We needed a 4L80E automatic transmission to handle our Whipple supercharged LS engines for mixed street and track use. Like most twin screw superchargers, the Whipple has an internal bypass which can swing the engine from vacuum to full boost in a fraction of a second. No other type of power adder changes the torque being delivered to the wheels that quickly. Good news; bad news. Incredible throttle response but the surge in torque will tear up a weak transmission that might survive the same horsepower level from say a turbo boosted engine. Our experience at the track with transmission failures convinced us that we had to broaden our scope to engine and transmission packages.
Our solution was to work with Hughes Performance and develop custom transmissions capable of the task. Specific requirements were for the transmission to:
- Survive the beating our engines can dish out;
- Use a standard depth pan to maintain ground clearance for street use; and
- Maintain excellent driveability.
The custom transmission that emerged has features that will perfectly compliment your Borowski Race engine (or anyone else's).
- New Bushings, Bearings, Seals, and Gaskets
- Teflon Sealing Rings
- New Pump Gears
- Resurfaced Pump Stator
- HP2514 Billet Input Shaft
- HP2226 Billet Forward Clutch Hub
- 3 Red Overrun Frictions
- 4 Red Fourth Frictions
- 5 Red Forward Frictions
- 5 Red Direct Frictions
- 4 Red Intermediate Frictions
- Regular Steels (no Kolene)
- Kevlar or High Energy Intermediate Band
- Kevlar or High Energy Rear Band
- New Overdrive Roller Clutch
- New 34-Element Intermediate Sprag
- New Low Roller Clutch
- Recalibrated Valve Body Using 4L80E-HD2 TransGo Kit
- All new GM internal electronics, wiring harness, and case connector
- New GM Speed Sensors
- New Filter
- New GM Raw Steel Pan
- 4AN or 6AN Vent to facilitate use of a catch can
- OPTIONAL Deep Pan
TORQUE CONVERTER
The 4L80E utilizes a lock-up torque converter which allows you to have the best of both worlds… high stall speed and maximum torque multiplication to maximize the performance, and lock-up function via an internal clutch. The lock up virtually eliminates heat build-up in the converter at cruising speeds while providing even more efficiency since its not slipping. Depending on your engine characteristics and intended style of driving, the recommended converter for this transmission can be tuned for stall between 2,500 and 3,000 rpm.
TRANS-CONTROLLER
Our LS engines typically come with Holley Terminator X Max engine management systems. These will also control the transmission thereby eliminating the need for separate trans-controller. In our experience, it is a huge benefit to have a single system seamlessly controlling everything. Just need a trans-controller? No problem. Hughes Performance has a great stand-alone unit. (call for details)
OTHER ACCESSORIES
We can also offer packages which include a trans-cooler, trans-mount, flexible dipstick and Lucas HP 501 Sure-Shift transmission fluid.
