[HWYSTR455]

Jakes makes a 'manual' version but it's just that, manual. The thing is, electronically controlled is one of the best things about the 4L80E, can adjust shift points, firmness, lockup gear/rpm/speed/TPS, can unlock on coast, it's incredible the control you get with one. It's a shame to remove that feature.

A simple on/off lockup was one of the big problems for the non-E transmissions, lurch, jerk, hunting, all that is gone in the E versions. And it's more expensive to do a 2004R or 700 than a 4L80E these days.

The adapters these days are excellent, and there's nothing wrong with using one. But, as you see on Jake's website, there is a JW SFI bell housing that can be fitted that gives you not only whatever bolt pattern you want, but is also SFI. Shoot, even Mopar guys are using them.

Cable-X boxes came down in price, see them now new for $280 on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cable-X-3012...52588f&vxp=mtr

It's becoming more common and more affordable to go to a 4L80E, and once you have one, you will plant your palm on your forehead thinking "I should have done this long ago'.

And you can recoup some initial costs by selling the trans you're replacing, as well as some of the other parts.

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[rohrt]

Originally Posted by HWYSTR455

Jakes makes a 'manual' version but it's just that, manual. The thing is, electronically controlled is one of the best things about the 4L80E, can adjust shift points, firmness, lockup gear/rpm/speed/TPS, can unlock on coast, it's incredible the control you get with one. It's a shame to remove that feature.

A simple on/off lockup was one of the big problems for the non-E transmissions, lurch, jerk, hunting, all that is gone in the E versions. And it's more expensive to do a 2004R or 700 than a 4L80E these days.

The adapters these days are excellent, and there's nothing wrong with using one. But, as you see on Jake's website, there is a JW SFI bell housing that can be fitted that gives you not only whatever bolt pattern you want, but is also SFI. Shoot, even Mopar guys are using them.

Cable-X boxes came down in price, see them now new for $280 on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cable-X-3012...52588f&vxp=mtr

It's becoming more common and more affordable to go to a 4L80E, and once you have one, you will plant your palm on your forehead thinking "I should have done this long ago'.

And you can recoup some initial costs by selling the trans you're replacing, as well as some of the other parts.

.

You bring up some good arguments on the benefits of the computer control that I had not thought of. But I was of the mindset of an affordable upgrade option. I just looked at Jake Shoe's 4l80E Musclecar kit and it runs 4750 + shipping so we are right back to what I said. Its about 5K to do it right.

I would be all over that if I could justify it and afford it.

[HWYSTR455]

Originally Posted by rohrt

You bring up some good arguments on the benefits of the computer control that I had not thought of. But I was of the mindset of an affordable upgrade option. I just looked at Jake Shoe's 4l80E Musclecar kit and it runs 4750 + shipping so we are right back to what I said. Its about 5K to do it right.

I would be all over that if I could justify it and afford it.

Jake does some hard parts and mods that jack the price, as well as the tailshaft for the speedo, that's where a lot of the extra money comes in. His stuff is top notch, as is CK, but you can get away with less depending on your power level. CK with the forward drum and internal mods I think is only $2350, and if you source the rest yourself, you can get away for less.

If you collect the parts over time, adapter, cross member, controller, cable-x or speedo, and a converter, THEN buy the trans, it's not as painful as a lump-sum. They last forever. I sent mine back to CK for a freshen up on this rebuild, @ 100k miles of abuse, and it only needed frictions. Believe me when I say it was the one MOST gratifying upgrade I've ever made. Period. You will never go back.

With 373s, it's way less sensitive to tune, is awesome out of the hole and around town, and a dream on the highway. 70 is like 2500 rpm, and has a top speed of over 155. Best of both worlds. 68-72 A-bodies are no lightweights, they need gear.

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[HWYSTR455]

I looked hard at the gear vendors, and there were a couple things that turned me off. First, there is a service life of like 5-10k miles where you have to change the fluid. Second, the driving experience is nothing like an overdrive with a lockup, shift into OD is harsh, and you get the clunk-clunk every time you let off and get back on the throttle. It is adding length to the trans, there are tunnel mods required, generally gets in the way of X pipes, and driveline angles are more steep.

The big thing is the driving experience, and it's about the same money. But there are certain situations where it's the only option, like a big power powerglide drag cars, as an example.

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