March 02, 2016
4L60E Performance & Heavy-Duty Transmission Build Guides
Whether you’re starting from scratch with a heavy-duty/performance build or optimizing a seasoned racing vehicle, key transmission areas MUST be addressed to realize the full potential of 4L60, 4L60-E, 4L65-E and 4L70-E units.
Check out these handy build guides to get maximum results out of your rebuild!
- Heavy-Duty Pickup Build
- Level 1 Performance Build
- Level 2 Performance Build
- Level 3 Performance Build
Heavy-Duty Pickup Builds
Option A
Quick upgrades for big performance without a big price tag.
- Choose Line Pressure Booster Kit
- SmartShell® Heavy Duty Reaction Shell Kit 77749-02K
- Rear Stator Support Bushing 77002BT-01
- 4th Gear Super Hold Servo Kit 77767K
- Heavy Duty 2-3 Shift Valve 77754-41
Option B
Best parts for heavy-duty recalibration and durability.
- Performance Pack HP-4L60E-01
- SmartShell® Heavy Duty Reaction Shell Kit 77749-02K
- Heavy Duty 3-4 Clutch Backing Plate Kit 74140-01K
- Rear Stator Support Bushing 77002BT-01
- 4th Gear Super Hold Servo Kit 77767K
- 2nd Gear Servo Kit 77701-02K
- Heavy Duty 2-3 Shift Valve 77754-41
Level 1 Performance Build
For lightly modified performance/enthusiast vehicles.
Options A and B are separate ways to get to similar levels of performance. Option A is easily done with transmission in the vehicle and does not require valve body removal. Option B has similar effect on shifting, etc., however these parts do require transmission removal and disassembly. If/when the Option A (4th and 2nd servo’s) is combined with Option B Performance Pack HP-4L60E-01, the result is very close to a Level 2 build.
Option A
Upgrades for performance recalibration and durability, no trans removal required. Most change in shift feel comes from the servos.
- Choose Line Pressure Booster Kit
- 4th Gear Super Hold Servo Kit 77767K
- Choose 2nd Gear Servo:
Option B
Best parts for performance recalibration and durability. Most change in shift feel comes from the Performance Pack.
- Performance Pack HP-4L60E-01
- SmartShell® Heavy Duty Reaction Shell Kit 77749-02K
- Heavy Duty 3-4 Clutch Backing Plate Kit 74140-01K
- Rear Stator Support Bushing 77002BT-01
Level 2 Performance Build
For moderately modified performance vehicles (up to 450HP).
Heavy-duty parts and recalibration allow transmissions to endure power levels beyond what a stock transmission is built to handle.
- Performance Pack HP-4L60E-01
- SmartShell® Heavy Duty Reaction Shell Kit 77749-02K
- Heavy Duty 3-4 Clutch Backing Plate Kit 74140-01K
- Rear Stator Support Bushing 77002BT-01
- Heavy Duty 2-3 Shift Valve 77754-41
- 4th Gear Super Hold Servo Kit 77767K
- 2nd Gear “Corvette” Ratio Servo Kit 77701-04K
- Kevlar® Extra Wide Intermediate Band 77700-01K
- Input Drum Reinforcement Kit 77733-51KA
Level 3 Performance Build
For all extreme performance applications, above 450HP.
The ultimate collection of 4L60/E upgrades for maximum strength, durability and quick shifts, including Smart-Tech® parts to ensure trannies stay out of the shop. When installed in a 4L65-E or 4L70-E, a Sonnax Level 3 build delivers a big power tranny that not only exceeds the capabilities of the 650 ft-lb 4L75-E, but is moving well into 4L80-E territory. For those on the fence about swapping transmissions, it's a great way to avoid the complications and inefficiencies of converting to a 4L80-E.
- Performance Pack HP-4L60E-01
- SmartShell® HD Reaction Shell Kit 77749-02K
- Heavy Duty 2-3 Shift Valve 77754-41
- 4th Gear Super Hold Servo Kit 77767K
- 2nd Gear Super Hold Servo Kit 77911-03K
- Kevlar® Extra Wide Intermediate Band 77700-01K
- Choose Smart-Tech® Input Housing & Heavy Duty Input Shaft
- Choose Heavy Duty Output Shaft:
- Heavy Duty Reaction Shaft Kit 74602-01K
- 2.84 Input Carrier Kit 77284-K
This video breaks down how to transform a 4L60-E, 4L65-E or 4L70-E into a top-tier performance transmission with Sonnax Level 3 build components.
Printable PDF Version:
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Learn More
February 08, 2018
Harness that Horsepower! Your Guide to a Sonnax 4L60/E Level 3 Performance Build
October 24, 2018
Clean Up Your Shifts with Sonnax Line Pressure Booster Kits
April 07, 2015
Drilling Orifices the Smart Way
February 26, 2021
700-R4 (4L60) Performance Transmission Build Guide
Gregg Nader
Related Units
Related Parts
Required
Recommended
4L60, 4L60-E, 4L65-E, 4L70-E
SmartShell® Heavy Duty Reaction Shell Kit 77749-02K
While Sonnax makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of technical articles at time of publication, we assume no liability for inaccuracies or for information which may become outdated or obsolete over time.