Are there any problems with the GM 4L80E automatic transmission?
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.
How reliable is the 4L80E?
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.
Is the 4L60E the worst transmission ever made?
For many, the 4L60E transmission is a good transmission, but for others, it appears as if it is the worst transmission ever made. One GM owner stated: “My opinion is that the 4L60E is not the worst transmission ever made.
What is the best transmission cooler for a 4L80E?
The Derale 15960 transmission cooler is a stacked plate style cooler with 25 cooling rows and an 8″ fan that flows 500+ CFM. This combo was designed for maximum transmission cooling efficiency, and will certainly keep your 4l80e nice and cool.
How strong is a 4L80E transmission?
When the 4L80E was introduced, torque capacity was vehicles up to 8,000 pounds and engines producing up to 440 lb-ft of torque. The uprated 4L85E, introduced in 2002, is rated for vehicles up to 16,500 pounds and engines producing up to 460 lb-ft of torque.
How long will a 4L80E last?
Registered. IMHO, the 6.5's and 4L80E's are capable of 500,000 miles...
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.
What was the last year of the 4L80E transmission?
2013GM 4L80-E transmission4L80-E/4L85-EOverviewManufacturerGeneral MotorsProduction1991–2013Body and chassis4 more rows
What is the strongest GM transmission?
The 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. This is part of the newest technology in the performance world.
What's the difference between a 4L80 and 4L80E?
History of the GM 4L80E A major difference with the TH400 transmission and the 4L80E is that the latter contains an extra overdrive gear and has electronic shift controls. 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.
How do I know if my 4L80E is good?
3 Early Signs Of A Bad 4L80E TransmissionBurning Smell. Generally, the burning smell in your car indicates that you are driving the clutch, which means that you are partially keeping it engaged when driving. ... Transmission fluid leaks. ... Shifting gear problem. ... Final note.
Which is better 4L80E or 6L80E?
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."
How many gears does a 4L80E have?
There are five gears in a four-speed overdrive transmission: First, Second, Third, Overdrive, and Reverse. All of these gears have a clutch assembly that uses springs to keep the gear disengaged.
Is the 4L80E good for towing?
the 4L80E is an awesome transmission. Yes you can tow in OD.
Does a 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.
Is a 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 does it cost to rebuild a 4L80E transmission?
A local transmission shop will rebuild a 4L60E for around $900 to $1,200 and a 4L80E for $1,300 to $1,800, with used units going for about $400 and $600 to $1,000, respectively.
What is the difference between a 4L80E and a 6L80E?
"Stock versus stock, the 4L80E and 6L80E are very similar in terms of strength," explains Kyle House of Circle D. "The main difference is that the 6L80E has much more versatile gear ratios. With a ridiculously low 4.03:1 First gear, it's a stump puller.
How much longer is 4L80E than TH400?
about 4 inches longerAlso, 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. Most of the concerns about rL80E transmission revolve around the need for electronic control.
How much power can a 4T80 handle?
The "MH1" 4T80-E is able to handle vehicles up to 8000 lb (3628.74 kg) GVWR. The final drive ratio is 3.11:1, 3.48:1, or 3.71:1. The 4T80 uses a viscous torque converter clutch, which was replaced with EC3 (electronically controlled converter clutch) in 2004.
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.
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!
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 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.
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.
About the 4L80E Transmission
The 4L80E transmission was launched by General Motors (in the early 1990s) and it was designed for longitudinal engine configurations.
Components of the 4L80E Transmission
The 4L80E has been rated to support engines with up to 440 ft·lbs (597 N·m) of torque while its maximum output torque is 885 ft.
Comparing the 4L80E to the TH400 Transmission
Comparing the 4L80E with the TH400 transmission shows certain similarities.
Limitations of the 4L80E Transmission
While the 4L80E is a great transmission, it still has certain drawbacks. Some of these include:
Conclusion
The 4L80E brings a lot to the table even in the current year and as such, it should be your goto transmission if you’re looking for great performance while using an automatic trans.
How much transmission fluid should I use for a 4L80E?
The 4l80e recommended transmission fluid if Dex / Merc aka Dexron 3 (Dex III), or is backwards compatible with the modern Dexron 6 (Dex VI), and has a fill capacity of about 13.5 quarts of transmission fluid. When dropping the transmission pan to perform a standard drain and fill transmission fluid change, you can expect to replace around anywhere from 4-5 quarts of fluid assuming the stock transmission pan is being used.
What Vehicles Did The 4l80e Come In?
The 4l80e transmission was found in a many heavy duty GM and high end luxury vehicles, such as Rolls Royce, Bentley, and Jaguar ranging from model years 1991 – 2013. Here is the complete list of 4l80e equipped cars and trucks.
