4L60-E Question

S

sy605

Member
I plan to do a 4L60-E swap and will be using a stand alone ECM to control it (Holley Dominator).

What year trans is best for this? Should I stick with the 93-95 trans or could I use the 96-2002 S-Series trans? Will the 2nd gen transmission bolt up no issues to the Sy's engine and transfer case?

May have been discussed before but searched and found nothing.

Thanks.
 
HopnDude

HopnDude

I B Derpin.
Re: 4L60-E Question

I'm not exactly sure on the years you stated. But then again, factory changeovers are blissfully ignorant. It might again be correct. I was only notified there was a two year period when the 4L60E came into existence and was widely hated for having I believe one shift solenoid verse the 96+ having two. I don't know much other difference than this.

And before someone bust my balls about what I just stated, this is what I've been told at transmission shops. I've never rebuilt, built, or tampered with one yet. Just pan gasket and filter services.

Just to be one the safe side, I'd contact a local transmission shop, and see what they know about the two year sets and which they recommend. Aside from this, make sure they don't use the regular sun shell in it, you'll be sorry!
 
HopnDude

HopnDude

I B Derpin.
Re: 4L60-E Question

Probably more than you want to know. But here's a couple of my friends. They touch on all the bases. Bell housings, Mount points, etc. Read away!

http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/1072378-differences-versions-4l60es.html

And here's some spec's for the 4L60E.

http://www.msgpio.com/manuals/mshift/wiring.html

These are just in case one of the senorita members try to crucify me again, I can tell them to bug off in an not so polite way! But this should be all the more info you need. I can ask around and get more info if you'd like.
 
S

sy605

Member
Re: 4L60-E Question

sparkwire said:
http://www.syty.net/forums/showthread.php?t=52568&highlight=4l60e+swap
http://www.syty.net/forums/showthread.php?t=85898&highlight=4l60e
IMO its not worth the trouble, just do the 80e conversion.
Click to expand...

Thanks for finding that for me.

I really prefer the 60 because it will bolt in. The 60 can be built up to handle the power levels I want (nothing crazy...under 500hp). Plus finding 80 swap parts is a PITA. Does anyone even make the adapter and shafts still?

If I went with the 80 I still would like to know what year and such to use. I prefer the bolt-on bellhousing type, either 60 or 80.
 
G

GM TURBO

Sell Out
Re: 4L60-E Question

Nobody who has converted to a 4L80 has gone slower - regardless of any weight difference. If you can build a 4L60E strong enough you can build a 4L60/700R4 strong enough. Why add the additional cost/complexity of a standalone controller without adding strength?
 
S

sy605

Member
Re: 4L60-E Question

GM TURBO said:
Nobody who has converted to a 4L80 has gone slower - regardless of any weight difference. If you can build a 4L60E strong enough you can build a 4L60/700R4 strong enough. Why add the additional cost/complexity of a standalone controller without adding strength?
Click to expand...

I will be building the trans to increase strength. I'm getting the Holley Dominator ECU for tuning and it controls the trans as well. I like to be able to change shift points ect. I'll be sticking with the 4L60-E.

My question is what year would work best? I'm not sure what year transmissions work with the dominator system. I know there was an electronics change in 04 or so. Just wondering if I could use a newer style trans such as a 2002 or 2004 4L60-E without having to use a bellhousing adapter plate on the 4.3. I would love to just use a newer transmission, but if it causes all sort of issues with t-case adapters I'll just source a 94ish unit. I just hope the ECU can control the older style transmission electronics. I could care less about weight, but it shouldn't change all that much.
 
UR50SLO

UR50SLO

V6+2=LSXCamaro
Re: 4L60-E Question

Hello... I'm doing the same thing.....

I'm putting in a 94ish 4L60E and a stock 2000 Blazer ECM and (partial) harness. I can tune that with HPTuners for shift firmenss and shift points.
I got tired last year of Screwing with the terrible 700R shift points. Too long and firm or too soft and soon.. no matter where the TV cable was and what springs/weights I put in the Govener. It was never going to be right.
So I'm going this route.
Yes you can use a newer transmission than a 94 but it'll take a different adapter from the trans to the T-case.... I opted for the older trans since it just bolts up like the 700R.
The Holley Dominator can control either one. (old or new)
I'm using a Dominator in my Camaro and wish I had one in the Typhoon.. (Fast XFI now)

Currently I'm waiting for the Transmission to get rebuilt and I'll install and tune it.
Then it's for sale!
Good luck.. if you need anything my e-mail is UR50SLO@aol.com
~Scott
 
VIPERRACING

VIPERRACING

New member
Re: 4L60-E Question

sy605 said:
I will be building the trans to increase strength. I'm getting the Holley Dominator ECU for tuning and it controls the trans as well. I like to be able to change shift points ect. I'll be sticking with the 4L60-E.

My question is what year would work best? I'm not sure what year transmissions work with the dominator system. I know there was an electronics change in 04 or so. Just wondering if I could use a newer style trans such as a 2002 or 2004 4L60-E without having to use a bellhousing adapter plate on the 4.3. I would love to just use a newer transmission, but if it causes all sort of issues with t-case adapters I'll just source a 94ish unit. I just hope the ECU can control the older style transmission electronics. I could care less about weight, but it shouldn't change all that much.
Click to expand...

Just call RPM and talk to them. That way you'll get all the answers that your looking for without having to deal with a bunch of guys yelling over nothing. Best of luck with your build.
 
Beavis

Beavis

Still plays with trucks
Re: 4L60-E Question

A 60e is a good option for people depending on the goals. My 80e hasn't slowed my truck down at all. In fact, in pulls harder now then it did with the 700. Why? Because of the difference in gear ratios. 1st is lower, and 4th is higher resulting in better traction out of the hole, and pulling harder in the top end or freeway acceleration.
 
GarnetTy1473

GarnetTy1473

Donating Member
Re: 4L60-E Question

VIPERRACING said:
Just call RPM and talk to them. That way you'll get all the answers that your looking for without having to deal with a bunch of guys yelling over nothing. Best of luck with your build.
Click to expand...
X2, and this is RPM Transmissions, not Race Proven Motors. www.rpmtransmissions.com

Rodney has done a few of these, including one in T-Bones trucks and I will be going this route as well if/when my truck ever gets back together.
 
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