4L60E to the 4L80E is akin to going from a Dana 44 axle to a Dana 60--you'll add some weight, but also add durability.

How much horsepower can a 4L60E handle?

The heavy-gauge cast-aluminum pan allows for an additional two quarts of transmission fluid, which enhances cooling under extreme conditions. 22. See, that's all it takes to build a 4L60E trans that's rated to handle over 1,000 horsepower.

Can you run a 4L80E without a computer?

However, the 4L80E can be easily converted to a manually shifted valvebody, which eliminates the need for the computer and much of the electronics and wiring. This conversion turns the 4L80E into a great heavy-duty analog overdrive transmission that can be easily swapped into almost any high-horsepower 4x4.

How much power can a 4L80E handle with a shift kit?

Our PERFORMANCE 4L80E series is ideal for street/strip driving and upgrades from a 4L60E/4L65E platform. It's rated at 1000 RWHP....

What is a 4L80E transmission?

Not to forget, the trans are also used in less appealing vehicles, such as motorhomes and school buses! GM 4L80E transmissions have the die-cast aluminum frame and are mostly compatible with Chevrolet- style GM engines.

How is the 4L80E transmission different from the TH400?

Though 4L80E race transmissions are quite similar to TH400 in terms of strength and parts used, however, there are differences, such as the added overdrive gear, advanced electronic controls, and a lock-up torque converter. 4L80E transmissions have nearly 25% overdrive and are 4 inches longer than the TH400. The trans mount has been moved rearward by an inch-and-a-half. If we talk about the weight, the 4L80E is nearly 50 pounds heavier compared to the TH400 due to the electronic control.

How much heavier is the 4L80E than the TH400?

The trans mount has been moved rearward by an inch-and-a-half. If we talk about the weight, the 4L80E is nearly 50 pounds heavier compared to the TH400 due to the electronic control.

When did the 4L80E transmission come out?

Although there were some minor issues with the automatic GM 4L80E transmissions that were introduced in 1991, over the years, significant improvements have been made to enhance its performance. As compared to the older ones, the newer boxes are more attractive, and virtually all models can be made to fit performance applications, including in luxury vehicles, such as Bentley, Jaguar, Rolls Royce, and Aston Martin. Not to forget, the trans are also used in less appealing vehicles, such as motorhomes and school buses!

When was the automatic transmission introduced?

The high-performance automatic transmission is known for its power and reliability. First introduced in 1991 , they were initially used in GM trucks, such as the Sierra, Silverado, Suburban, and Hummer H1.

Is horsepower good for a car?

When it comes to vehicles, these days, we all want maximum horsepower. The more the horsepower, the better the engine performs. However, it also has a drawback. Though having more power is good, the problem with it is it puts additional pressure on the rest of the driveline. You need a better transmission to handle the pressure. If we talk about General Motors, in particular, fortunately, there are multiple options available to drivers to enhance the performance of their vehicles. In this blog, we shed light on GM 4L80E built transmissions.

What is a 4L80E transmission?

The "E" means that it must use an electronic ECU for control, as it will not function without it. The trans has experienced multiple minor upgrades over the years, with the newer boxes being a bit more attractive, but all the versions can be made to work well in a performance application. The addition of electronic control and overdrive adds roughly 50 pounds and a slight amount of width over a TH400, but for the most part, any floorpan that can accommodate a TH400 can also fit a 4L80E. Also, the 4L80E transmission is typically about 4 inches longer than a TH400 (depending on the length of the extension housing), but the trans mount is located roughly 112 inches rearward.

What is the ratio of a 4L80E?

Powertrain Control Systems (PCS) also offers a completely new valvebody for the 4L80E that can use the existing overdrive to create five forward ratios: 2.48/1.86/1.48/1.00/0.75. Or you modify the trans for a deeper 2.98:1 First gear, to create a six-speed with 2.98/2.24/1.57/1.18/1.00/0.75 ratios, but this is a pricey conversion. This is basically how the TCI six-speed automatic works.

