Read this:
http://www.superchevy-web.com/tech/0311sc_4l65e/

http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/resource...nsWarranty.pdf

There are a lot of car guys running into thte 10s on a plain 4L60. Sure, they break. But the 65 is built to handle more torque than a plain 60. Is the 65E flawless, no way. But if I had my choice of 65E or more expensive FLP, well...

But on the other hand, if I had a 2wd and was already going to spend $2000, I'd convert to a 80E. I'm stuck with the 65E since I have an AWD Tcase.

 

If you had your choice of a 65E or a more expensive FLP, then....what? Would you get the 65E or spring for the FLP?

I've heard the 80E is not a direct bolt-up, they're heavy, and the gearing isn't as friendly as a 60E/65E. Do any of these considerations hold merit? Is there anywhere where a comparison is shown?

 

The GMPP 4L65E is a cheaper way out if you toss a TransGo in it...it's basically a mostly build 4L60E with that long *** warranty.

4L80E is not a direct bolt up, this has been covered many times here. You need stuff like... trans, converter, flex plate, wiring, etc. Sure they are heavier... it's a 3/4 ton trans! Gearing is longer in the 1st and 2nd gears...not a whole not but enough to slow you down a bit.

I don't see why it wouldn't hold you into the mid 12s with just a TransGo and upgraded servos, it's not just a 5 pinion planet 4L60E.

 

I'm 95% this is the way I'm going. With a 5500 lb truck and a blower, I'm not going to wait around for my stock 4L60E to show problems. I've been very easy on in and would like to see what it will do, but will wait until I get a different tranny in it.

 

I'm suprised it hasn't shown problems already with a blower unless you have LOTS of TqMgt and are running quite rich holding back your power.

That's a good way to get a quality tranny with long warranty... just don't let the GMPP dudes in on your appliction!

 

I feel that is a little irrelivant concedering the #1 guy on the list is running a stock L60 with only a vette servo. That dosnt mean that everyone can run 11's on a stock tranny. I know I cant since I am already on my third one. However, I am thinking of the L65 upgrade for myself. The local dealer's tranny guy rebuilds on the side and I hear that he is really good. He only charges 300 to do the work if you buy all the parts and bring them and the tranny to him. I am thinking about getting the full rebuild kit from KDS and having him beef up my tranny before it goes out again. What I am getting at is can I get the 5 planet gearset and swap it in with all the other harded L60 parts (sunshell, inputshaft, etc) or do I have to get all the original L65 internals?

 

The 65E has some bigger clutch packs I think. The difference isn't ONLY the planetaries.

 

Yes, it runs rich and I know I am somewhat detuned, but that's okay for now. As it stands I rarely get on it, and never off the line. I'm actually quite easy on my truck as I am aware that I am putting out some power. But I am considering a smaller pulley and perhaps some other mods, so before I do any of that I want a new tranny in there.

 

WHat's the point in having that beast if you never use it?

The MagnaCharger tune is very rich and leaves in enough TqM to break **** if you beat on it, and enough to make it last long enough to get out of their warranty if you don't. So .. if you beat on it, it will go out before the 1500 mile period before your warranty so they won't be responsible for it, if you baby it, it will last until the end of their 36k period.

 

will putting in different components void your warranty??