dewmanshu

iTrader: (4)

why not the TH400? Just curious. Parish8? I know you where totally dissatisfied with the 60 and you wanted the HD of the 80 but did you consider the 400? My reason for asking is....isn't the 400 ALOT cheaper, first? And second the industry has more experience with the 400 right? Or is it just the fact that the 80 can be put into the computer?(third) Boy, I do that alot...answering my own questions. TH400 isn't computer controlled right? That would explain the cost difference I guess.

'JustDreamin'

The most significant difference is the TH400 is a 3 speed, and the 4L80E is a 4speed. The 80E is basically the TH400 guts (1st-3rd) with an .75:1 overdrive added. Thats obviously a significant simplification of the differences, but its the main points.

With the 400 you've only got 3 speeds, so you need to either re-gear the rearend (and frontend to if you've got 4x4) to fairly low ratios (like maybe 2.73's) or don't drive over 50 mph on the street. Because cruising at 65mph and 4300 rpm doesn't sound like good fun to me. But that just my $0.02.

However for racing only purposes, there's really no reason to consider the 80E. You'll probably never hit 4th gear anyway, its heavier (by a fair chunk, and most of that is rotational mass which really saps power.) and significantly more $$$.

Basically, it comes down to your specific application. For Parish8's application, the 80E is probably the best tranny for the situation. And probably a few other folks who keep breaking 60E's all the time.

'Dreamin'

Scream

iTrader: (6)

I'm going 80-e because I still drive my truck on long trips and need OD.

Flyer

iTrader: (1)

The 80e has a lockup torque converter. The 400 doesn't. In a street machine, that's a very big advantage.

'JustDreamin'

Overdrive
800+ hp strength / durability
Lockup torque converter

All those things add up to the right choice for many folks


Sadly the drawbacks:
Weight (probably an extra 100 lbs over the 60E)
Power consumption (spinning all that extra hardware vs the 60E or a 400)
Price.
No trans brake available (that I know of, yet)

The 80E can be done with either the computer controls or a manual valvebody. Computer can either be the trucks' ECM, or standalone unit (either OEM or aftermarket). Plenty of options there.

'Dreamin'

dewmanshu

iTrader: (4)

Ahhh...did not know that Flyer.

I knew the argument was that the 400 was for racing but I really never knew what made it "racing" compared to the 400. The 3 speed answers that question.
Thanks guys. Again just curious...I ordered my 80e this morning already. I just wanted to make sure my understanding that the 80e was suited more for the daily driver than the 400 was true. Annnnnnndddd the no OD would definitely be the answer to that questions.

whitt1

You can add a lockup converter to a TH400,using the conversion kit from PI,but you loose your electronic control features that allows your PCM to control a 4L80E.I think the 4L80E is a much better choice for a street driven truck.

parish8

iTrader: (6)

i liked the 4l60e and on most set up's i would sugest keeping it. in my last truck it took me into the 11's at 5200lb's.

i have a street truck, a non lock up t400 would suck *** if you drive anywhere over 40mph(assuming you have a stall).

dewmanshu

iTrader: (4)

Yeh I get it...I didn't even put 2+2 together on the OD as well. That's why the 400 would always have the nickname "Race Trans". Thanx guys.