Rebuild or Drop in?

[Mike Something]

Do you guys think it'll be cheaper to rebuild a 4L60E to hold some big power or just buy another built trans (brand new) and drop it in?...

[JSPERFORMANCE]

Cheaper now, or cheaper when you have to pull it out again and ship it back after it blows up?

[HardcoreZ28]

4L60's are tough from what I've been told. There are certain critical high stress parts that they don't make a stronger aftermarket version of so either way it's tough to build them up to handle lots of power. I have no personal experience pulling one apart but that's what I was told my 2 different trans builders when I blew the 4L60 in my pickup. That being said you may want to just look into a stock GM replacement with a warranty or have yours rebuild with upgraded clutches and so forth but know that there are still weak points that can't be addressed at this time.

[Mike Something]

Ok, well does anyone know of the easiest replacement trans I can bolt up to an LS1 and that can handle a ton of power? I know some tranny's are a PITA to install...

[GrandmasterCow]

4L60's are tough from what I've been told. There are certain critical high stress parts that they don't make a stronger aftermarket version of so either way it's tough to build them up to handle lots of power. I have no personal experience pulling one apart but that's what I was told my 2 different trans builders when I blew the 4L60 in my pickup. That being said you may want to just look into a stock GM replacement with a warranty or have yours rebuild with upgraded clutches and so forth but know that there are still weak points that can't be addressed at this time.

actually, these trans need a lot to get them to hold up compared to what other trans take. Look up on ls1tech, lots of people do a 4L80E conversion.

[Mike Something]

4L80E = 4L60E w/ different internals?

[WildBillyT]

4L80E = 4L60E w/ different internals?

No.

4L65-E is a version of the 4L60-E with better internals.

4L60-E is an electronic derivative of the old TH350.
4L80-E is an electronic derivative of the old TH400. Stronger but heavier.

First gear in a 4L60-E is 3.06. First gear in a 4L80-E is 2.48.

[ins0mnia24]

4L60E is just an electronic version of the 700R4 they both share most of the same internal parts..
Plan on spending around $2000 for a 4L60E rebuild that is what mine cost but it came with a gaurantee for aslong as I own the car..
I weighed the pro's and con's of doing the 4l80e swap but you will have to get a new Torque converter along with a few other things..

[Mike Something]

$2000.00 for a rebuild? How many horses is rated for? And where did you get it done at?