always seems to me that the gears are too far apart on a 700. this was a good post on the subject. http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=55145
We have built many, they are much larger and heavier than a 700, or even a 400. But they are as heavy duty as the 400, basically a 400 with overdrive, and have closer ratios between 1st and second than the 700. I am currently installing 1 in my 71 GS, it's a manual shift (so I don't need a computer for it) with a trans brake and a 4000 stall convertor with LOCKUP! I'm using a classic instruments electric speedo (nice stuff, great price too), but Performance auto and trans center has a mechanical speedo convertor so you can use your old speedo, as well as a heavy duty crossmember (you'll need to make another anyways): https://www.classicinstruments.com/allseries.aspx http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4l80e.htm Should be good for a few more tenths and even better milage on the highway!:TU: The floorpan seems like it has to be modified, but my engine isn't finished yet so I'll be a couple months till I'm done. All the others I hear are happy with theirs.
I have a buddy running one behind a 650/700HP BBC in a 64 Buick Special. He has the aftermarket computer to control it and th runs a lockup converter. No problems yet and he is ruthless. 700R4 would only last a month or two so he got tired of redoing them and stepped up to the 4L80E. He does tranny's on the side at home. They are big, they are heavy, they are strong, they are expensive to build. I wouldn't hesitate if you plan on beating on the car a lot, if it is going to be a street cruiser with very little abuse it probably is overkill. The cooler lines are tight to connect up because of tunnel clearance. You will have to make up a shift linkage mount setup at the tranny, you will have to make a bracket to mount a throttle position sensor at the carb. Maybe a custom rear mount. New or different drive shaft. Possible new flexplate. The aftermarket computer (Compushift I think his is) costs about $1200.00. Not hard stuff but it still has to be done and costs money. I have one ready to go in when my 700R4 takes a dump. Peace, Mike D.
I had one with a manual valve body in a 95 caprice.... lasted alot longer then all the 4l60's before it put together. I only took it out for a T56 swap
they make SBC-BOP adapters.... check jegs? Just look for a 4l80 that was mated to a 5.7, not a LSx engine.
I used a TCI flexplate shield and drilled the Buick pattern into it so I had an adapter that also works as a scatershield for the flexplate: http://www.tciauto.com/Products/Safety/<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<o></o> Part #932500<o></o> You will also have to grind some material away from the starter area. I don't know how this will affect getting the cover recertified, I expect they might say it has been modified and is no longer SFI certifiable if that is a consideration for anyone.<o></o> <o></o>
I forgot to mention check TA they have a sheild part#2050 that might already have all the holes.o No:
There's a place here in abilene that makes bellhousings and torque converters and appearently well known for their work. I've heard they make this "ultimate" bellhousing that is BOP/Cheb that you put in place of your old bellhousing. Might be worth checking into.. GL, this is something that I eventually plan on doin to my bird.
I wrote an email :Comp: to Extreme, didn't tell them I'm a shop owner so they offered to sell me a complete transo No: , but they now carry a bellhousing for the 4L80E: Larry, I have them now. The only issue is they are so damn complicated there is no way to sell for DIY. The work has to be done in a CNC mill. You supply the parts I cut case pump and fit the adapter ring. The case, pump and Adapter ring work is $850.00 After I do the work the trans will work with any of the Reid bell housings. If I build the trans its $765. What kind of car to you have? I have been looking for someone to do the install in a mustang for some feedback. If its a 4.6 Ford. I would build the trans for the stage 1 price and provide the case, pump work and adapter for free. You would only need to buy the bell and flywheel. And of course give me fitment feedback and some press on the boards. You can check out the pricing at www.extremeautomatics.net. Lonnie I looked for the price of the bell on the site but it wasn't working when I looked, maybe they were just adding it. Don't know how it looks or works, but they have a good rep from what I hear.
Well this 4L80E is great. Except, don't lug the engine with the convertor on, it'll shake rattle and roll. The only area I had to modify was the floor pan where the rear speed sensor is, it just needs a little dimple in. The crossmember I used was a G-force, it is very HD. I am running a manual shift trans brake Valve Body, so no electronics except for the brake and convertor lockup power. I heard people complain about the cooler lines being hard to do, I had no problems, except you need to run a new set and bend them for the 4L80E. I am really happy with the release of the TCI trans brake, it is much faster than their 400 brakes (which are notorious for being on the slow side shifting as well). The shifting is instant, you shift, it shifts, no dely there! Other than a bellhousing adapter, crossmember, driveshaft shortening, cooler lines, filler tube, and electronics for automatic units, they are a pretty nice swap. But heavy! Whew, makes a 400 seem light.
:3gears: I forgot to say you have to change to an electric speedo, or add a signal convertor to use the original speedometer.:laugh:
