I am about to replace the engine in my father-in-law's '95 1500 pickup (5.7L) with a 2000 engine. I am going to use the accessories and FI from the '95 engine.

At the same time, he'd like to replace the trans, and I have a couple questions on this. He's getting a new Duramax later, and wants to make this his plow truck. Can I use a 4L80E instead of the 4L60E? I don't want to make any mods, so it would have to be a bolt-in (and I have no clue, so I ask the experts).

Also, can you tell me the differences between the '95 4L60E (or 80) and newer ones? I can get a 98-99 4L60E with about 1/3 the miles of a '95 for LESS than a '95 trans! So I'd like something newer....

Any help with the above would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Matt

So you're getting a 2000 Vortec motor w/ MPFI and you're switching it to a 1995 TBI setup? You do know that means a new intake manifold right? GM Performance makes a manifold that works with vortec heads and a TBI, but if you are looking to replace the transmission as well, then why not just get a matching one for the Vortec motor, keep the VSS, and get that extra MPFI power.

Major differences between the 4L60e and the 4L80e are pressures, clutch setups, and probably most importantly for your setup, length. 4L80e is quite a bit longer than a 60 in side to side comparison.

What tranny is currently behind the 2000 motor? Or is it crate? The 96-98 4L60e are probably cheaper than the 95's because of demand issues. Vortec motors have so much computer stuff, that the newer transmissions need sensor input from computers and vice versa for them to function properly.... VSS for example. So if it were me, I'd grab the 2000 Vortec w/ what ever tranny was behind it currently and go from there. A newer 4L60 should bolt right in to your current setup, 4L80e would (probably, maybe, possibly) require new cross member and drive shafts.

Think of the 4L60E as a computer-ed up TH350 with OD, and the 4L80E as a computered up TH400 with OD, the 80 has the same pattern as a 400 (six bolts), so you'd need the trans to t-case adapter, plus the wiring is totally different, and the computer chip is different. A buddy of mine swapped a 454 into his '94 Blazer and used the big block's computer and FI, the moter ran great, but would only move two or three feet before it abruptly stopped. The computer was built for a 4L80 and he was running a 4L60