A short guide to 700-R4, 4L60E and 4L65E transmission
The ‘89 Turbo-Hydramatic TH700-R4, '92 4L60E, '05 4L65E, and the newer version of 4L70E were all designed so as to replace the much tried and tested TH350. These transmissions use lower gears ratios, are composed of a different valve body, and provide the much required fourth gear. In addition to all these, they are also equipped with a lock-up torque converter. The earlier 4L60E was fitted with a PWM torque converter lock-up control. Subsequently, this particular design was modified and a bolt-on bell housing design was made. The 2001 4L60E model featured sufficient enhancements to increase the capacity of the torque, and later on its name was changed to 4L65E. The major improvement of interest to enthusiasts is its 5-pinion planetary carrier. A number of pinion gears allowed loading to spread uniformly, ensuring that the 4L65E transmission is able to handle the torque better than its 4L60E sibling. In addition to that, a smoother 3-4 clutch, enhanced input shaft, and a larger pan for more fluid were a part of that. In 2006, another designation change was introduced to 4L70E for the 4-speeds found in GM rear-drive vehicles. This is a similar transmission to the 4L65E, however, in this; the speed sensor is located in the pump that was completely redesigned.
Once they are fully strong and capable, the only issue that people hear about 4L60E family is the wide ratio in between the 1st and 2nd gear. While a wide variety of mods are available for these specific transmissions, nothing much can be done to shorten the 12 shift. The fact is that some vehicles accept it, while some don’t. Expert transmission builders can modify a 700-R4/4L60/4L70E/4L65E transmission to take on different levels or horsepower/torque thresholds. Customized transmissions are rated at so called levels from two on up. A level two can handle up to 450 hp, level three to 500 hp, and four up to 650 hp. There are four major things to keep in mind when modifying an automatic transmission: Respecting torque, knowing how much horsepower the engine develops, tire traction, and driving intention.
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