Is it more cost effective to build your own tranny up or is it better to buy one from lets say FLP?

 

This is the exact same question I am pondering. Im on the fence. If I bought the parts at least I know that everything that I want would be in there and It could be a little cheaper. However, from what Ive read, its more important to have someone who knows what they are doing build it than the actual parts being used. To some extent, that seems to favor FLP in my book. Im sure you could specify what you want and it would be cheaper to pay a little more the first time and get it done right than save a little and have to have it rebuilt 15- 20K later.

 

yes sir i think thats pretty much what i was trying to get at

 

Take FLP, they build a very good stout unit, but you're paying for the builder and experience they provide...not so much on parts. Is it worth it?

Depends. If you need an all out max effort, you better be damn well sure your local guy knows what he's doing. I say it's 85% builder, 15% parts on failures. Halfassed work may be okay for Grand-mamas car but not for a HO setup. If you talk to a local place and they try to talk you into insane upshifts and stock internals...do an about face and leave.

They have to know what you want to do and how to do it well. Also you must remember the limits of durability a 4L60E in these trucks I'd say is around 450-525rwhp. The weight lowers their max capacity a bunch. Those are just rough guesses from be but anymore than those and you're gonna be on borrowed time. Fluid flow, general slop, and weak internals are the weaknesses here...most can be addressed farily easily.

I like getting stuff built locally as it can be serviced locally if need be, but if you're out in BFE... you may very well have to go with a high quality ready to run unit.

Basically it's at your discretion (sp?)... My deal is I know exactly what I want and what it takes for one of these to last, so I can get it done locally if I find the right person. **** when my 4L60E goes south, I just may invest and get those $400-500 in tools and run through it myself.

In the end, buy the most tranny you can for your realistic goals.

 

cooler flush kit
variable force motor
3-4 power pack
h/d wideband-kevlar
hp sunshell kit
trans o/h kit
4th super servo
2-3 check valve update
tef pump busshing
ext hsg bushing
bush case
low rev sprag
rev. capsule update
5 pinion rr plane
29 element input spring
h/p slide spring
seperater plate
vette servo kit

parts $1392.00 some parts can be gotten cheaper. but it depends on how well you want it to work.