So I don't usually post threads like this but I'm honestly at a loss for words. I bought a used 4L60E from a friend who bought it from a local guy. The trans was claimed to be "built" with low miles and only a few passes on it (you can already see where this is going).
The trans was apparently put into the local F-Body when it was at Strictly Performance (now defunct, and I've heard some bad stories) but all trans builds from SP were handled by the Toy Shop.
I scooped the trans from my buddy who never installed it, ended up selling is TA. I took the trans back to the Toy Shop to be checked over before throwing it in my Silverado. I get a call this morning saying it's a stock 4L60E from a Camaro and it's torched.
With that said, I paid $600 for the trans. This will be my DD so I want to keep a stockish stall. Toy Shop is quoting me $1900 for a full performance rebuild they said will hold at my desired power levels (eventually 450whp). So with the 600 I paid for the trans plus 2000 for the build we're looking at $2600.
What do you guys think, what have you heard about Toy Shop transmissions? This will be my DD that will occasionally (maybe, 4-5 times a year) see the strip if that. I just want something that's not going to blow up when I punch on it.
Or should I just bite the bullet and move on a 4L80E.

$hit this sucks! Suppose this is what I get for buying something used based on someone's word...I know better, that's the problem. *sigh

 

what vehicle is it going in?

anytime I have absolutely had to have a shop do something for me I have always insisted on seeing the parts.

 

Yeah, I think I'm going to head to the shop today and take a look. I never heard a bad thing about the Toy Shop, but Strictly Performance is another story...

 

Went over and spoke with Kendal at Toy Shop, nice guy and knowledgeable. Looks like the "built" trans I bought is anything but...*sigh. I know better than to trust someone's word, suppose it's a tough lesson learned. Next time (probably wont ever buy a used trans again) I'm going to have it verified before plopping down the money.

Just gotta save my pennies for a properly built one now.

 

For the $1900 what parts is Kendal planning on using in your build or did he just shoot you a price? Did he happen to mention any "built parts" that were in the fbody unit?

 

The F-Body trans was box stock, even down to the factory filter inside, he said if you change them they change color I guess, and he said this one had never been changed from the factory. The factory clutches were cooked, the belt was worn pretty good, the input shaft has a little play, there were a few other issues but I can't remember what. (this is my first automatic endeavor)

I didn't have him write up the build list for the built 4L60E yet, but he said it would be for everything needed to hold 450 WHP or more in my truck and this would include a converter out of a Suburban (he said they don't balloon like the one in my 1500 can). I want to keep a stock stall since it's my DD.
When I have my pennies saved I'm going to ask them for an itemized list of everything and go from there. I'm also seriously considering FLT.

 

Kendall is a great guy to deal with and everything he has done by me has been 100% standup! I would have no problem going with him. He is obviously local which is a bonus too. I have a trans they built in my truck going 12.20's. The previous guy went 11.10 with this trans!!!

Toy Shop or FLT either way.

 

I would definitely ask to see a build list and then post it here for all of us to see. I would be more than willing to let you know what my thoughts are on it. Don't forget to look at our sponsors lists as well to compare them! They all have a great reputation and I'm sure if you do not go local one of them can help you out. HTH Vince

 

Thanks for the input, I'm definitely going to consult the forums for more insight when I'm ready to do this. In the meantime I'll poke around on the advertiser sites as well.

Cheers

 

If it were me. Id go 80e if its goin in your supercharged truck. 1900 seems a lil high unless he is putting some high dollar hard parts in there.