5.3 with a 4L80E?
- Thread starter 94TBI
- Start date
all pros no cons.
4l60e is 80lbs lighter, has a shorter 1st and 2nd, and slightly taller 4th.
You can spend a lot of time comparing apples to apples but it's pointless in my opinion. The 4l60 is a weak, light-truck and full-size car transmission. I only think it's suitable behind a v6.
A lot of guys build 4l60s only to be as strong as a stock 4l80. Fools errand.
4l60e is 80lbs lighter, has a shorter 1st and 2nd, and slightly taller 4th.
You can spend a lot of time comparing apples to apples but it's pointless in my opinion. The 4l60 is a weak, light-truck and full-size car transmission. I only think it's suitable behind a v6.
A lot of guys build 4l60s only to be as strong as a stock 4l80. Fools errand.
I think @clinebarger has spoken to this before. The 80 is a good bit more inefficient than the 60 and that unless you're doing big power, there's no need.
I personally would take a properly built 4L60E over the 4L80E, people have been building 4L60E's capable of over 1000hp for a long time.
80E sucks up about 20hp. Does the tunnel have room?
People have also done TH350's on 5.3's, the TH350 is a solid platform as well but you would not really want it for daily driver/highway use, for that the 4L60E is a superior option while being able to give the best of both worlds.
How many miles is on the 4L80E, is it stock?.
Being a junk yard 4L80E a rebuild would be smart, in which case you might as well build the 4L60E to handle the power intended, this is something that can be discussed with a reputable builder.
Do not go to a chain rebuild shop, find a small business that has good reviews and a solid reputation.
the 4l60e just cant hold up to the 5.3 in stock form . almost every one i know with this combo has been tru a rebuild and one i know of is on trans no4 but he is a dumb ass and never serviced any of them and drove them hard. mine has made it to 100,000k with no issues but i have serviced mine 2x .
4L80E will fit a '73-'91 Square Body no problem.
Thanks for all the answers. Since the 4L80E fits it is going in.
I rebuild them myself so the Craigslist special/shop minefield isn't a concern.
As a side note....I am in Austin and it is absolutely stunning what shops are charging for automotive repair work here. It is even more stunning that people actually pay them what they ask!
I am not trying to say that mechanics shouldn't be paid well just commenting on the increase over the last few years. All the Californians that moved here brought there California prices with them.
Another thought is that when you consider what it takes to be a good mechanic....ie. knowledge acquisition, capital investment etc. is on par with becoming a medical doctor you could argue we( I am a mechanic) should be paid like a doctor.
I rebuild them myself so the Craigslist special/shop minefield isn't a concern.
As a side note....I am in Austin and it is absolutely stunning what shops are charging for automotive repair work here. It is even more stunning that people actually pay them what they ask!
I am not trying to say that mechanics shouldn't be paid well just commenting on the increase over the last few years. All the Californians that moved here brought there California prices with them.
Another thought is that when you consider what it takes to be a good mechanic....ie. knowledge acquisition, capital investment etc. is on par with becoming a medical doctor you could argue we( I am a mechanic) should be paid like a doctor.
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- Nov 28, 2021
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for a light car, sure, but not a truck
I have a 5.3 with 4l80e
Clinebarger helped me build it , theres a thread here somewhere he walked me through it.
It does what I want mostly tire chirps and rolling burnouts
It is heavy, will take about 3-4 maybe 5mpg off your highway cruise from a 4l60e. But its easy to work on because all the parts are huge. Most parts still available. Strong for 600-800rwhp ranges without using expensive parts. Weight about 220-250lbs full of fluids.
Clinebarger helped me build it , theres a thread here somewhere he walked me through it.
It does what I want mostly tire chirps and rolling burnouts
It is heavy, will take about 3-4 maybe 5mpg off your highway cruise from a 4l60e. But its easy to work on because all the parts are huge. Most parts still available. Strong for 600-800rwhp ranges without using expensive parts. Weight about 220-250lbs full of fluids.
I built a 4L65E for a '85 C20 (6.0L LS Swapped) & it's been pulling around a Skid Steer for a couple years now....Serviced it not to long ago & judging by what was in the pan......It's wearing very well!!
But it has $2,500 in parts alone, Most notability a Sonnax Smart Tech Input Drum which is $1000 by itself.
On the other hand....I have no issues building a 4L60E that will hold up to a 5.3L using OE parts except for a larger Boost Valve & a Transgo shift kit.