MLK-442

Has anyone swapped in a 4L80E in place of the TH400 for the purpose of OD? I know that you need to obtain an electronics package to shift the trans but how about size, adaptor plate, shimming the flex plate, etc.?

After quite a bit of feedback on the TH200-R4 from a previous post and finding out from Art Carr (builder of Th200-R4s) that it would cost me ~ $2400 to get an appropriate rebuilt TH200-R4 with necessary options and shipping I am looking at other possible solutions. At $2400 it almost makes sense to just spend the $$ on the GV OD.

Still, I would like to know if anyone has experience using the 4L80E since it is close (??) to a TH400.

Thanks

MLK-442

f-85

I herd at the track that they are making a full manual valve body for the 4l80. It might be a pain to shift while driving your auto. But it will work without any electronics.

f-85

I have ran chevy trans behind Olds motors. All you need is the adapter plate and the washers they sell with it. The last one i bought was $35

jensenracing77

i think if it were me i would stick to the 200 4R. by the time you made the 4L80E work i would think it would be about the same price. i don't know where you are from but here in Indiana i have a top quality transmission guy that can build a 200 4R for $1800 with all the hardened input shaft and drums and other parts to hold up to well built engine and that includes a quality lock up converter with a light stall.

joe_padavano

The 4L80E is based on the TH400 internals, so it's strong, BUT, it's also much larger and heavier. The driveshaft needs to be shortened. The crossmember needs to move further back than even the TH400 location. That raises the issue of custom e-brake cables, since they hang off the crossmember. The floorpan will need to be cut and reshaped to fit (or at least smacked soundly with a large hammer). Of course you'll need the Chevy-to-BOP adapter plate. And yes, a stand-alone computer is also required.

Fixer_Upper71

I live in Chicago. What's the trans guy's name? Does he have a website?

cutlassefi

You can get a good one for a lot less than that. Junkyard, have a reputable builder do it along with a new torque converter and you're probably looking at around $1500.00 for a nice one.

jensenracing77

http://www.vedderstransmission.net/

he is the best in the area with an incredible reputation. there are times he is more money than others but he can be trusted fully and stands behind his work. i won't make the claim that he is the best but i would make the claim that he is equal to the best builders in the country. i have had 3 built by him and almost all the drag racers in the area have him build there transmissions. when i called to get the quote i ask if he could build a
200 4R to hold 350 horse and around 400 torque and he said that would be no problem and he give me a $1600 to $1800 quote with a lock up torque converter with 1800 to 2200 area stall. i told you the high side of what he quoted in the first post to be safe. if you call him tell him that Eric Jensen from Brazil sent you.

Fixer_Upper71

I've never rebuilt an automatic tansmission before. Is it important to have a professional build the 200R4 to my likings or is this something I can possibly learn how to do myself? It seems it could be somewhat cheaper to buy the trans from a junkyeard and buld the thing myself. Anyone have any experience with Transgo shift kits?

P.S. I'm not hijacking MLK-442's thread. He's my father and we build our 442 together.

jensenracing77

you will have a good amount of money in the hardened parts and good torque converter so you would want to be real sure you know what you are doing. i rebuilt a TH400 over 20 years ago. there are alot of thrust washers, bushings, bearings and all kinds of things that have to be measured, pressed in or adjusted just right. not to mention having some of the special tools needed. i don't plan to ever do another one. i had $300 in parts and 5 weeks of time to learn that it is not something i want to do again. after it was done i found out that i could have had the guy i mentioned above do it for $500 (that was 20 years ago price) i was only 16 years old so maybe i could do it easier now but i won't find out.