Can a 4L60E be built to stand up to a 396 LT1?

[tntcorvette]

a 4L60E can easily handle a 396 with 500 hp, no problem. What you want to look for is a properly built 4L60E.

I would never, ever, ever order a "mail order tranny" from anybody. I'll take a hand built one by a local who knows what they are doing any day of the week. The problem is finding that local who knows what they are doing. Belive me, I have had my fair share of dealings with dishones, overcharging, poor craftsmanshp wanna be corvette mechanics. But thats another story.

Look on the corvetteforum.com for a member named LT401Vette. He had a 401 c.i. LT1 vete with a built 4L60E that ran 10's with sub 1.6 60' times with hundreds of passes. I think he is doing a big block conversion

I like to think of is this way. If you order a mail order engine, it is always rec. by the pro's to double check the clearances before install & or engine fire up. Why? To make sure it is built correctly. Unfortunately its impossible to do with a mail order tranny. That is why so many people have issues with mail order high performance trannys, of which I would personally never order.

You ever watch Horsepower t.v.? They always double check every mail order creat engine prior to install and always rec. it to everyone too. Whats the diff between doing this to a engine and a tranny? One is easier to do than the other, and we both know im refering to the engine.

I'de look for a competent 4L60E builder with a good rep and go for it. Do as much checking, and backround checking as possible too. It will save you a future headace if you deal with an incompotent mechanic.

Good luck.

 

[Blown Vette]

I understand what you are saying. In real life driving IE: downshifts, part throttle up shifts, etc. it is far different than track (drag strip) only cars. A 700 may last in a drag car but it will never last in a open track or DRIVEN street car with the engine spoken about in the start of this thread in a full weight car.

Regardless it is a gamble at best. If it fails you are out $1800.00 plus converter that will be useless when you go to the 400 that will last. On the Internet you will find information on both sides of any point. Everyone’s driving habits are different along with experience with performance mods.

To answer the original question my opinion base on owning and driving cars like the original post mentioned is no. I would not have spent over $4000.00 on the Gearvendors and needed parts if was not needed. On the car I have now I have learned from past mistakes and have decided to do it right the first time and save from having to do it over.

There are always two sides to any point but some of the information on installation on C3's is just wrong. A 400 is a bolt in using factory parts. I know this from owning a 72 that came from the factory with a 400.

 

[vettn94]

I'd look for a competent 4L60E builder with a good rep and go for it.

There is a place up here near the Chicago area called Finish Line Performance. It used to be Finish Line Exhaust and Performance Transmission. They have bascially merged into one.
Talk to Chuck Johnson, I had him rebuild a 700R4 for me a few years back. He does excellent work and is reasonably priced. He has built many race transmissions, 4L60E's are his specialty. Give him a call.
www.flpexhaust.com

good luck

 

[andrewcanada]

What happened to the chatter? It`s too cold to be out at the track. I suppose now I`ll have to buy a `vette and try this out myself