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 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
- Optional Heavy Duty Remanufactured Valve Body GM053-HD or GM054-HD Learn More
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
- Optional Heavy Duty Remanufactured Valve Body GM053-HD or GM054-HD Learn More
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
- Optional Heavy Duty Remanufactured Valve Body GM053-HD or GM054-HD Learn More
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
- Optional Heavy Duty Remanufactured Valve Body GM053-HD or GM054-HD Learn More
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.
About the Heavy Duty Remanufactured Valve Bodies
These unique Sonnax valve bodies are optional upgrades that help protect against input sprag and Forward clutch failure in '96–'08 4L60-E and 4L65-E units.
Two Options: How to Choose? Which valve body to install depends on driving habits.
GM053-HD requires a manual downshift to D3 when performing a 4-3 downshift at cruising speed to achieve enhanced input sprag protection.
| GM054-HD provides increased protection with the shifter in both D3 and OD without the need to manually downshift when performing a 4-3 downshift at cruising speed.
|
Duplicated Parts These valve bodies come pre-installed with some parts listed separately on these guides, so you will need to carefully spec out the rest of your build if you choose to use one of them. See product details for a more complete list of what's included with each valve body.
- Heavy-duty 2-3 shift valve 77754-41 is included in the GM053-HD valve body.*
- Performance Pack HP-4L60E-01 includes some components found in both valve bodies. Both GM053-HD and GM054-HD contain the line pressure booster kit, spacer and spring for the pump, the pinless forward accumulator piston, TCC regulator valve spring and the 1-2 and 3-4 accumulator springs for the case. The GM054-HD also contains the servo cushion spring for the case.
*Due to the overrun clutch being applied in additional ranges, some coast down clunks may be noticed. This can occur when slowing to a stop with the GM053-HD when driving in D3 range only and with the GM054-HD when driving in D3 or OD range.
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.