Suggestions for Transmission Choice

[phelan]

Yeah, I need some input on which to choose for my Van. The 700-R4 that's in it has a broken band, and I'm trying to decide on whether to rebuild it or get a TCI Performance TH400. I know the TH400 would be the best performance choice, but I don't know about what kind of mileage I'd get with it. Mileage is especially important with gas prices the way they are because I like to take my van on long road trips once in a while. With the 700-R4, I got roughly 17 mpg on my last trip even with the built 355, which is very impressive for a minivan like mine (extended top and all). Anybody have any thoughts regarding this?

[Jaberwaki]

if you need the strength of the th400 but want to retain the over drive,
why not see if someone can get a 4l80 to fit in there ;)

[1970judge]

700r4!

[LS13RDGEN]

I have a couple of 700R4's that I rebuilt for sale if you decide to keep with that style tranny.

[Jaberwaki]

but the 700r4 is what he broke... why put another one in to break it again?

[choppin-suey]

if you are worried about gas prices I would rule out a th400 all together unless you have an extra 4 grand for gear veandors :thumbsup: you say you keep breaking your 700r4, has it been built by a reputable(sp?) builder or is it just a junk yard tranny?

[phelan]

Sorry, let me correct something. I've only broke it once. Part of that also was because when I first got the thing I drove like a maniac and I wasn't used to the vehicle, since it's the first hot-rod I've ever had (I'm only 20 as of last Thursday). The whole setup has seen better days, so I wouldn't doubt that a lot of the problem with the breakage was due to age and mileage as well. After a lot of consideration I'll pretty much decided to go with a 700r4 unless a th400 just falls in my lap (ouch, that would really hurt the thighs :P ). The question now is do I want to re-build the current one or get another one?

@Jaberwaki: A 4l80 sounds like an interesting Idea but wouldn't that cost a pretty penny?

@LS13RDGEN: I would be greatly interested in your 700 club depending on your location and cost. Where do reign and about how much are you asking?

[Jaberwaki]

yeh, 4l80's are kinda pricy... but pretty much bullet proof

[Fenster]

but the 700r4 is what he broke... why put another one in to break it again?

Was the 700 in there stock? I got a built 700 that LS13rdgen put together for me using Probuilt parts and it has held up well so far. 60 or so passes on w/ NO problems.

[LS13RDGEN]

@LS13RDGEN: I would be greatly interested in your 700 club depending on your location and cost. Where do reign and about how much are you asking?

I live south of Nashville TN. I have two 700R4's that are done right now. One was a stock rebuild. (i.e. replaced with stock replacement clutches, steels, seals, etc.) I am asking $250 +shipping for that one.
The other one I have has a bunch of goodies as well as a ton of new parts in it.
New rear planetary gear set, new reverse input drum/piston/clutch assembly, new front pump, mild shift kit, corvette servo and brand new 3-4 clutch pack. This should handle some more HP than a stock one will. Asking $500 + shipping.
Might deliver it for you if you are not too far of a drive.
Shoot me a U2U if interested in either one.

[loudmouthzls1]

def go with the 4l80....nothing wrong with having one of the strongest out there

[chevy94c]

700R4 and 4L60E can be built to handle a pretty good amount of power if you have it built right. ;) I had mine done to what my future buildup is 383 LE2 heads and big shot of spray. It should be good for 600+RWHP. :D

[ronbros]

700R4=4L60E

[LS13RDGEN]

700R4=4L60E

Almost.

700R4=4L60
Not 4L60E.

[Jaberwaki]

700R4 and 4L60E can be built to handle a pretty good amount of power if you have it built right. ;) I had mine done to what my future buildup is 383 LE2 heads and big shot of spray. It should be good for 600+RWHP. :D

your had a 4l60e built to hold that???

I hope that works out for you , but 4l60's have a TERRIBLE rep past high tens... there are only a few guys getting them into the low 10's...

600rwhp will most definatly put you there, even further on the right set-up... i hope your one of the lucky FEW :thumbsup:

[phelan]

I appreciate everyone's help; I decided to have my 700 R4 rebuilt. There's a shop here in town that a lot of people recommended for me because the guy does quality work for not much dough, so I took it to his shop. He rebuilt my tranny and added a Corvette servo, shift kit, stall converter and fixed the other problems I had with the tranny. It runs like hell now and it's not too hard to chirp the tires during shifts :D .

[4348rd]

I lost 8 mpg in a buick electra when the 2004r went out and i replaced it with a turbo 350 so stay with the overdrive

[phelan]

I lost 8 mpg in a buick electra when the 2004r went out and i replaced it with a turbo 350 so stay with the overdrive

I did stay with the overdrive. That's what I rebuilt ;) .

[Lafngas]

4l80 for me too:lol:

[gettinthere]

I'm throwing in a stage 5 4l60e.

[Transamman25]

I say use the Vettes 4L60e .. itll handle it and im sure you can tug one away from the wrecking yard .. 2003 Vette was known as a good yr .. just an idea

[quickmedic1]

4L65E upgrade for me

[1970judge]

The 700 in my old setup took 646ft lbs beating weekend in weekend out.

[Rock-On]

Hey we're getting over 700 hp with twin turbos, outa our 700's and 4l06e's, I'd say if your going to 750 rwhp then I'd start looking hard at the 4L80e"s. We have guys going to the 80e's at 600 rwhp, I guess it's all in what they are doing...hell we've had 1080 rwhp going through(our 60e's) and we kept breaking hard parts ...only went 27 passes but we didn't loose 3-4 clutchs!! Thats what we were looking at ....Hope this Helps...Dave

[Pro Built Automatics]

I agree with Dave here, the 700R4/4L60e can be made to hold 675-700HP maximum & live. This is when using a 10" or smaller torque converter of good quality, such as Edge, Vigilante, Yank, Pro Torque, etc. Stay away from TCI, B&M, Art Carr, GER, as these TC's have a poor repuatation on these units. I know there are exceptions to this, but this is a rule for me as I have to warranty my work, and if the torque converter fails, it takes out the transmission every time. I have not had a single failure as of yet with the Vigilante or Edge. If you have any questions, let me know?

[Rock-On]

Hey Dana, Nice to see you made it over here...I couldn't agree more with you the Vig and edge t/c's are Greaaaaat(tony the tiger) . Hope this helps... Dave

[gettinthere]

What would you chose? Vigi or Yank? Money not being a concern.

[Pro Built Automatics]

I carry the Vigilante, but the Yank is a very good unit also, it just depends on what you want/like. If I can be of help, let me know?