So I am aware this topic has been and continues to be beat to death, but please bear with me I have a lot of usefull info I will list prior to adding any questions.

Weight- w/o a stall since aftermarket sizes will vary in weight these weights are approximate.
4l80e- wet 255
4l60e- wet 175
TH400- wet 140

4L60e gear ratios 3.06:1 1.63:1 1.00:1 0.70:1
RPM at 65mph with a 28" and 32" tires
3.23 - 1764 and 1554
3.42 - 1868 and 1635
3.73 - 2037 and 1783
3.90 - 2130 and 1864
4.10 - 2240 and 1960
4.56 - 2491 and 2179

GM 4L80E gear ratios 2.48:1 1.48:1 1.00:1 0.75:1
RPM at 65mph with a 28" and 32" tires
3.23 - 1890 and 1654
3.42 - 2001 and 1751
3.73 - 2183 and 1910
3.90 - 2282 and 1997
4.10 - 2399 and 2100
4.56 - 2669 and 2335

GM TH400 gear ratios 2.48:1 1.48:1 1.00:1 ―
RPM at 65mph with a 28" and 32" tires
3.23 - 2520 and 22.05
3.42 - 2669 and 2335
3.73 - 2911 and 2547
3.90 - 3043 and 2663
4.10 - 3199 and 2799
4.56 - 3558 and 3113


This portion is opinion/observation based
Strength in "stock" form
1) 80e
2) TH400
3) 60e

Cost to build (lowest to highest)
1) Th400
2) 60e
3) 80e

Strongest/most reliable when built up
1) th400/80e
2) 60e

 

So I believe based on a combination of factors most people can determine what is best for them with this info. I myself am currently muddling thru this decision. My 155k stock 4L60e is slipping behind my mild and soon to be built up and sprayed 4.8 I would rather get this done before it goes pop. I have stock 3.42s and a set of after market 3.90s sitting in the garage. I have close to 32" tires on 20s 275/55-20 to be exact on factory Tahoe five stars. My build includes a mild cam 214/220 full boltons, 100shot and a small stall tight 3k for towing reasons. I have considered all 3 options.
Fully built 60e will cost me about $1400 from a very good builder who I won't mention. This will get the 3.90s.
Stock low mileage 80e with deep pan, shift kit. $800ish this will also get the 3.90s.
Built TH400 good for 750hp about $1000 local builder this would get the 3.42s.

This truck gets driven about 4-5000 miles a year mostly around town, some light towing (6k at most) and some slightly longer drives over 3 hours but never more than 10 hours. It will be taken to the track with mid 13 aspirations. My biggest goal would be to outrun my brother in laws quad cab SRT10 that runs 14.0 with boltons and a best of 13.94
I am leaning very hard towards the 80e option.

 

good little write-up. I went 4l80 because of the overdrive. From what I've read the 80e shares a lot of components with the 400.

 

Depends on if you can afford a build 60e you should be faster with the added gearing, not to mention the lighter weight.

TH400 is a race only trans, works well for it but is annoying for long trips.

4L80e is my pick if you made more power but you would be fine with a built 60e.

I run a 60e in my daily LQ9 powered truck and a 80e in my weekend/track truck. TH400 would only go in a truck if it was rarely or never driven on the street.

 

I ran faster times with my 80e then with my 65, all things the same. My 65e first gear was useless as it was way too low for my tq.

 

My biggest reason for the 80e is towing and future prep. This truck was bought new by my wife's stepfather. My wife learned how to drive behind the the wheel of this truck and its the truck she drove when we were dating. It has since been given to me and it won't be going anywhere soon and I can't leave anything alone. It always needs to go faster. One day bigger motor and boost or lots of spray will be added. So an 80e seems appropriate.

 

Yeah with that info a 80e would be your best bet.

 

A 60E is more expensive to build then a 80E if you are talking parts.


Now if you go all out on a 80E it can get expensive, but it will hold a **** load more power then a all out 60E. Its all relative. Hell I have 450-500 just in my input shaft on my 80E.

 

I actually feel that my 80E is faster then my FLT LVL 6 65E I pulled out. exact same converter
first gear was useless with the 65 and the rpm drop between shifts sucked

 

My exact thoughts as well.