Originally Posted by myclone

The 60e is not an electronic th350 and arent related in any way that Ive seen, read, or heard of. However, the 60E is an electronic version of the 700R4. The break down is basically like this:

700R4=non electronic controlled 4spd OD trans
4L60=700R4 when GM decided to change the name in the early 90s.
4L60E=Electronic controlled 700R4/4L60 (thats where the E comes from).

Originally Posted by myclone

I agree with all of what Hog said about the 60E vs the 80E as far as ratios and what not. The gear spread between 1st and 2nd is not NEARLY as bad in a 80E compared to the 60E. The deep (lower) first gear in a 60E makes a vehicle with moderate power accellerate like a more powerful vehicle but the huge jump on the 1-2 shift really pulls the motor WAY down in rpm (and breaks parts on a high tq vehicle). The 80E's closer ratios may not give you as much of an explosive off the line accelleration as 60E in a moderately powerful vehicle but the ratio difference between 1st and 2nd is not nearly as dramatic so its easier (IMO) to keep the engine at peak hp throughout the test.

BTW, the 80E does have bands....two of them to be exact compared to the 60E's one band. However, one band of the 80E is prolly heavier and has more friction surface than two 60E bands LOL. Comparing the internals of a 60E to the internals of an 80E is like comparing a 100lb weakling to a 350lb power lifter....as in no comparison and the 80E is a brute of a trans hands down.

Originally Posted by James B.

The 4L80-E has two bands but they are only used for overrun in manual gear selection and for reverse. The bands in the 4L80-E are NOT used to upshift or downshift!

The band in the 4L60-E is as overworked as the undersized POS 3-4 clutch pack in the thing. The band in the 60 has to upshift both the 1-2 and the 3-4. To make matters worse it engages against a drum made of ALUMINUM!!! That's right - aluminum as a friction surface! It's pathetic. The 80 may have two bands but they're not for shifting and they contact against hardened STEEL drums!

The 4L60-E and every itteration of it (4L65-E, 4L70-E, etc) are all money pits. It's a ****-poor design intended for economy that has somehow ended up a staple in the GM RWD powertrain lineup. If I sound biased, well, I am - but for good reason having been there and done that. You can tell the ones who sound like I do. Truth be told they've each been through a few 60's themselves too.

Originally Posted by myclone

...the last truck load of blown up trans parts and cracked cases I hauled to the metal recycler.

Originally Posted by screamingjimmy

Parasitic losses for the TH400 is 45hp, the TH350 takes 30hp and the powerglide take a staggaring 20hp.

Originally Posted by nightrunner

where does the 4l70e come from?

Originally Posted by SSlow 4.8

these transmissions arent made to handel a mass amount of hp... its meant to tow to its capabilities and meant to be driving NORMALLY.. not how we race them, lol. But a well built 4l60e or 65e (same thing basically) can be built up to handle in the ballpark of 500rwhp w/o t/m. Only problem with 4l80e is that it robs a lot hp, more so than through the 60e drivetrain... 4l80e is a good idea if your eventually wanting to go FI or build a motor in the 500+ hp range.