What is a Tru Cool 40k?
The Tru Cool 40k is a favorite of ours when it comes to universal transmission coolers used on trucks or SUV’s. There are certainly other transmission coolers that might be larger or include a fan, but for the cost consistent performance, and simplicity, it’s hard to go against the Tru Cool 40k for the money.
How many quarts of fluid for 4L80E?
How many quarts does it take to do a fluid and filter change on a 4l80e trans? For a typical pan drop and fluid change, you will need about 4-5 quarts to do the job.
What does transmission fluid look like?
When checking your transmission fluid, be sure to not only look at the fluid level, but the color and smell. Good transmission fluid will have a reddish color to it, but if it looks dark, almost brown and has a slight burnt smell to it, then you are very past due on your maintenance. The chart below shows how transmission fluid looks at various stages.
What is a B&M 70274?
Like many B&M SuperCooler transmission coolers, the 70274 is designed to handle high abuse situations and disperses of heat extremely efficiently. In our more in depth product review of the B&M 70274, we cover how the cooler is a direct fit application that requires little effort installing.
Can you upgrade a 4L80E transmission?
When it comes to upgrading your 4l80e, besides adding better internals and hard parts, there are a few simple upgrades that you can make to keep transmission temps down. The most common simple DIY 4l80e upgrades that can be done with simple hand tools in your driveway without removing the transmission to tear apart are definitely transmission coolers, pans, and thermostat bypass.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
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.
What is a 4L80 transmission?
The 4L80-E (and similar 4L85-E) is a series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series included 4 forward gears. It was the 4-speed electronically commanded evolution of the 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 400, first produced in October 1963. 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. The 4L80 and 4L85 were built at Willow Run Transmission in Ypsilanti, Michigan .
What is the GVWR of a 4L80-E?
The 4L80-E ( RPO MT1) is rated to handle engines with up to 440 ft·lbf (597 N·m) of torque. The 4L80-E is rated to max GVWR of 18,000 (Axle and vehicle dependent)
How many shift solenoids does a 4L80-E have?
The 4L80-E uses 2 shift solenoids, initially called Shift Solenoid A & Shift Solenoid B, later changed to comply with OBD II (On Board Diagnostics revision 2) regulations to 1-2 Shift Solenoid & 2-3 Shift solenoid. By activating and deactivating the solenoids in a predetermined pattern by the PCM, 4 distinct gear ratios can be achieved. The shift solenoid pattern, also sometimes referred to as solenoid firing order, is as follows;
What is the torque of a 4L85E?
The 4L85-E ( RPO MN8) is rated to handle vehicles with up to 690 ft·lbf (935 N·m) of torque. The 4L85E is rated to handle vehicles with a GVWR of up to 18,000 lbs (dependent on axle ratio and vehicle)
Where was the 4L85 made?
The 4L80 and 4L85 were built at Willow Run Transmission in Ypsilanti, Michigan .
Why Is The 4l60e A Bad Transmission? Is It The Worst Ever Made?
For many, the 4L60E transmission is a good transmission, but for others, it appears as if it is the worst transmission ever made. One GM owner stated: “My opinion is that the 4L60E is not the worst transmission ever made. Did you buy the truck new or used? If used, then one has no idea exactly what the transmission went through before you bought it.”
How Long Do 4l60e Transmissions Last?
Different 4L60 owners offer their perspective on the longevity of the 4L60e transmission:
What Is the Difference Between A 4l60 And A 4l60e Transmission?
The biggest difference between the 4L60 and 4L60E is how both are controlled . For 4L60E control comes from a computer. For the 4L60, control comes form a TV cable. With one being controlled by computer and the other not, there are compatibility issues that the two have.
What does the number 4 in the 4L60E transmission mean?
The 4L60E transmission is equipped to withstand as well as a handle the max engine torque of 360 lb.-ft. Additionally, the 4L60E’s name states a tremendous amount about the transmission. The number 4 in the title indicates that the transmission is a 4 speed transmission. The L in the title signified that the transmission as an engine that sits longitudinally. The 60 in the name signifies that there is 6000 pounds of GVW.
What causes a transmission to slip?
The Transmission Will Begin Slipping 1 Internal mechanical failure will be the cause of transmission ‘slippage’. 2 Your transmission fluid will appear at a low level. This is generally due to a fluid leak somewhere which will result in the transmission slipping.
Why is my transmission fluid low?
Your transmission fluid will appear at a low level. This is generally due to a fluid leak somewhere which will result in the transmission slipping.
Do 4L60E and 4L60 have the same gear ratio?
They have the same length. Both the 4L60E and 4L60 have the same number of gear ratios as well as the same number of gears.