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Camaro guy says the 'Vette tranny won't take it???

fxstbi

Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2001
Messages
21
Location
Quincy, Illinois
Corvette
Black 2002, Red '81 & Green '69
I need to get a question answered. In a recent conversation with a Camaro owner and a GM service tech, I was told that the automatic trans on the C-5 won't take repeted "hard" shifts. By this I mean hard acceleration from a rolling start (30 to 40 mph) and letting it run through the gears, up-shifting on it's own and exceeding speeds over one hundred miles per hour. He also told me the tranny won't take full throttle shifts, the kind you get when you floor it at highway speeds and let it hit passing gear. I find his information hard to belive. I think he is a "wanna be" with sour grapes, but I am new to the C-5 so someone please give me the straight story. Thanks, Pete:confused
 
Hi there,
Straight story is that the 4L60-e automatic overdrive tranmission equipped in Corvette is rated at 450 ft lbs of torque, and holds up quite well to consistant pounding.
However, there is alot that people do NOT understand about this transmission. It is subject to PCM parameters that also restrict performance under certain conditions, to prevent abnormal wear.
This is called torque management, and it helps save the clutches and the 2-4 band under abusive maneuvers.
The 2 things that you must understand is that your 2-4 band the the 3/4 clutch will take the brunt of the abuse.
As there are 3 sets of clutches, within one drum in the tranmission, it is ABSOLUTELY critical that pressures be correct, and the accumulators be leak free.
Fluid changes help the most, so be cautious, and you will be fine.
Just remember, autos are dependant on cool fluid, and clean fluid.
This is the most important part of a transmission.
Besttoyou, c4c5:hb
 
Thanks for the quick reply. You said that fluid changes are the most helpful, what would be your recomendation on the fluid change interval. Also, different subject, what do you suggest on the first oil change interval? I was thinking of having it changed at 2,500 miles. Thanks, Pete :)
 
If the car is new it is a good idea to change the oil at 2,500 miles because it might have some metal shavings from the new engine. After that you could go 5,000 miles between oil changes, but it all depends on how you drive as well. c4c5specialist can answer this more correctly for you. Happy New Year.
 
First of all, let's make sure were all on the same wavelength with regards to fluid changes--we're talking automatic transmission and *not* engine oil. Changing ATF at 2500 miles is a huge waste of money, effort and fluid. Also even if there were "metal shavings from the new engine" they're not going to migrate from the front of the car to the rear and somehow appear in the ATF.
:)

The first thing you want to do with the C5 is ignore GM's claim of "lifetime" transmission fluid.

I'd change the fluid and filter every 3yrs or 36,000 miles whichever comes first *or* at the first sign of the fluid changing colors. The ATF should always be blood red. If you check the fluid and see the fluid on your finger or other homemade checking device is redish brown or brown, change the fluid and filter ASAP.

Also, with cars that are run hard, there's a performance and durability advantage in switching to a synthetic automatic trans fluid such as Red Line D4 ATF or Mobil 1 ATF.

Lastly, c4c5specialist gave some excellent insight to the strength and durability of the 4L60-E, however, if you plan to road race the car, know that automatics are not real durable in a road race duty cycle. If you're planning to be a road racer, buy a six-speed car. If you insist on road racing the auto, add an auxilary transmission cooler, use a synthetic fluid and plan on an overhaul after an abnormally low mileage.
 
Thanks for the info Dan & Hib. The original question was regarding the tranny, the second question was about the engine oil. The car is new and I was wondering about the first oil change. I have never had a car with synthetic oil and I have heard of letting it run for long intervals. I plan on driving it like I have my '81 for the last 18+ years, just a driver, with the ocasional "rodding" when the right road happens to come along. No intrest in road racing, but if a Mustang wants a challenge.................I would have to oblige! Thanks guys, Pete
:cool
 
fxstbi,
You are welcome. Welcome to CACC and Happy New Year. That is part of the reason we are here, to help eachother out.
 

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