Hi Folks-
Well, my new car isn't here yet, but I'm already thinking of mods! It's a 70 Malibu with a 427/TH400/12 bolt with 3.73 combo. I am planning on cruising the car down to the beach, which is about 2 hours away, which is making me consider an OD tranny. I do believe I got a little bit spoiled by my Grand Nationals and their driveability! What trans would be the best choice for this application? 4L60E? 4L80E? Vendors? Thanks!

Well, if it ends with "e" you will need a controller or some computer. Not simple or cheap. Stick with a 700 R4 or 200 4R.

Cool. Any board vendors carry nice transmissions?

I would probably run a 200-4R. You should be familiar with them from your GN.

They work great when properly setup. I also like the 4L80E's for bigger power combos.

The only problem with you switching to an overdrive would be durability loss. The th400 is much stronger than any stock 200 700 or 4l60. I would personally go with gear vendors if it is in your price range. And if you had to get an overdrive a 4l80 would be the better of the 4 overdrive trannies.

how much heavier is a 4l80 over a 2004r?

I was thinking the same route for my car, 4l80/200/ or gear vendors.
I would like to do the cheapest strongest thing, which would probably be to put a stock 4l80 with a FMVB in.

jake, I tried pming you but your box is full

My base 4L80E is $1950. Info is on the website.
It's a beast of a trans, but they aren't that much heavier than a 200-4R and the same weight as a TH400 and GV yet they fit in a tighter package.

My PM box fills up often, email is better.

My base 4L80E is $1950. Info is on the website.
It's a beast of a trans, but they aren't that much heavier than a 200-4R and the same weight as a TH400 and GV yet they fit in a tighter package.

My PM box fills up often, email is better.

can a 4l80 shift into OD at full throttle like a 2004r?

Yes they can.

Yes they can.

I have not seen an aftermarket shifter for a 4l80 though. Would they work with a 700 or 200 aftermarket shifter?

Yes,
The 700/200 shifters work.