Picked up my truck the other day from getting the rear end completely rebuilt, and now, no more 3rd gear or OD. I'm pretty pissed right now. I want to know what you guys think is best for 500rwhp tops. I have about 400 and I want to get a 50 shot and run 10lbs of boost.

Instinct is telling me a 4l80, but don't want the headaches associated with customizing. A built 4l60 and 4l65, but that seems like a time bomb. I also don't feel comofrtable buying a used trans, but I guss thats the risk you take. I can get a brand new 4l60 from GM for 1800. But its just not that strong and will probably blow again. I don't want to spend no more than 3000 for everything. I won't be doing the labor either.

Any help greatly appreciated. I got to make a choice real soon.

 

are all 4l80's the same? What years are the same?

 

Many people say that the 4L65e is a decent bit strong than the 60.... So, look for a built 4L65e and tell the builder that you are going to put 500 horsepower to the wheels, it will be pushing 4500+lbs, you will race it, you are gonna run slicks, and you want a warranty to cover it.

 

i think jag performance builds a 65e upgrade tranny for around 1700. go to there site and check that out. i know it is in a few ss's with power adders and they arent having problems.

 

That is EXACTLY what I did 2 weeks ago and I now have a built 4L65E AND a 36 month, 36000 mile warranty from a local tranny shop. Total cost (with a new converter) was $2654.78.
I had investigated mailorder trannys, but when something goes wrong you must deal with (pay $$) removing the tranny and shipping both ways. With the local guy, he told me "If you break it, I'll fix it. No questions asked." He did require me to have it built HIS way, but why not?

 

WIth that kind of power and torque ... I wouldn't go any other way than an 80e. Get you a low miles used unit from www.car-parts.com and get it in there. It will hold up to the power in stock form. Later down the road you might get a shift kit, like before you spray it, but it will keep that blower in check. That's what it took for mine anyways.