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    700 R4 Transmission - Overdrive Evolution

    For 25 Years, GM's 700-R4 And Its 4L60 Descendents Have Shifted Most Of The General's RWD

    Cars. Here's How An Econo Trans Spawned In The Dark Days Of The Energy Crisis Evolved Into

    A Rugged And Reliable Unit.

    ByMarlan Davis,Photography by B&M, General Motors,Marlan Davis,TCIHot Rod Magazine,February, 2009

    GM's TH700-R4 four-speed automatic-overdrive transmission and its derivatives have nearly

    become the universal favorite of hot rodders. Properly built, a good 700 is capable of

    withstanding at least 450 lb-ft of torque. But that hasn't always been the case. With the help of

    the experts at B&M and TCI, we traced the 700's initially checkered past and bring you up to

    date on some of the countless improvements incorporated over the years as GM continually

    refined the basic design to keep up with the increasing output of the engines it was installed

    behind.

    In the BeginningThe 700-R4 was first introduced in the '82 Corvette. On paper, its specs looked pretty good:

    The trans had lower First and Second gears (3.06 and 1.63, respectively) than other

    automatics, its lockup torque converter offered potential fuel-mileage gains, and the 0.7

    overdrive decreased the overall drive ratio by 30 percent. But the original design was not

    considered a strong transmission, with failures behind even a mild 350 not uncommon. The

    trans was so weak that in its original setup, GM deliberately calibrated it to kick out of lockup

    and high gear under full-throttle, top-end conditions to avoid burning it up.

    The original versions had only downsized, 27-spline input shafts, one of many possible and

    common failure points. By 1984, 700-R4s intended for use behind small-block Chevy V-8s

    began to receive beefy, 30-spline input shafts similar to those found on classic TH350 and

    TH400 transmissions. From 1984 to 1987, the most failure-prone internal parts, from the ring-

    gear to the oil-pump housing, were upgraded.

    An auxiliary valvebody was added in October 1986. Finally, on performance cars like the

    Corvette, additional internal lubrication improvements permitted the trans to survive in high-

    gear, full-throttle, top-end conditions. Many of the improvements can be retrofitted into the

    earlier, weak transmissions, but the 27-spline versions need so many new parts that it's more

    cost-effective to swap in a later core. However, it is worthwhile to upgrade the later 30-spline

    versions to Corvette/IROC-level internals, if they're not already so equipped.

    GM's 700-R4 trans and its descendents have become the hot rodder's favorite street

    automatic trans. Early problems have been fixed, and overdrive lets you run steep rear gears

    and still cruise down the highway. The call-out numbers in this photo correspond to the

    sidebars on the following pages.

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    GM's 700-R4 trans and its descendents have become the hot rodder's favorite street automat

    The 700-R4/4L60 uses a TV cable that attaches to the right rear of the case's passenger side

    (A). The TV cable is eliminated on the 4L60E and its derivatives. A large hole for a multiprong

    computer connector is now located in the same relative location (B). Non-E transmissions had

    a smaller TCC electrical connector on the driver side ahead of the governor.

    The 700-R4/4L60 uses a TV cable that attaches to the right rear of the case's passenger si

    Enter The 4L60E

    The next big change was in 1993 with the introduction of the 4L60E in pickup trucks, vans, and

    SUVs. "E" derivatives are entirely controlled by the computer via electronic solenoids installed

    on the valvebody.E-type transmissions require a computer to function-either the original

    factory GM ECM or available aftermarket standalone solutions-but now shift quality can be

    easily dialed in without having to go into the trans itself. Also, with the computer controlling

    line pressure, E transmissions eliminate the TV cable and its associated bracket geometry andadjustment issues.

    Not all '93 vehicles got the 4L60E. Rear-wheel-drive cars continued to use the 700-R4, but in

    keeping with GM's new nomenclature, the carryover trans was renamed the 4L60 (without the

    E). Other than the name, the 4L60 is essentially the same trans as a similar-vintage 700-R4. All

    GM transmissions use the new identification system: the first digit is the number of forward

    gears (4), the letter indicates whether the trans is intended for front-wheel-drive (T for

    transverse) or rear-wheel-drive (L for longitudinal) applications, and the last two numbers

    provide a guide to the unit's relative torque capacity (60, in this case) compared with other GM

    transmissions. If both nonelectronically controlled and electronically controlled versions of an

    otherwise similar transmission design are offered, an E suffix (for electronic) is appended tothe designator.

