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The 4L80E has become the go-to transmission for many high horsepower, high torque performance vehicles these days. Introduced in 1991 and used in GM's fullsize trucks, it was based on the very durable TH400 that was introduced in 1964 and actually used many of the same parts from its tried-and-true predecessor. The 4L85E was introduced in 2002 for even heavier truck applications but still uses many of the same parts, it's main distinction from the 80E is a 5-pinion output gear set and 5-pinion reaction gear set.
The common question that gets asked is, what year 4L80E should I look for? The table below should help you make an informed decision when looking for a transmission.
FLUID
Dexron III was the recommended fluid in the 4L80E from 1991 to 2005. In 2006, GM called for Dexron VI in the 80E which supersedes previous transmission fluids and claims improved transmission performance and greater transmission and fluid life. This fluid recommendation was not based on any transmission revisions, but simply on the new formulation of Dexron, meaning you could run Dexron VI in not only older 4L80E transmissions, but any transmission that previously called for Dexron III. Many trans builders have their own special recommendations of course, even some including Type F fluid, if you are having your transmission built by a shop, it's probably best to follow that shops recommendations.
DIPSTICKS
PACT offers two decent options, one is a stock replacement with locking top, similar to what is used in the 93 Typhoons, The other is an SFI certified tube with locking top. The general consensus among users is the Lokar braided dipstick sucks, it's too short, it's too flimsy and it's very restrictive and takes forever to fill your trans fluid. The only reason we mentioned it is so you didn't make a mistake buying one.
SHIFT KITS
TransGo 4L80E-HD2 Reprogramming Kit, that's it. It is the go-to kit for these transmissions, have not seen any negative reports about it.
TORQUE CONVERTERS
Here is a short list of popular converter companies people have used for their swaps.
ProTorque High Performance Drag Racing Torque Converters
Circle D Specialties Performance Torque Converters
Coan Racing
TRANSMISSION PANS
If the stock one doesn't do it for you, here are a couple of options that might.
TCI 4L80E/4L80E Deep Aluminum Pan - 278000
TCI 4L80E/4L80E Deep Aluminum Pan - 278010
ATI Performance Products - 703505
MOROSO Deep Sheet Metal Pan - 703525
B&M Racing Deep Aluminum Pan - 70295
TRANSFER CASE COMPATIBILITY
The use of the factory BW4472 transfer case is possibly with the purchase of a 32 Spline input shaft from Mark Williams Enterprises and an adapter plate/extension housing from K&J Precision or SyTy Performance. Please reference the LS Swap Guide for more information on these parts as well as crossmember options.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The common question that gets asked is, what year 4L80E should I look for? The table below should help you make an informed decision when looking for a transmission.
| Years | Rating | Notes |
| 1991-1993 | POOR | Early style lubrication system. Larger overdrive roller clutch, usually came with a 16 element sprag instead of the 36 element. No mounting holes for the manual lever position switch (MLPS). |
| 1994-1996 | POOR | Same as 1991-1993 except for updated electronics, internal wiring harness and case connector. Updated EPC (electronic pressure control) solenoid. Some also had a longer shift shaft for the MLPS. |
| 1997-1998 | GOOD | New style lubrication system. |
| 1999-2000 | BETTER | New style lubrication system. Wide band. |
| 2001-2003 | BEST | New style lubrication system. Wide band. Wider planets. New overdrive arrangement. Bellhousing bolt pattern was changed to the LS style. |
| 2004+ | BEST | Same as 2001-2003 with some minor valve body changes. |
FLUID
Dexron III was the recommended fluid in the 4L80E from 1991 to 2005. In 2006, GM called for Dexron VI in the 80E which supersedes previous transmission fluids and claims improved transmission performance and greater transmission and fluid life. This fluid recommendation was not based on any transmission revisions, but simply on the new formulation of Dexron, meaning you could run Dexron VI in not only older 4L80E transmissions, but any transmission that previously called for Dexron III. Many trans builders have their own special recommendations of course, even some including Type F fluid, if you are having your transmission built by a shop, it's probably best to follow that shops recommendations.
DIPSTICKS
PACT offers two decent options, one is a stock replacement with locking top, similar to what is used in the 93 Typhoons, The other is an SFI certified tube with locking top. The general consensus among users is the Lokar braided dipstick sucks, it's too short, it's too flimsy and it's very restrictive and takes forever to fill your trans fluid. The only reason we mentioned it is so you didn't make a mistake buying one.
SHIFT KITS
TransGo 4L80E-HD2 Reprogramming Kit, that's it. It is the go-to kit for these transmissions, have not seen any negative reports about it.
TORQUE CONVERTERS
Here is a short list of popular converter companies people have used for their swaps.
ProTorque High Performance Drag Racing Torque Converters
Circle D Specialties Performance Torque Converters
Coan Racing
TRANSMISSION PANS
If the stock one doesn't do it for you, here are a couple of options that might.
TCI 4L80E/4L80E Deep Aluminum Pan - 278000
TCI 4L80E/4L80E Deep Aluminum Pan - 278010
ATI Performance Products - 703505
MOROSO Deep Sheet Metal Pan - 703525
B&M Racing Deep Aluminum Pan - 70295
TRANSFER CASE COMPATIBILITY
The use of the factory BW4472 transfer case is possibly with the purchase of a 32 Spline input shaft from Mark Williams Enterprises and an adapter plate/extension housing from K&J Precision or SyTy Performance. Please reference the LS Swap Guide for more information on these parts as well as crossmember options.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Transmission | Weight w/o Converter |
| 4L60E(700R4) | 160 Pounds |
| 4L80E | 187 Pounds |
| TH400 | 130 Pounds |
| TH350 | 125 Pounds |