What does 4L80E mean?

The "E" means that it must use an electronic ECU for control, as it will not function without it.

What is the 4L60E Transmission?

The 4L60E automatic transmission contains a high gear ratio. It also provides a lot of torque in the first gear. Everything inside the transmission is made from aluminum alloy for a durable design.

How to tell if you have a 4L60e or 4L80e?

Pan & pan gasket. If you are looking under the transmission for the transmission fluid pan, you will realise that there is a big difference between the transmissions. This is a good way to identify if you have a 4L60e or a 4L80e transmission in your car. The 4L60e has a rectangular pan & gasket of 16 bolts and the 4L80e has a more oval-shaped ...

How much torque can a 4l80e handle?

This is mainly because of larger internals inside the transmissions. The 4l60e transmission can handle a max torque of around 350nm, while the 4l80e can handle 450nm~ or even more. These numbers can differ a lot and you will get a lot of different answers about how much these can handle.

Which is bigger, 4l80e or 4l60e?

In summary, the 4l80e is larger and can take more power than the 4l60e. If you are going to swap your transmission, try to get as many parts as possible from the 4l80e transmission that you are purchasing, like the torque converter, flex plate, dipstick etc.

What are the similarities between transmissions?

One of the similarities between these transmissions is that both of them are electronically controlled.

Can you reprogramme a 4L80E transmission?

The engine control unit often has to get reflashed and reprogrammed for the 4l80e transmission to work properly. You can search the web or find a local dealer to do this job for you. There are also premade control units for this but it’s often pretty expensive. If you are making any modifications to the engine as well, it’s recommended to let a tuner do the transmission reprogramming at the same time as they are tuning the engine on the dyno.

Is the 4L80E transmission longer than the 4L60E?

The 4L80e transmission case is longer than the 4l60e transmission, so the cross member has to be modified. You can either purchase an already premade cross member or you can make one yourself with a welder and some skills. Remember that it’s important to get the transmission perfectly lined up straight.

What is included in the muscle car kit?

The Muscle Car Kit will include a Stage 2 4L80E built with a mechanical speedo tailhousing for simple hookup to the existing cable speedo, a US Shift 80 Transmission Controller, Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) kit for Holley carbs, and a billet cover lockup converter . Typically this is all you need to put the 4L80E into your muscle car aside from driveline shortening and crossmember mods or fabrication. We will also offer tech support to help with the install. We have installed them in most of the early GM cars.

What is a 4L80E transmission?

The 4L80E is the descendant of the “Ole Reliable” TH400 transmission. It shares many components and design features. At Jake’s Performance the 4L80E is our most popular transmission. We have built them for applications ranging from heavy towing vehicles to 1800+ HP street/strip cars. The 4L80E has proven reliable like it’s predecessor.

What is Stage 3 4L80E?

The Stage 3 4L80E build adds the billet input shaft and rollerized billet forward hub for applications above 750 HP. This build will handle well over 1000 HP assuming moderate RPM range (less than 7000 rpm), average or lighter weight vehicle, and no large N2O usage.

How reliable is the Stage 4 4L80E?

The Stage 4 4L80E adds the billet intermediate shaft. This makes it reliable to approximately 1000 HP/TQ. It will work at higher power levels if the RPM is less than 7000 RPM. Stage 4 builds are mainly for heavy vehicles, diesel, or large uses of N2O.

What is a D1 transbrake?

It is a very quick acting transbrake. It works very well in full manual configuration. It has some special tuning considerations for use with a controller in an automatic shift situation.

Can 4L80E be retrofitted?

We specialize in building the 4L80E for retrofit applications. If you have a 500+ HP musclecar, late model LSx powered car, or other combo that demands THE bulletproof trans, we can build it for you. We have more experience than any other aftermarket shop building 4L80E’s.

How much does a 4L80 core cost?

