While both the 4L60e and 4L80e are General Motors-designed automotive transmissions, there is still a lot of variation between the two.
The 4L60e is the main transmission used in rear-wheel cars, but the 4L80e used in diesel and large automobiles.
They differ in terms of the difference between 4l60e and 4l80e based on origin, pricing, appearance, and performance.
More likely, of the two transmissions, the 4l80e might be better.
Difference between 4l60e and 4l80e
Both transmissions are powerful and capable, but they are a world away from each other at the same time.
One can browse online to learn the best maintenance tips to keep the car’s transmission smooth.
Having said that, you’d have to do some in-depth research to understand what makes one better than the other, or what makes everyone so different.
1. Origin
While having similar numbers of versions, there is a big difference between 4l60e and 4l80e on how each one of these was produced.
On the one side, the 4l80e is a successor to the Turbo 400 electronic overdrive which is an earlier transmission model favored by drag racers and hot rod fans.
The 4l60e based on the 700-R4 which was the main transmission during 1982 for both Chevrolet and General Motors vehicles.
2. Size and Weight
The size and weight of each of these transmissions are a significant contrast between 4l60e and 4l80e.
On the one side, the 4l80e is larger than 4l60e and heavier. Besides, the 4l60 weighs 150lbs without any air and is 23.5 wide. The 4l80e, on the other hand, weighs 236lbs, with a 26.4 range.
Despite these proportions, the 4l80e is certainly much bigger and heavier than the 4l60e.
3. Gear Ratios
Another major difference in gear ratio between 4l60e and 4l80e.
For eg, the 4l60e has a gear ratio of 3.059:1, during the first gear, while the 4l80e has a gear ratio of 2.48:1.
In addition, this difference should be held in mind, particularly when swapping one transmission for another.
An easy way to balance a new gear ratio is by the difference between the rear axles.
4. Pan & Pan Gasket
In case you are searching under the transmission for the transmission fluid tub, there is a major difference between these two transmissions.
Additionally, knowing whether one has a 4l60e or 4l80e car transmission is a great option.
The 4l60e also features a rectangular pan & gas.
5. Wiring Harness, Controller & Sensors
There is a significant difference when it comes to the electronics used within both of these transmissions.
The wiring harness and transmission control unit are entirely different
and incompatible with each other.
There is a major difference between the sensors, with the 4l80e having a 2-speed sensor that is entirely different from the one used on the 4l60e.
In short, if you want to buy either of these transmissions you’d need to buy the controller package and harness.
6. Maximum Torque
Besides the size of both transmissions, there’s also a significant difference in reliability, particularly when performance is involved.
The disparity mainly occurs because of large internals within the transmissions.
On the one hand, the 4l60e transmission can accommodate an approximately 350 nm maximum torque with ease. In comparison, the 4l80e can handle torque 450 nm and above.
There’s a huge difference between these two though.
Around the same time, you should recognize that the output of a transmitter, which is three decades old and a new one, may have significant differences.
In addition, these two factors are also an important element to remember when thinking about the peak torque.
7. Pricing
Since the 4l60e is more popular than the 4l80e, the pricing of each of these transmissions will undoubtedly differ.
The disparity applies to the components, as the 4l60e parts are available more readily than those of the 4l80e.
However, we suggest searching it online if you are looking for pieces. For example, the transmission parts for the 4l60e are found even in a junkyard.
4L60E vs 4L80E Specifications
Endnote
While each of the transmissions provides different advantages for the car owner, there is a lot to learn when it comes to the difference between 4l60e and 4l80e.
The difference, however, is what will help a fellow car driver pick the best transmission.
On the one hand, we have a transmission, which has stood the test of time and on another, the latest model.
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