Motorator Experts - If I replace my 3 speed automatic with an OD or 4 speed, what trans should I look for?

Motorator Experts

(Search Again)

If I replace my 3 speed automatic with an OD or 4 speed, what trans should I look for?

1984 G30 5.7 motor home

Asked by: mdk

User type: Enthusiast

Asked on: March 24, 2010 10:28

Vote on this question

Email this question

Save as Favorite

Flag as Inappropriate

Answers

TCI_Tech
User type: Manufacturer
Posted: 5 months ago

Flag it

MDK,

I would suggest that you use something like a 4L80E. This would be your best bet. It would just as reliable as a Th-400, but with the overdrive. This would require some electronics, but we offer a system that can take care of that.

Cameron
TCI Auto

mdk
User type: Enthusiast
Posted: 5 months ago

Flag it

thanks for your reply. when you say some electronics . what system can take care of that please send more info

TCI_Tech
User type: Manufacturer
Posted: 5 months ago

Flag it

It would require a Transmission Control Unit (TCU), wiring harness, remote TPS, and brackets for remote TPS.

86MonteCarloSS
User type: Enthusiast
Posted: 5 months ago

Flag it

700r4 will drop right in and you will not have to change a thing it is and it is correct for the year of your truck, 700r4 is the way to go. It is just pretty much the earlier version of a 4L80E. I have a 700r4 in my monte carlo and at 90km/h the rpms are at 1900 and that is with a 3.73 : 1 gear ratio in the rear end. yours will be around 1650 rpm with the 3.48 : 1 gears. 700r4's are easy to find and you could pick up a good one for like 200, 300 bucks.

TCI_Tech
User type: Manufacturer
Posted: 5 months ago

Flag it

The 700R4 was superceded by the 4L60, then the 4L60E not the 4L80E. The 700R4 was TH-350 based. Time has helped us learn that a 700R4 is weaker than the 4L80E's. If this is a heavy vehicle I would use an 80.

86MonteCarloSS
User type: Enthusiast
Posted: 5 months ago

Flag it

Oh right, i'm sorry thats correct, however, his viehicle is carburated and does not have a ECU so what would you expect the TCU to achieve if it has nothing to communicate with other than a TPS, it won't be able to monitor viehicle speed, the load on the engine, your lock up would have nothing to communicate with and so many other things. To convert everything so it would mesh would cost quite a bit of time and money, you would be better off getting a engine and trans out of a fuel injected rig

TCI_Tech
User type: Manufacturer
Posted: 5 months ago

Flag it

TPS and VSS calculate load. The controller receives VSS from the output speed sensor on the 4L80E. All the TCU needs from the existing engine is a RPM signal. Lock up is controlled by VSS and TPS. This is a system we have been using for 10+ years now.... It works a heck of a lot better than a TV cable. If the gentleman wants to take a used 80 that has been abused, that is his decision, but I still stand firm on the 80. A junkyard trans is like grenade waiting to go off.....

86MonteCarloSS
User type: Enthusiast
Posted: 5 months ago

Flag it

ok now i am interested, you have basically a kit that i could get so i could put a electronically controlled transmission, such as a 4L80E, in my 1986 Monte Carlo that is carbureted, still use the carb and be able to control my shift points electronically as well as other things?

TCI_Tech
User type: Manufacturer
Posted: 5 months ago

Flag it

That's right! You would need a laptop computer to program the shift points initially, and after that you are able to let it role. The box also has features like cal A/B (two calibrations), dyno mode (locks converter clutch at specified mph and gear), manual mode, snow mode, and an input for a brake light wire.

86MonteCarloSS
User type: Enthusiast
Posted: 5 months ago

Flag it

interesting, say i pick up a 4L80E, get it built to match my needs, then what would it cost to install this unit. i assume there is some sort of program for my lap top...