All 4L80 builds now have a core charge due to core shortages. $250 for early style (91-98) and 99-up (late) style cores with a 7 bolt bellhousing will be $300. Providing a REBUILDABLE core will reduce the posted price by $250.

What transmission did my dad use for a 1985 Chevy C20?

My dad had a 1985 Chevy C20 pickup with the 4L80E transmission he used to tow a 29 ft. 5th wheel trailer. On one of his trips he got the transmission hot on a hard steep climb in 1st gear coming out of a campground. After that the transmission shifted hard going from first to second. He took the truck to a transmission shop, they changed the fluid and filter and told him to live with the hard shift until he was ready to rebuild the transmission.#N#He gave the truck to me when he stopped travelling in 1995. When I sold it in 2005 it had over 180,000 miles on it and still shifted hard going from first to second.

What transmission did 1985 GM use?

According to the GM transmission Wiki, 1985 heavy trucks would have had the Turbo Hydramatic 400 or 3L80, the forerunners to the 4L80 series. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_GM_transmissions. Dec 2, 2020.

When did Dex VI come out?

A shop/dealer today rebuilding a 4L80E since Dex VI was released (2005) will use Dex VI fluid.

When was the 4L80E introduced?

Are you sure about that, the FAQ I linked to above says the 4L80E was introduced in 1991 , which matches about what my memory tells of of when 4 speed transmissions started showing up on the market.

When was the 4L80E built?

Another thing to keep in mind the later 4L80E's built after about 1997/98 have a somewhat different internal design, with more optimized coolant flow. See this for a brief synopsis http://www.jakesperformance.com/4l80-faq/

Does mileage mean everything in an RV?

So mileage doesn't mean everything. Anyone considering buying an older RV should be aware something like this could be waiting for you. It seems the GM 4L80E is notorious for that so it might be worth finding out what is in your RV choice.

image

1.Overview of the 4L80E Transmission - Gearstar …

Url:https://gearstar.com/overview-4l80e-transmission/

28 hours ago  · Welcome to the '90s. The 4L80E is a truck automatic transmission that was introduced by GM in the early '90s. It basically uses many of the same internal components as …

2.Videos of Is a 4L80E a Good Transmission

Url:/videos/search?q=is+a+4l80e+a+good+transmission&qpvt=is+a+4l80e+a+good+transmission&FORM=VDRE

1 hours ago  · September 26, 2022 by Frank Mawutor The GM 4L80E Automatic for Max Power and Good Cruisin’ Overdrive transmissions are great inventions. They allow a car to run deep …

3.GM 4L80E Automatic Transmission - Review - Tech

Url:https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/gm-4l80e-automatic-transmission-review/

17 hours ago  · The good news for GM fans is that when it comes to automatic transmissions, there are multiple options. The trans we think has been overlooked is the 4L80E …

4.GM 4L80E Transmission: A Performance Guide

Url:https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/performance-guide-to-the-gm-4l80e-transmission/

18 hours ago  · Overall, the best transmission fluid for 4l80e transmissions is either a factory spec Dexron 3 or Dexron 6. The beauty of the 4l80e is that it’s just a simple old GM …

5.4L60E Vs 4L80E Transmission Differences (& How To …

Url:https://mechanicbase.com/transmission/4l60e-vs-4l80e-differences/

29 hours ago  · In the "tow vehicle" world, at least for vehicles of the 90's-early 2000's era, the 4L80E always seemed to have a good reputation from what I read. It was the best …

6.4L80E – Jake’s Performance

Url:http://www.jakesperformance.com/4l80/

12 hours ago  · Overall, the 4L60E transmission remains a good investment if you are looking for a reliable and durable unit that will not let you down. Just remember to keep an eye out for the …

7.GM 4L80E automatic transmission | The RV Forum …

Url:https://www.rvforum.net/threads/gm-4l80e-automatic-transmission.121494/

25 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9