Hoping to switch from 700R4, to a newer 4L60E

razz2o4 · Aug 22, 2024

I am getting ready to hit the ground running on my 86 Longbed. I have a ZZ4 Crate motor that I have had for a quite some time that is going back in it, but will have a Holley Efi sniper setup on it. How difficult would it be to switch from my stock 700R4 (that likely wouldn't hold up too long with the zz4, vs installing a newer 4L60e? Being that they are almost the same, I assume I could use the same driveshaft. Would my shift linkage be different? Would the TCI EZ TCU kit work best for that setup? This will all be new for me.

bucket · Aug 22, 2024

Imho, a 4L60e is not an improvement. A 700r4 can be built up just like a 4L60e can. Plus you don't have to deal with the electronics. If you insist on going with an electronic type trans, you may as well go with a 4L80e and have plenty of strength.

Members like @NickTransmissions and @Matt69olds can recommend what needs to be done with a 700r4 to live a longer life behind a ZZ4 crate 350.

NickTransmissions · Aug 22, 2024

razz2o4 said:
I am getting ready to hit the ground running on my 86 Longbed. I have a ZZ4 Crate motor that I have had for a quite some time that is going back in it, but will have a Holley Efi sniper setup on it. How difficult would it be to switch from my stock 700R4 (that likely wouldn't hold up too long with the zz4, vs installing a newer 4L60e? Being that they are almost the same, I assume I could use the same driveshaft. Would my shift linkage be different? Would the TCI EZ TCU kit work best for that setup? This will all be new for me.

Agree with bucket, if the only concern is building the 700R4 to handle your ZZ4's output and usage pattern for the vehicle.

Let me know if rebuilding and upgrading the 700R4 is something you'd consider...

If you'd rather just have full electronic control (ie plug and play, no TV cable to set up/adjust) then look for a 2001-2005 4L65E and build that up. Those don't need too much as they already have a fairly stout 3-4 clutch compared to the base 4L60E / 700R4s and hardened/heat treated input shaft and stator splines as well as an induction hardened input shaft..The 4L70Es (2007+) also have induction hardened reaction shaft splines (this part can be installed in any 700R4). The 4L65E stator & input shaft are not compatible to the 700R4s due to the different TC design so make the 4L65/4L70E units a bit better than any 700R4 (unless you go with an aftermarket billet input shaft for the 700R4 which would be big bucks).

Check out my 700R4 Information thread for details re build strategies, parts selection, performance tips and tricks as well as additional resources.

razz2o4 · Aug 23, 2024

NickTransmissions said:
Agree with bucket, if the only concern is building the 700R4 to handle your ZZ4's output and usage pattern for the vehicle.

Let me know if rebuilding and upgrading the 700R4 is something you'd consider...

If you'd rather just have full electronic control (ie plug and play, no TV cable to set up/adjust) then look for a 2001-2005 4L65E and build that up. Those don't need too much as they already have a fairly stout 3-4 clutch compared to the base 4L60E / 700R4s and hardened/heat treated input shaft and stator splines as well as an induction hardened input shaft..The 4L70Es (2007+) also have induction hardened reaction shaft splines (this part can be installed in any 700R4). The 4L65E stator & input shaft are not compatible to the 700R4s due to the different TC design so make the 4L65/4L70E units a bit better than any 700R4 (unless you go with an aftermarket billet input shaft for the 700R4 which would be big bucks).

Check out my 700R4 Information thread for details re build strategies, parts selection, performance tips and tricks as well as additional resources.

One of the main reasons to go that way, was to eliminate the tv cable and go full electronic. Plus, all of the rebuild shops near me want close to 2k to rebuild and beef up slightly to handle the load of the zz4. I figured I might as well just spend a little more and get rid of the TV cable. Rebuilding the 700 isn't off the table, but just thought it was an easier way.

NickTransmissions · Aug 23, 2024

razz2o4 said:
One of the main reasons to go that way, was to eliminate the tv cable and go full electronic. Plus, all of the rebuild shops near me want close to 2k to rebuild and beef up slightly to handle the load of the zz4. I figured I might as well just spend a little more and get rid of the TV cable. Rebuilding the 700 isn't off the table, but just thought it was an easier way.

You can definitely go with a 4L60E, the main difference in terms of cost is the funds you'll need for the stand-alone controller to operate the 4L60E...There's several different options out there, including TCI, US Shift, MSD and more...Some of my customers running 4L60Es and 4L80Es use the TCI controller while others have US Shift or controllers I'm not familiar with. The TCI controller is over a grand while some of the others are around $700-$850ish...If you can install it yourself, you'll save on the labor otherwise figure a couple hours of labor at whatever labor rates your chosen shop is charging to do the work.

Hoping to switch from 700R4, to a newer 4L60E

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