4l60e TQ and HP Question

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Aidan Kesler

OBS Enthusiast
Joined
Sep 19, 2020
Messages
58
Reaction score
17
Location
Georgia
I am the guy with the 4l60e and Holley electric choke carb adapter for the TPS :)) lol

I have this trans in my 95 K1500 short wheelbase single cab. Has 33’s and it’s leveled with torsion bars. We broke it twice before getting it fully rebuilt and gone through by a local guy near us “Reagin Racing” and he called the minimum 4l60e builds he does a “stage 3 with corvette servo” … don’t know how much it can handle and definitely want it to last a while.

My question is.. if I’m building a fairly hefty 355 (or possibly considering 383 stroker) am I going to run into any issues when producing 450 lb-ft tq and upwards of high 300s or possibly breaking 400hp, the occasional revving or spirited driving to 6k max.

I know this is a vague question, maybe there is a thread already about this someone can refer me to, or just share their own experiences. The truck is not a race truck, it’s a daily driver, longevity and fun is the goal!!
 

NickTransmissions

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2023
Messages
735
Reaction score
1,148
Location
Las Vegas
I am the guy with the 4l60e and Holley electric choke carb adapter for the TPS :)) lol

I have this trans in my 95 K1500 short wheelbase single cab. Has 33’s and it’s leveled with torsion bars. We broke it twice before getting it fully rebuilt and gone through by a local guy near us “Reagin Racing” and he called the minimum 4l60e builds he does a “stage 3 with corvette servo” … don’t know how much it can handle and definitely want it to last a while.

My question is.. if I’m building a fairly hefty 355 (or possibly considering 383 stroker) am I going to run into any issues when producing 450 lb-ft tq and upwards of high 300s or possibly breaking 400hp, the occasional revving or spirited driving to 6k max.

I know this is a vague question, maybe there is a thread already about this someone can refer me to, or just share their own experiences. The truck is not a race truck, it’s a daily driver, longevity and fun is the goal!!
What is your final drive ratio?

Ask your builder as to whether he included the following:

- Transgo HD2 kit or equivalent (can include his own mods to more or less replicate what the HD2 kit does and then some)
- Sonnax 4L60E-LB1 boost valve and spring kit
- Sonnax Smart shell
- High Energy clutches throughout the transmission, except for possibly the 3-4 clutch where he may have used Alto Reds, Raybestos Blues or similar along with Kolene coated or lindered flat steels
- Alto Power Pack for the 3-4 clutch (clearance .025-.035, load release springs installed)
- High Rate Return Springs
- Wide 2-4 Band (Alto)
- 2003+ rollerized reaction shaft
- 4L65E Front and rear 5-pinion plantaries (note that these are not mandatory for anything under 500HP)
- All new OEM or Rostra solenoids/harness

Check out my 4L60E Playlist for a comprehensive look at building a high performance 4L60E
xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media
 
Last edited:

Supercharged111

Truly Awesome
Joined
Aug 20, 2015
Messages
12,821
Reaction score
15,727
I have serious trust issues with the 4L60 period dot. If you want to rip on the truck I'd suggest a 4L80 swap. Don't be surprised when more folks come in beating this same drum.
 

Aidan Kesler

OBS Enthusiast
Joined
Sep 19, 2020
Messages
58
Reaction score
17
Location
Georgia
I have serious trust issues with the 4L60 period dot. If you want to rip on the truck I'd suggest a 4L80 swap. Don't be surprised when more folks come in beating this same drum.
Not really an option right now unfortunately, just gonna have to make do and make it last.
 

RDF1

I'm Awesome
Joined
Apr 3, 2018
Messages
1,197
Reaction score
998
Location
MS
What gears do you have with the 33" tires?
 

Aidan Kesler

OBS Enthusiast
Joined
Sep 19, 2020
Messages
58
Reaction score
17
Location
Georgia
A lot of it is how you drive it and maintain it. Keep it cool. Drive gently.

The way I look at it is, it has X number romps in it. Save on 'em as much as you can and it will last longer.
most of my romps would be in the 2000-4000 range, the torque rang it is built completely and has about 5k miles max, brand new front to back. I’m hoping it is good, paid $2500 for it.
 

1998_K1500_Sub

Nitro Junkie
Supporting Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2019
Messages
2,292
Reaction score
3,492
Location
Rural Illinois
It’s whatever the stock 95 k1500 short wheelbase is. It is 4x4.

Check your sticker for the RPO and report back. I'm guessing you've got 3.73s in there now, at least that's what Dad's '95 K1500 SCLB 5.7L was given by The General.

Examples:

You must be registered for see images attach



4.10 gears would make a nice combination with those tires and that transmission's gearing, even 4.56 if you want the engine RPM a little more into your torque band at road speed.

Let's look at a using 4.10 rear gear. On 33" tires:

- RPM at 70MPH in OD = 2047 (not bad)

- RPM at 65MPH in D = 2716 (a little low IMHO)


I think I would try to gain more advantage, so let's look at 4.56 gears:

- RPM at 70MPH in OD = 2277

- RPM at 65MPH in D = 3016 (a good range for pulling a trailer)


Of course, the gears both front and rear are affected if one wants to maintain the 4x4 functionality.
 
Last edited:
Top