Hey everyone.

I was just reading the new Chevy magazine and saw on the cover a feature article for the new 4L65e. It is basically a hopped up version of the 4L60e. This trans was originally designed for trucks, but they say it is a great addition to any late model Vette or F-Body. Price tag on this bad boy is about $2600.

Pro's and Cons? I just want to get a general discussion going about the trans. Any thoughts?

 

Here's what I've found:

"Hardened input shaft, larger intermediate servo, five-pinion planetary gearset, deep oil pan, and a 400-lb-ft torque rating"

I could find better ways to spend $2600.

IMO it all depends on how far you are wanting to go. Plan on a good chunk over 400 ft/lbs?

It looks like you already have a beefed up 4L60E and it looks like you are wanting more.

Thought of a T56 swap? Complete kit for $1100 less than you would pay for the 4l65e. You can find a TH400 and have it bulletproofed for less than $2600....of course you don't have the convenience of OD.

I'm in the same position as you....in the end it looks as if I'm going T56 but it was a hard choice between that and the turbo 400.

IMO it's not really worth the pricetag.

 

Thanx for the opinions and ideas Ghost.

I'm sort of a "newbie" when it comes to transmissions. How much can a T-56 support in terms of Torque? $1100 seems pretty reasonable to me for a manual conversion. Is it definitely worthwhile? How much of a PITA is it for the clutch, shifter, mounting, etc? Maybe I'll consider the M6 way if my A4 goes again.

 

Sorry....I didn't mean the conversion kit is $1100....it's $1500 which would save you $1100 from the $2600 for the 4l65e.

Plenty of T56's have been holding up to 700+. Of course there's always things you can do to insure a longer living tranny at those power levels....synchro's, shift fork, input shaft, etc etc.

How much of a PITA? Not sure yet....I should be doing mine soon. Do a search on T56 swap and I'm sure you'll come up with more information than you ever wanted to know about it.

 

GM says the t 56 will hold 450 lbs of tourque. but they can hold much more

 

the 4l60 is a good tranny. all except for the little 3rd gear piston. if anyone can find an oversized 3rd piston and drum the 4l60 would never break. what i'v had done on mine was hardend steel pump ,pump drive,veins ect. Then pumped the pressure up to 300psi. my trans. builder says 275psi line pressure will keep the trans from breaking.


i'll find out as i intend to pull the front tire off the ground at the line. hope the gears stay in one peice.

in my o we need to find someone to build a big 3rd gear piston and evreyone will be impressed