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    Rear-wheel-drive cars received the 4L60E starting in 1994. Although many internal mechanical

    components interchange, the cases, electronic controls, and valvebodies are so different that

    it's not practical to upgrade a non-E to an E (or vice versa)

    Many internal electronic changes occurred on 4L60E transmissions between 1993 and 1996.

    These included the introduction of a pulse-width-modulated torque-converter lockup functionon some models starting around 1995. This smoothes out the converter lockup function by

    pulsing the apply function using a PWM solenoid. There are several unique evolutions on this

    system with matching solenoids and electrical switches. Although not really important for

    performance use, it is of concern if you just need a replacement trans with full functionality for

    a late-model and want to make sure everything works as intended.

    Here are some common four-bolt TH700-R4 extension housings, from left: two-wheel-drive

    truck, Camaro/Firebird with torque-arm mount, and Caprice-style (GM PN 24214689) with an

    extra mount the same distance from the case front as a TH400/ TH200-4R mount. You can

    usually swap four-bolt housings from one main case to another.

    Here are some common four-bolt TH700-R4 extension housings, from left: two-wheel-drive tru

    You can identify a 700-R4/ 4L60 by its square, 16-bolt pan. Stock pans vary in depth and filter

    style; they don't all necessarily interchange. Universal aftermarket deep pans are available (like

    this B&M cast unit, PN 70260).

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    You can identify a 700-R4/ 4L60 by its square, 16-bolt pan. Stock pans vary in depth and f

    Three-Piece Case

    In 1996, with the 4L60E in use for most rear-drive applications and with new engine designs on

    the drawing board, GM began moving to a common main case with a bolt-on bellhousing.

    Previously, there were just two separate case patterns: a metric case for 60-degree V-6

    engines and the classic Chevy case that fit traditional big- and small-block V-8s, straight Chevy

    L6s, and V6-90 engines. The move to a separate bellhousing let one common core fit a variety

    of different engine families and also opened up the interesting possibility of aftermarketadapter bellhousings to fit oddball or niche classic engines, such as Keisler Engineering has

    done with its Mopar conversion kits.

    Other changes coincided with the move to separate bellhousings. The input-shaft tip

    configuration was revised, although the overall shaft diameter and spline-count still remained

    at 30. When retrofitting, the new spline tip requires a corresponding torque converter to mate

    with the revised shaft. GM also changed the tailhousing from a four-bolt to a six-bolt design.

    The 4l65E

    Stock 4L60Es are rated at 360 lb-ft of torque. By 2001, engine output had increased to the

    point that further internal modifications were needed for Corvette, Hummer, and some otherapplications. The uprated transmission-in stock form rated to withstand up to 380 lb-ft-is

    known as the 4L65E (RPO M32). There were significant improvements, including five-pinion

    planetaries, a higher-capacity input housing, and an induction-hardened input-shaft assembly.

    Beginning in 2002, many of the technologies from the 4L65 applications that added durability

    were incorporated into the 4L60, including more robust bushings and bearings. Many of the

    other durability-enhancing parts can also be swapped into earlier 4L60 transmissions.

    The 4l70E

    Classified as the 4L70E, the ultimate production evolution of the original 700-R4 trans family is

    used in selected '07 trucks and includes further refinements over the 4L65E. The 4L70 is a

    variation of the five-pinion 4L65, with additional strengthening in the output shaft andreaction internal gear to handle increased engine torque. It is doubtful that GM will continue

    to upgrade the trans any further, as it will be phased out once the new six-speed automatic

    production lines are ramped up.

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    Beginning in 1996, GM transitioned to new cases with separate bellhousings. Changing the

    bellhousings let the same basic cases fit many different applications. The new cases are also

    machined for six-bolt extension housings rather than the four-bolt housings used previously.

    Beginning in 1996, GM transitioned to new cases with separate bellhousings. Changing the b

    A good valvebody-recalibration kit plus a supplementary professional-grade upgrade kit like

    Sonnax's Sure Cure reconditioning kit fix many problems without costing a bundle. Compared

    with the basic B&M Shift-Improver Kit, the Transpak is more aggressive and includes

    valvebody, boost-valve, and pressure-regulator upgrades. For a complete high-perf rebuild,

    use the B&M Transkit.

