Electronic GM? There are two types that can be adapted to your hot rod at present: 60 series (4L60E and 4L65E) and 80 series (4L80E and 4L85E) The units that end in "5" are factory upgraded versions. Most of the upgrades can and are adapted to the older units. The 60 series is the electronic cousin of a 700R4. The 700 has a bad reputation but many problems are the result of bad TV cable adjustments. The 4L60E/4L65E uses a computer that allows you to fine tune shift and line pressure adjustment. That and a wide number of hard part upgrades make the 4L60E far superior to the 700. But the 4L60E/4L65E's reputation still suffers from association with the 700. Nonetheless, a 60 series trans that is built to handle in excess of 500-550HP can be pricey. If you have big power, start with a 4L80E. These are the electronic overdrive version of the legendary Turbo 400. 4L80E's are crazy reliable and quite a bit more sophisticated that the 4L60E. They can be built to reliably handle 1000HP or more. Some folks whine about overall size or parasitic loss, but the 4L80E can be made to fit with ease and any parasitic loss is well offset by the unit's reputation for reliability.
If you are going non-electronic GM, then the 200-4R is the hot ticket. It's reliable, easy to install, and affordable. Avoid the 700-R4
The big news in automatic transmissions is torque converters. We are working with Pro Torque to develop high efficiency lock-up torque converters that are designed specifically for well rounded hot rods such as pro-touring cars. We've asked the question: "What happens if my hot rod does more than just accelerate in a straight line?" Pro Torque is stepping up to answer that question.
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Steve Chryssos
Ridetech.com
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