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New 4L65E behind new supercharged 6.0 in Avalanche - ebay vs local

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Old 04-02-2015 | 09:13 PM
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Default New 4L65E behind new supercharged 6.0 in Avalanche - ebay vs local

Here's the current plan, when I install the new motor in the Avalanche go ahead and install a new high performance built 4L65E, 2400-2600 converter, and TruCool 40k. I know it's been highly debated on this site but I am 90% convinced I will be fine with a well built 4L65E behind my new Supercharged 6.0 LQ4. I expect to have it tuned it to about 425 RWHP running somewhere between 5-7psi of boost.

The point of this thread is to debate the differences between buying the trans via ebay from a Florida or Illinois builder OR buy from a local California builder. I have talked to the guys at Xtreme transmissions in SoCal, this is where I will most likely source the transmission. He will guarantee the trans for a year. The cost going this route is about $1k more than sourcing a transmission from out of state via ebay. The ebay trans has a 3 year warranty (or until the shop goes out of business), they also claim their build is good for 750HP.

Should I go ebay and save the money or should I buy local from a shop with a good rep here, opinions?
Old 04-02-2015 | 09:24 PM
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Robert Godfrey aka Trans builder man.

Use him.
Old 04-02-2015 | 09:48 PM
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Agreed Godfrey is the king of the 60e, but I still believe an 80e is right for such a heavy ride. The 60e was developed with Fbody's in mind. Not the heavy truck/sub hybrid Avalanche.
Old 04-02-2015 | 09:58 PM
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Very few people have successfully made the 4L60E last with that kind of power in a heavy vehicle. Save yourself the headache and stay local.

Everyone will warranty a new transmission especially out of state but read the fine print. You have to pay the shipping. This is where the cheaper trans will quickly become more expensive...

As far as a trans builder in CA... Good luck with that. I dont know any of them or have any experience with the one you listed but I have heard and seen other supposed to be reputable builders in CA and well, Lets just say I stick with good known used transmissions or learn to do it my self...

I broke one that was supposed to be Built behind a stock motor and a 2600 Stall in my truck.
I Never do any burnouts, neutral drops, or anything else that would fry a trans. I still have a peg leg rear end to boot. I was making a left out of a parking lot onto a major street and when it shifted into second it went boom! I limped it home but anything more than light throttle and it starts grinding and humping. Put the stocker back in and it feels better than ever.
Old 04-03-2015 | 11:36 AM
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750HP in a 3500lb car is no where near 750HP in a 6000lb SUV when it comes to stress on the trans. I would not use a 60/65E unless it was built to FLT Level 7 specs with the same custom machining that they do. Mine held up well behind a 5.3 with 12lbs of boost in my Av and is still doing duty in the wife's 5.3 Trailblazer. Otherwise, if you can guarantee that you will not crave more than your stated power objective, I would go with a moderately beefed up 80E.
Old 04-05-2015 | 03:22 PM
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I think you're nuts if you think a 60E will hold up behind a supercharged LQ4 in an Avalanche. You could build the thing out of solid titanium and carbon nanotube and it wouldn't work.
Old 04-09-2015 | 10:22 PM
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Save yourself the hassle and headache!! my sock 65e lasted about 145k. it had around 20 bottles of 100-130 hp nitrous(started spraying at about 100k miles) and then a few months on 5-6psi and it finally died. that was with no shift kit either just tuning. then had it "built" and it only lasted 9k miles at best. when it died i wasnt doing anything other than pulling out of my neighborhood and when it shifted into second... went boom and lost all gears forward and reverse. It as supposed to be built with all the goodies minus billet input and output shafts buy a builder that took a ls1 vette into the high 9's with the same build list before it died, and i dont know how long it lasted in that configuration either.

Go 80e and be done with it. i thought the same, that i would be ok with just 5-6psi in my truck with the 60e built but no dice. dont chance it and hope it will last when you know the 80e will last. i wish i woulda just went 80e the 1st time. weight is just as big of a killer as heat is in the 60e, especially in a performance application
Old 04-11-2015 | 07:32 AM
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I have a 03 sierra ecsb z71. I have finally found a builder that cam. Build a 65e that holds up. I have a turbo and run about 15 psi. So far I have about 10k on current build with 550 to 600 at the wheels. I have had 3 performabuilt level 3 transmissions and then I finally gave up on them. Look up the ramaro on YouTube and then get a hold of Brad Kimbler on fb that is who should build your 60e if you want it to live
Old 04-11-2015 | 10:36 AM
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I think he has stated that he is going with a level 4.5 60E from transbuilderguy.

https://www.performancetrucks.net/forums/internal-engine-modifications-158/2007-avalanche-blown-6-0-lq4-replacing-tired-5-3-a-536683/



"The level 1 unit is designed to be a stock replacement unit with the common fail points of the 4l60e addressed such as sunshell failure which results in a loss of 2nd 4th and reverse gears. The 3-4 clutch pack is custom clearance to improve pack longevity and performance. Aluminum accumulator pistons replace the stock plastic pistons which are prone to cracking causing pressure leaks in clutch circuit. This unit is designed for stock replacement only.


The level 2 unit is designed to be a street performance unit for a slightly modified street machine with occasional track usage. as in the level 1 the basic failure points have been addressed with a shift kit and a higher clutch count 3-4 pack installed. this unit is rated at 400hp with non Nitrous use.

The level 3 unit is designed for the street strip driver and nitrous use due to sleeved input drum design and wider friction surfaces to handle the added load of nitrous and forced induction. This unit is rated in the 500 to 550 hp range.


The level 3.5 unit is designed for the street strip driver and nitrous use due to sleeved input drum design and wider friction surfaces to handle the added load of nitrous and forced induction. this unit is designed to bridge a small gap between the cost of the level 4 unit and the level 3 it adds the billet servos to unit for a faster shifting transmission. This unit is rated in the 500 to 550 hp range

The level 4 unit is designed with the serious street strip driver in mind with a highly modified power plant but still in the daily driver role it has all the same modifications as the level 3.5 with the addition of the hd 2-3 shift valve and the gm 5 pinion planet set this unit is rated at 550 to 600hp range

Here is the pricing for the Level 4.5 4L60E transmission that I build ​$2,900.50

The level 4.5 unit is designed with the serious street strip driver in mind with a highly modified power plant but still in the daily driver role it has all the same modifications as the level 4 with the addition of the hd 2-3 shift valve and the gm 5 pinion planet set as well as the sonnax input drum this unit is rated at 600 to 650hp range

The level 5 unit is as good as it gets with the 4L60E transmission this unit adds the billet input and output shafts to the unit as well as a modified center support brace this unit is rated at 700 to 800hp range above this power range it is recommended to look at converting to a different transmission due to the 4L60E being at its limit in power range."
Old 04-11-2015 | 01:38 PM
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I know I'll be sending my 60 to Transbuilderguy for an upgrade to his level 5. Spend it once and not worry.



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