    A good valvebody-recalibration kit plus a supplementary professional-grade upgrade kit lik

    On the surrounding pages we've illustrated some of the most important improvements and

    variations, many of which can be used to upgrade earlier transmissions. But there are so manydetails that we can only scratch the surface here. If you really want to get into what makes this

    trans tick and get the lowdown on all the changes, fixes, and improvements, the best sources

    are Automatic Transmission Service Group (ATSG) Techtran and upgrade handbooks available

    directly from ATSG's Web site as well as on eBay

    1 Planetary Carriers

    Planetaries are used both forward (the input planetary carrier) and at the rear (the reaction

    planetary carrier). Early failure-prone planetary carriers should be upgraded to at least the

    improved design with batwing washers (circa 1985). The improved four-pinion input carrier

    carries GM PN 24226173 and bolts in to any trans. The best four-pinion reaction carrier wasintroduced at about the same time for selected high-perf applications like Corvettes and

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    IROCs. Besides the batwing washers, this carrier also adds a pinion oiling system with internal

    passages. Even better-although much more expensive-are the late five-pinion carriers

    introduced on the 4L65E, available from both GM and aftermarket sources.

    In 2001, GM introduced the 4L65E on selected high-perf, high-load applications. One of the

    improvements was even stouter five-pinion planetary carriers: GM PN 24227481 is the input

    planetary carrier (left); PN 24227591 is the reaction planetary carrier (right). Aftermarket

    equivalents are available. The improved carriers retrofit, but are pricey.

    In 2001, GM introduced the 4L65E on selected high-perf, high-load applications. One of the

    Note the small lubrication holes in the PN 24228402 "Corvette" four-pinion carrier. An oil dam

    was also added to the rear of the Corvette carrier (right); the extra clearance needed by the

    dam requires upgrading to the later reaction internal gear.

    Note the small lubrication holes in the PN 24228402 "Corvette" four-pinion carrier. An oil

    2 Reaction Sun Shell And Input Shaft

    The reaction sun gear shell helps apply both Second and Reverse gears and is a key part for

    holding all the internals together. It has been a major failure item since the 700's inception.

    Originally, the Low and Reverse clutch roller race rode against the shell, separated only by a

    thin thrust washer. Aftermarket beast shells became available made from thicker materialaround the neck. A Torrington bearing replaced the spindly thrust washer, and better roller

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    races became available as well. Finally, starting in 2001, GM completely redesigned the sun

    shell. The thrust washer was eliminated, and a new fully rollerized thrust bearing was added to

    the reaction carrier shaft and front carrier ring gear. The new-design sun gear shell (GM PN

    24229604), reaction carrier shaft (PN 24222756), and sun shell thrust bearing (PN 24217328)

    will back-fit as a complete assembly.

    The original reaction shaft and input gear (left) were prone to wear in the shaft bushing area

    and to spline breakage. Starting in 1987 on high-perf apps, GM went to tougher material and

    revised the input gear to accommodate an improved five-disc 3-4 clutch pack (center). The '01-

    and-up design gets the roller bearing and accommodates a six-disc clutch pack (right).

    The original reaction shaft and input gear (left) were prone to wear in the shaft bushing

    Sun shells, from left: original stock with thin thrust washer and stock roller race; thick,

    aftermarket sun shell with Torrington bearing and heavy-duty race; and '01-and-later GM new-

    design setup with thrust bearing on the reaction shaft.

    Sun shells, from left: original stock with thin thrust washer and stock roller race; thick

    3 Input Clutch Housing (below left and center)

    Over the years, both GM and the aftermarket have upgraded the input housing. The material

    thickness was increased, the input shaft hardened, and the housing depth slightly increased to

    accommodate additional 3-4 clutch packs.

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    TH700s first used a weak 27-spline input shaft (left). Starting in 1984, V-8/V6-90 versions got a

    larger, 30-spline input (center). Separate-bellhousing 4L60Es use a 30-spline input with a

    revised tip (right). Torque-converter selection must match the input-shaft design. Upgrading a

    27-spline input to 30-spline configuration also requires changing the forward clutch assembly

    and front pump.

