GM 4L80e info page.
Having finally obtained a 4L80e to examine, Ive looked at the possibility of using
that instead of a 700R4. As of today, my current 700r4 rebuild isn't giving me any
problems -
4L80e background.
Its an Electronically controlled 4 speed automatic box with lockup torque convertor. . Its very beefy, but very heavy.It is loosely based on the very strong and well proven Turbo TH400 transmission. The 4L80e is a very robust unit can withstand up to 440 ft./lbs of torque in stock configuration, and much more when modified. This guy is putting over 1000 BHP to the wheels using one.. It was fitted to various american cars and trucks, including the Hummer H1. It can also be found behind the following non GM cars:
Aston Martin V8 Volante 1995
Aston Martin DB7 (possibly?)
XJR X300 1995-
XJ12 X300 1995-
XJS 1994-
Most interestingly its found behind the 2.5 ton, twin-
Updated 10/3/08
Because the 4L80e is an electronic transmission, you need to either convert it to
full manual or get a control module. Transgo list a Full manual conversion, which
totally eliminates the electronics -
PATC (Amongst others) offer a full manual 4l80e, no electronics required.
Aftermarket Electronic Transmission Controllers:
TCI Trans computer (Although i note their latest unit is actually a PCS device!)
You can also use the GM controler that was used in diesel trucks
DIY/Experimental options:
The GPIO (General Purpose IO board) is currently in beta and will be available soon
-
Also,
Megasquirt guru James Murray has written code that turns a Microsquirt into a transmission controller, Its in alpha awaiting physical testing on either his or my 4l80e depending on who gets their box fitted first. The Jaguar OEM 4L80e
Because I live in the UK, getting hold of a genuine 4L80e *cheaply* is difficult. However Ive obtained a Jag 4l80e gearbox, which has a different casting for the Jag bellhousing and the oil pan is different.
Markings on the box: Z JP hydra-
The GM box is rounded of at the back, whereas the Jag version is square.
View of the valve body, The internals are the same. Left Hand Photo is Jag, Right Hand side is GM 4L80e
(Photo Sidney Bird)
Externally, the electronics connector is on the other side in it's own custom hump
The electronics connector is more like a Mil-
Suitability for conversion onto Range Rover LT230 transfer box
These photos show the Jag 4L80e lined up with a LT230. First problem is that front propshaft hits the casing, whereas on a std 4l80e this part would be rounded off, giving better clearance.
One choice is to move the LT230 further back, but Ive already moved it back 3" when I fitted the 700r4, this would require moving it back a further 3". The other choice is to cut the corner of the gearbox of. Sounds dramatic, but if you study the photos above I think its easily done. This means I might be able to get the overall transmission length to be the same as the 700R4 conversion due to the extra clearance from the missing corner.
Here's the potential space saving:
Marks adapters
Finally i have photo's of the Marks Adapters conversion for the 4l80e, courtesy of James Pugh who's fitting one to a 4x4 buggy with an LS1.
