I have an 02 GMC with cam and full bolt ons. it has 4.11's and a 2800 stall runnin low 13's. My tranny had servo's and a shift kit and it gave out on me. I came across a used built 4L80 for a good price.
-Would a 4L80E do me any good?
-Will it go in with no problems?
-Will it make me faster or slow me down in the 1/4 mile?
-Should I just build my 4L80E, which would cost me more?
-Can i use the same converter?

 

Will a 4L80E do you any good? I think so... if you plan it right it could be your last tranny swap. I am doing the swap and am building my own 4L80E. A 4L80E will require mods to your driveshaft, crossmember, minor wiring update, Flexplate and/or spacer, converter, and of course a change to your tune. Whether or not it will make you faster or slower, IMO, depends on how you stall the tranny based on your drivability expectations. It appears to me building either tranny costs about the same... not including obataining a good 4L80E core. No, you cannot use a 4L60E converter in a 4L80E... but you can unload your 60E verter on ebay to recover some costs.

Bill

 

You could check out speed engineering.....they sell all the parts individually you would need to do the swap. I wish I would have asked this question about 7 4l60es ago. A 3 speed is in my future now though.

 

well i came across a used built 4L80 for $600

 

that may be good, but what makes it "built" . . . . what's on the inside. Do you have a build sheet?

 

im not sure, its by a local guy who builds them with all the good stuff. pretty much everyone gets their 4L60s done by him. I'll be sure to get more info if i decide to do the swap

 

Heck I think a stock 4L80 will handle more power than most people ever need.

 

ask yourself this: do you plan on putting more power in your truck in the future? built 65e's can take 500rwhp. anything after that i'd do a 80e. if your mods stay the same you would be fine with a built 65e. if you plan for HP levels over 500 or so rwhp, buy the 80e.

 

A 4L80 is going to give you more mph for sure. Proabably about 2-3mph in the 1/4. The 1/4 mile time may be the same or slower depending you get a big enough stall to launch out of the hole and cut good 60's.

 

How will the 4l80 give him 2-3 more mph in the 1/4. Its heavier it has a higher 1st gear and it has significantly more parasitic power loss. I personally would stick with the 4l60 as long as possible.