    TH700s first used a weak 27-spline input shaft (left). Starting in 1984, V-8/V6-90 version

    On stock input housings, cracks often form near the female splines, which could lead to

    complete trans failure. A special 30-spline input housing available from aftermarket suppliers is

    reinforced with a steel collar. It also has a shot-peened input shaft that's been cryogenically

    treated for strength. The entire housing is X-rayed for cracks then spin-balanced at 9,000 rpm.

    On stock input housings, cracks often form near the female splines, which could lead to co

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    In 1987, GM changed from a steel apply piston with a check ball in the housing (left) to an

    aluminum piston with relief holes in the piston (right, arrows). The early design had a wavy

    spring clutch plate. The late style has a conical spring clutch plate. This change eliminates the

    clunk going from Neutral/Park into Reverse. You can upgrade to these parts as a set.

    In 1987, GM changed from a steel apply piston with a check ball in the housing (left) to a

    4 Reverse Input Housing (above right)

    The reverse input housing engages Reverse, but it also supports the 2-4 band. Check the drum

    surface carefully for signs of wear. Because of the nonadjustability of the band that contacts

    the drum, there is no way to resurface the drum without having adjustment problems or

    having the drum crack if returned to service. Drums manufactured starting midway throughthe '86 model year are slightly thicker in the 2-4 band apply area, which improves 2-4 band

    performance.

    5 Front Pump

    Overall pump design has been continually upgraded to improve hydraulic pressure. There are

    three major factory pump designs: one for the early small input shaft and torque converter,

    one for the '84-'96 large input shaft and torque converter, and one for '97-and-up

    transmissions. The early style had only a 7-vane pump; the second design (usually cast 732 on

    the cover) had a 10-vane rotor set, and the beefy, late third-design has 13 vanes. There are

    subvariants that may affect interchange, but in general, the '84-'95 10-vane pump can replacea 7-vane pump by plugging its auxiliary valvebody port and changing the reverse drum and

    torque converter. Installing the 13-vane pump in place of an early 7- or 10-vane pump requires

    considerable machining to back-fit as a complete assembly.

    Oil-pump performance may be further improved by modifying control orifice size, altering

    spool valve land shapes, and adjusting spool valve diameters to meet specific operational

    requirements. For example, boost-valve pressure-regulator components installed in the pump

    cover regulate boost-line pressure throughout the trans. Up to a point, higher pressure is

    better.

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    It is possible to install upgraded rotor sets into existing pump housings. The 13-vane rotor

    components (right) can replace the 10-vane (center) or 7-vane (left). However, the vane-sets

    are select-fit components requiring precise assembly techniques.

    It is possible to install upgraded rotor sets into existing pump housings. The 13-vane rot

    The pump slide spring fits into the pump body. The early single-piece slide spring is no good

    and should be replaced by an '86-and-later dual spring (shown). Sonnax offers a high-output

    pump slide spring, PN 77722-01K.

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    The pump slide spring fits into the pump body. The early single-piece slide spring is no g

    The TH700/4L60 (left group) uses different pressure regulators than a 4L60E (right group). In

    1987, GM upped boost valve outside diameter from 0.496 inch to 0.500 inch. For even more

    pressure in a full-race app, install a B&M blue spring and 0.570 extreme valve. Up the 4L60E's

    aluminum sleeve-and-valve combo from 0.496 to 0.500 and go to a stiffer spring.

    The TH700/4L60 (left group) uses different pressure regulators than a 4L60E (right group).

    6 Valvebody

    There are several major valvebody configurations. The early '82-'87 configuration had no

    auxiliary valvebody; the torque converter clutch (TCC) lockup function was actuated

    hydraulically at a set pressure without computer input. Although this makes retrofit easy into

    early vehicles, the first-generation valvebodies often have leaky, low-capacity 1-2 and 3-4 shift

    valves that produce inconsistent shift quality.

    The late '87-'93 second-design valvebody solved the problems. It added an additional auxiliary

    valvebody to fix a Park/Drive bang/clunk problem. A new abuse valve smoothed out rock-

    shifting, helping cars get out of snow and mud easier. A new one-piece 1-2 shift valve

    improved consistency, reduced leakage, and permitted downshifting from Second to First gear

    at fairly high rpm. The 3-4 shift valve was redesigned to permit WOT 3-4 upshifts. B&M offers

    the improved WOT 3-4 upshift kit under PN 70249.

