I did some searching but could not find anything conclusive.

I'm looking at doing the 80E swap in my truck and have a lead on a 80E out of a 1994 Silverado.

Is there any benefit to any years?

99'+ top bolt hole in bell housing

'91-'93 have an old style connector, '94+ have the updated connector?

Is there anything else major that I am missing?

I only plan on running 350-400 HP right now but plan on doubling that in 1-2 years.

 

97 up has the better lube circuit, 99 up has the added bolt hole.

I suggest staying 97 up.

 

Which year would be best to leave stock with a shift kit? I know one you go built, they're all the same basically, but which year would you go after if you had the choice?

 

In my opinion, 97 and up there really isn't enough of a difference to make that call. More importantly is how many miles and if it was taken care of with fluid and filter changes. Again, IMO.

 

Most of the ones in an Express van behind the 350, 8.1 and Duramax will be 4L85Es with 5 pinion planets. The one behind my 350 in my Express came out of a 2002 8.1 G3500 Express. A little more gear whine in the lower gears but the planets are much stronger. Some of the older big block motorhomes also had 4 pinon straight cut planets that are stronger as well.

 

In pure factory form most say 91-96 is strongest.

Once built they're all good.

 

Late '00-'01 up is the latest. Element type sprags, improved lube circuit, etc. According to ATSG. My 10/2000 4L80E had all the upgrades. You can tell latest from the others by how close the cooler line connectors are to each other. I think the earlier (pre update) cooler fittings are close together more towards the center of the case, vs the later (updated) fittings were further apart one towards the bell housing and one towards tail.

 

They will have all the upgrades EXCEPT the 5 pinon planets of the 85E. If you can find an 85E from a 8.1 or Duramax or even a 5.7 Express van that would be the best starting point. The 4.8/6.0 Express vans may have had the 85E as well, not really sure.

 

that's good to hear, because I just bought a 66k mile 4L85e out of an 07 dmax van

 

2wd or 4wd and how much if you don't mind me adking