Transmission upgrade

Erik D · Aug 18, 2018

Hi I’m new here and I’m looking for some help, I’ve looked around but can’t find a good answer, basically going to drop in a 383 into my 1999 OBS Silverado and I want to prepare the tranny for the extra power, tranny runs good now but I wanna rebuild and upgrade before the 383 goes in, what parts should I upgrade, and does anyone make a kit for this purpose?

94burbk1500 · Aug 18, 2018

I'd consider doing a 4L80E swap with the extra power you're adding, the 4L60E is well known to be trash behind stock powerplants.

df2x4 · Aug 18, 2018

^ Agreed. Personally I would not waste any money trying to strengthen a 4L60E. I went that route with a stock V6 and it did not end well for me.

Missouri Mule K30 · Aug 18, 2018

Let me ask this. If hunting for one, used, what to look for?

df2x4 · Aug 18, 2018

Missouri Mule K30 said:
Let me ask this. If hunting for one, used, what to look for?

Depends on what truck it's going into. Here's my thread I made to document the 4L60E to 4L80E swap in my '97 C1500, some useful information in there. If you have a 4WD you'll have the front driveshaft and transfer case to deal with in addition to what I did.

https://www.gmt400.com/threads/97-c1500-4l60e-to-4l80e-swap.38819/

MIHELA · Aug 18, 2018

If you find a decent core 4L80Es are exceptionally easy to rebuild as far as transmissions go. You can get a decent kit starting at about $100. I would recommend a 97+ core.

Supercharged111 · Aug 18, 2018

As mentioned above, 97+ is the way to go. The cooler lines are placed differently, I believe the return lubes a planetary on 97+. Earlier ones can be modded as well to address this weakness, but easier to not screw with it. The core I bought with over 200k on the clock was usable as is, only the forward clutch pack showed wear the rest was immaculate. I had to convert it to 4wd anyway so it was getting rebuilt no matter what.

Tavi · Aug 18, 2018

Supercharged111 said:
As mentioned above, 97+ is the way to go. The cooler lines are placed differently, I believe the return lubes a planetary on 97+. Earlier ones can be modded as well to address this weakness, but easier to not screw with it. The core I bought with over 200k on the clock was usable as is, only the forward clutch pack showed wear the rest was immaculate. I had to convert it to 4wd anyway so it was getting rebuilt no matter what.

Can you provide more information on this mod. I’ve been looking for it. But haven’t found the right combination of key words for google.

Supercharged111 · Aug 18, 2018

Tavi said:
Can you provide more information on this mod. I’ve been looking for it. But haven’t found the right combination of key words for google.

Ugh, that would require me googling too. Admittedly I was told the mod on the early trans could be done, but not how. Another difference is the late trans has bonded pistons, early trans have a cast piston housing with replaceable seals. Apparently the bonded stuff is less failure prone.

williscr3 · Aug 26, 2018

df2x4 said:
^ Agreed. Personally I would not waste any money trying to strengthen a 4L60E. I went that route with a stock V6 and it did not end well for me.

just curious what was upgraded in your 4l60e? did you go all out, upgrading sun shell, better clutches and shift kit, 5 pinion planetary? you feel strongly about 4l60e's not being able to take the power and have me considering the swap too. i recently replaced my transmission and was thinking upgrade and rebuild the original. you have me second guessing this decision.

Transmission upgrade

Erik D

Newbie

94burbk1500

I'm Awesome

df2x4

4L60E Destroyer

Missouri Mule K30

Newbie

df2x4

4L60E Destroyer

MIHELA

1-5-6-3-4-2-7-8

Supercharged111

Truly Awesome

Tavi

Vehicle enthusiasts

Supercharged111

Truly Awesome

williscr3

OBS Enthusiast

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