    Most second-generation valvebodies have a plugged TCC hydraulic lockup port, as GM

    transferred TCC lockup control directly to the engine computer. The early valve can be

    installed in place of the port plug to permit locking up the TCC via hydraulic pressure through

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    the '88 models. From '89-'93, the former TCC hydraulic lockup port is completely blocked off,

    and no valve can be retrofitted. Instead, a computer or electric toggle switch is needed to

    actuate TCC lockup. Various coordinated aftermarket shift-improver kits are also available to

    recalibrate the shift feel on pre-4L60E valvebodies.

    The 4L60E phased in a valvebody controlled by the computer acting through electric solenoids

    in lieu of shift valves. There is no interchange between E and non-E valvebodies.

    A typical 700-R4 valvebody, showing the TCC hydraulic lockup, 3-4 shift valve, 2-3 shift valve no

    changes needed), and 1-2 shift valve. Early designs used a hydraulically-actuated valve for TCC

    lockup. '87-'88 bodies still have the port, but it's plugged; the A1 parts can be swapped in toachieve pressure-based TCC lockup. You can replace leaky early 3-4 parts with the '88-'93 parts

    for improved performance. Stock early and late 1-2 parts don't interchange, but higher-

    capacity aftermarket replacements for early 1-2 parts are available.

    A typical 700-R4 valvebody, showing the TCC hydraulic lockup, 3-4 shift valve, 2-3 shift v

    An improved throttle-valve sleeve was used on some high-perf apps. It allowed the trans to

    stay in Fourth at WOT. If the existing throttle-plunger valve is stamped 94, the assembly can beupgraded. Caution: For durability, prolonged WOT Fourth gear operation requires upgrading

    other internal parts and performing oiling mods. B&M sells the sleeve under PN 70237.

    An improved throttle-valve sleeve was used on some high-perf apps. It allowed the trans to

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    Rather than messing with the valvebody or governor weights to change shift quality, on a

    4L60E and derivatives, you reflash the computer. Aftermarket standalone computers are

    available for retrofit applications. TCI PN 377010 fits the 4L60E as well as the TH400's

    electronic overdrive descendent, the 4L80E.

    Rather than messing with the valvebody or governor weights to change shift quality, on a 4

    Servo Assembly

    The 2-4 servo assembly applies the 2-4 band. Upgraded servo assemblies have more surface

    area and volume to increase the holding force and yield firmer shifts. The best GM servo was

    used on C4/C5 Corvettes, as well as '93-and-later Camaros and Firebirds equipped with LT1

    and LS1 engines. TCI sells the Corvette servo assembly under PN 376003. Aftermarket Super

    Hold servos are available with even more holding power. Changing the servo should be

    coordinated with valvebody recalibration, all matched to the intended application. Productioninner (second apply) and outer (fourth apply) servo pistons can even be mixed and matched to

    fine-tune the feel.

    Governor

    Valvebody mods contained in typical aftermarket shift-improver kits can alter individual shift

    points, but playing with the governor weights allows the end user to change all shift points

    equally. The 4L60E no longer has a governor.

    The best stock governor is the Corvette-style with pointed weights (Sonnax PN 730. The Vette

    weights are lighter than typical standard V-8 governors with square weights. The B&M

    governor recalibration kit (PN 20248, bottom) allows the end user to adjust the mile-per-hour

    shift points of the trans. It also fits the GM TH200, TH350, and TH400. Also note the TCC lockup

    plug used on TH700/4L60 (non-E) versions.

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    The best stock governor is the Corvette-style with pointed weights (Sonnax PN 730. The Vet

    Typical servo assemblies, from left: GM standard, light-heavy-duty, and Corvette, with (arrow)

    improved '85-and-up 2-4 servo cover that retrofits with the correct cover seal. Aftermarket

    servos require their own covers, like the Sonnax and Superior Super Hold servos shown on the

    right that yield 40-50 percent more holding power in Overdrive.

    Typical servo assemblies, from left: GM standard, light-heavy-duty, and Corvette, with (ar

    Complete transmissions upgraded with good heavy-duty parts are available from reputable

    aftermarket performance trans specialists like B&M and TCI.

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