Typical BSing at work about cars today and talk about my Fiero came up. The question was what do I want to do with it and the answer is I want to do a small block Chev with a carb and HEI distributor someday. This has been done many times before but it's an engine I know really well and I figure about a 300 hp engine ought to be about right for an everyday driver but the big question is what transmission will hold up? Has to be an automatic as I have a bad left knee because of a motorcycle accident. I may have to get it replaced someday, yippee!
I believe a built 4T60 would be your best bet, but a stock/rebuilt 4T60 might be alright depending on final output of the 350. I believe in order to use the 4T65E-HD transmission you would have to have a fuel injected 350 in order for it to work.
I'm might get flamed. The 440T4/4T60 had issues with the integral differencial housing. I remember a few of the early larger front wheel drive transverse cars cracking the case. This was on the Cadilacs with 4100HT and 4500HT. Between 1986-1991. In the 4T60E they started to build them with a removable housing and beefed them up more with the 4T65E. The HD 4T65Es had an added bearing on the housing. Also you have a better choice of axles. There are however, stand alone controllers for the 4T60E and 4T65Es. You still need to supply MAP, TPS, VSS and temp signals.
The 4T80 will fit along side the SBC with some work and can be ran with a stand alone controller. Its heavy, but GM designed it to work behind a 300 hp engine hauling around a 4K+ lbs car, so its quite strong in stock form. With all the N* head gasket issues, you can find the 4T80 relatively cheap, but the controller will be somewhat expensive.
How much horse power can a 4T60 and a 4T65E-HD handle? Also, what cars normally had these transmissions?
A stock 4T60 can't handle much. I wouldn't push it over 300 ft lbs of Torque. Your best bet would be the 4T65E-HD that comes in the GTP's and other cars with the 3800SC, as it has a better aftermarket support and can be built to withstand quite a bit of power. I just mentioned the 4T60 as a low cost alternative and easier alternative, not exactly the best option.
I had worked with a factory rep right after they stopped the 4T60 in the larger cars. Without any work he stated they were good to about 195-215hp. Many were updated with better final drive ring gear and could stand some more. There are some sites showing 4T60E parts made to work in some of the Bonneville forums. 440T4/4T60 were used about 85-91 on larger GMs. I have seen them as late as 94 on W body(Lumina). The larger GMs fwd with V8s (Deville)and larger than 3.1 (Park avenue, Bonneville, Delta Royal)used 4T60e after 92. And most using 4T65e from 95 on. The early years Z34 Lumina with 3.4 DOHC used a 4T60 and they also had cracking issues. The 4T60s had a little better casting.
Considering the cost of all things related to the install like the ECM for the trans, it would be easier to find a wrecked Grand Prix GTP and go with the engine trans combo out of it. The 3800 SC should be able to hit the 300 hp mark without too much issue.
Considering the cost of all things related to the install like the ECM for the trans, it would be easier to find a wrecked Grand Prix GTP and go with the engine trans combo out of it. The 3800 SC should be able to hit the 300 hp mark without too much issue.
Cruise craigslist. I have seen a couple running GTP's pop up for sale around here for under $1000. A whole car will give you alot of what you will need for a swap.
I will have to start looking around but I won't start the swap until the 2.8 kicks the bucket! This is perfect because I can shop and find the right one first and have it on stand by.
How well will a 4T60 hold up to the 2.8 V6? I may between now and then upgrade my TH125 to a 4 speed 4T60, hopefully in quest of a little better mpg! I'm also thinking that this one should just remain a driver and finding another Fiero to build. The line of thinking here is I like driving Fiero's and having one on the road might make me not want to rush the build to get it back on the road.
How well will a 4T60 hold up to the 2.8 V6? I may between now and then upgrade my TH125 to a 4 speed 4T60, hopefully in quest of a little better mpg! I'm also thinking that this one should just remain a driver and finding another Fiero to build. The line of thinking here is I like driving Fiero's and having one on the road might make me not want to rush the build to get it back on the road.
I have a 4T60E on my 4.9L Cadi Motor in my Fiero. So it will be fine for the 2.8.
Originally posted by BrittB: The 4T60 doesn't fair too well in that thread!
The 4T60 is a good upgrade for the Fiero. Stock they were behind the 2.8, 3.1, 3.8's and some 4.1/4.5 cadillac V8's. The one in that thread had some type of issue with the rebuild. I pulled one out of a Buick in college, let it sit on the shelf in the garage for about 10 years, then installed it behind a 4.3 and it worked quite well.
I wouldn't avoid the 4T60 just because of one thread.
