700r or 4l80e?

[Evil Bob]

I found a reputal shop near me... $1,600 for all the bells and whistles plus a rebuilt torque converter for my 700r4 I think I'm going this route... way to much other crap witht he 4l80e (at least for me it is)

Thanks for the help!

 

[Wumbo]

Ask them if they are using Alto Red Eagle clutches and band, and Kolene steels.

 

[shiftpro]

Drop in a BB and your tranny choice will become obvious...

700s and L80s are some of the more expensive (old school) transmissions to rebuild. Building a strong 700 gets real pricey and it's only as good as a stock L80.
Just have to fix the valve body on the 80 and get a controller. I haven't shopped lately but hear the price has come down now, or there are more choices thus competition.

 

[yevgenievich]

Borg Warner HE clutches are preffered by some builders and can be better than alto packs in some cases.

 

[yevgenievich]

Drop in a BB and your tranny choice will become obvious...

700s and L80s are some of the more expensive (old school) transmissions to rebuild. Building a strong 700 gets real pricey and it's only as good as a stock L80.
Just have to fix the valve body on the 80 and get a controller. I haven't shopped lately but hear the price has come down now, or there are more choices thus competition.

It baffles me every time I see a big block build with 700r4. But it can work ok if built correctly up to a point.

 

[Wumbo]

It baffles me every time I see a big block build with 700r4. But it can work ok if built correctly up to a point.

I'll work on baffling you in a year or so. My Camaro was a 550 hp small block, it's getting a 496 big block that should turn 650 hp. It will have a 700r4 behind it.

 

[Wumbo]

Borg Warner HE clutches are preffered by some builders and can be better than alto packs in some cases.

I've used the Alto clutches on a few builds, including the 700r4 behind my 550 hp sbc. I've been happy with them. If the BW clutches are ahead of the curve, I will try them when I build the trans for the big block. Technology changes fast when you aren't paying attention.

 

[shiftpro]

I'll work on baffling you in a year or so. My Camaro was a 550 hp small block, it's getting a 496 big block that should turn 650 hp. It will have a 700r4 behind it.

 

[Wumbo]

 

[4WDKC]

It's around $600 for a trans controller. That same money can buy some performance parts for the 700r4.

I'm likely going to go with one of these kits when I build the 700r4 that's going into my 496 powered Camaro

https://www.monstertransmission.com/700R4-Rebuild-Kit_c_4320.html

Ty! I am clueless thats why i asked... i’m so torn on what to do.

look into converting a $35 0411 ecm to standalone TCM.

There are a few other things involved besides the trans controller. Speedometer output is electronic, not cable driven, so that has to be addressed. I think that the flex plate is different, because of different bolt pattern on torque convertor. Output shaft probably doesnt match up with your transfer case. Probably have to change cross member, and driveshaft lengths. May or may not require a throttle position sensor, depending on trans controller.

Keep in mind, I haven't done a 4l80e swap. I know it can be done, but I dont know how cost effective it is vs having a 700r4 built to be as strong as the 4l80e.

The lower performance Monster in a box rebuild kit is rated for 500 hp & 450 lb/ft torque, and costs $599.00.

There are entirely way to many stories of people that can build 700r4s for performance applications that just end up as dexron soup. If they truly know what they are doing $1600 isnt a bad price. The Bowtieoverdrives stage3 700r4 in my corvette was like 3k with the convertor when it was put in. The 4l80 has better gear ratios, stronger..well everything and in stock form will hold 450tq, turbo ls guys beat them with 800hp with a transgo kit and new stall. Its more work but how much is you piece of mind worth?

 

[Evil Bob]

Thats a lot to take in lol... ty for all thr replies. The local shop here builds pretty badass transmissions... all the race guys and 4x4 guys use him. As far as the internals and their names I am clueless. He mentioned Corvette servos and everything else he said went right out the window. I am crossing my fingers and going with him. Most likely very soon... she is starting to act up on me as we speak. I just drove her to my son appointment and it felt like it wouldn’t shift. Started screaming around 65mph i slowed to 55/58 and it felt much better. All i want is to get fown the road safe and cruise slow on the beach in the summer

 

[yevgenievich]

The constant shifting before gear change likely accelerated it's demise. A good rebuilt should be fine for casual use.

 

[rpcraft]

I would go with a 4l80E and FWIW you can take a Ls truck PCM and adapt it as the stand alone trans controller, the complicated factor is that you will need to add the appropriate range of sensors to allow the PCM to get feedback to tell the transmission when to shift and control all the line pressures properly. Not sure what all you will need for a stand alone controller to work but I have a feeling it also will need things such as TPS and other sensors.