Trasmission Type

masomatic · June 3, 2004

How do I know what kind of transmission I have, 4l60e or 4l80e? '03 silverado 5.3l ls 3.42

blue2kzr2 · June 3, 2004

Based on the little info you provided, you have a 1500, right? If so, you have a 4L60E. I think it'll say M30 on the sticker in the glovebox.

snoman · June 4, 2004

Maybe a 4L65E too but not a 4L80. I would not be concern because the 60/65 is a good unit and it has a much lower first gear (3.1 vs 2.48) than the 80 does too.

masomatic · June 4, 2004

I just signed into this group and do not know how to get all the info placed under my login name. Anyway, it is a 1500 and I will check the glove box for the sticker. The reason I ask is planning on doing some upgrades and one was going to be a shift kit.

Are they any suggestions on shift kits? It appears Transgo is a popular one.

Should I bother with a shift kit and let the pcm do it when I get that future upgrade? Or would it be better to apply both?

citydriver · June 4, 2004

I just installed a TransGo Kit and Corvette servo...CECK THIS OUT..Click on the link,They had the best price @ the time when I bought it.My truck is a '95 w/160K mi. on it and it helped LOADS (especially because the springs in my 2nd servo were busted and bent)...But if you choose to use this 1 use the VIDEO they send you for REFERANCE only...it differs a bit from the printed sheets..plan to spend the day on it,the accumulater servo cover was a MAJOR PAIN on my truck,it had a bunch of oxidation built up around it that made the job real tough..I also installed a Remote Trans.Filter kit from Summit Racing and a TCI deep cast aluminum trans. oil pan,also from Summit Racing

masomatic · June 4, 2004

I saw that kit and noticed the price. Does the kit really take all day and are there any special tools? Or other hidden glitches? For instance, I just place a K&N FIPK GEN. 2 on the truck. It was a very easy install with the exception of fighting the 3.75 silicon hose over the one end of the intake tube. I would say that out of the thirty minute install, 20 minutes was fighting the hose.

snoman · June 4, 2004

I just signed into this group and do not know how to get all the info placed under my login name. Anyway, it is a 1500 and I will check the glove box for the sticker. The reason I ask is planning on doing some upgrades and one was going to be a shift kit.

Are they any suggestions on shift kits? It appears Transgo is a popular one.

Should I bother with a shift kit and let the pcm do it when I get that future upgrade? Or would it be better to apply both?

First thing, if you have or are planning oversized tires, dump the 3.42 for at least 4.10 gears. Deeper gears will make shifts "feel" firmer too.

citydriver · June 4, 2004

I saw that kit and noticed the price. Does the kit really take all day and are there any special tools? Or other hidden glitches?

It may not take you all day,I also replaced all of my cooler lines while I was under there,which took time to bend..remember I have a '95 thats lives its life Western NY..and the salt they use in the winter takes its toll...as far as special tools,you will need a pair of snap ring pliers to do the front pump press. regulator mod in the kit.

And if you havent done this type of work B4,take your time to make sure the snap ring seats correctly....I also had fight to get the accumulator cover on the side of the tranny,both on and off...mine was really corroded(steel ring in an aluminum case),but a long pry bar placed correctly will do the job..the instruction sheet is kinda vague but still understandable after you watch the video...The rest of the mods in the valve body R preety simple and straight-forward..but do not try to rush it,you dont wanna miss anything..thats y I say plan on a day

p.s. the PCM upgrade may be good enough for what you want it to do,I didnt have that option cause I dont have OBDII...you might want to try that 1st...just a thought

masomatic · June 4, 2004

Thanks for the input. For now, strictly dollar based, a shift kit is the way to go. And when I do upgrade the pcm, it can be configured with the kit. As far as tires, I will be leaving them stock ride height. Even if I change rim size, I'll use the appropriate tire size (not sure if the 20" look is for me yet). Changing the gears is not an option. Not doing any drag racing so a few tenths of a second are not that critical. Plus, I do a lot of highway driving. And one more thing, if the corvette guys are switching to a 3.42, than I figure it is good enough for me.

My final goal is to have a 350ish rwhp naturally aspirated engine. After the bolt on stuff, will come the cam (which I will be hitting this site about).

Thanks again, for the input.

snoman · June 4, 2004

Thanks for the input. For now, strictly dollar based, a shift kit is the way to go. And when I do upgrade the pcm, it can be configured with the kit. As far as tires, I will be leaving them stock ride height. Even if I change rim size, I'll use the appropriate tire size (not sure if the 20" look is for me yet). Changing the gears is not an option. Not doing any drag racing so a few tenths of a second are not that critical. Plus, I do a lot of highway driving. And one more thing, if the corvette guys are switching to a 3.42, than I figure it is good enough for me.

My final goal is to have a 350ish rwhp naturally aspirated engine. After the bolt on stuff, will come the cam (which I will be hitting this site about).

Thanks again, for the input.

How in the h#$@ does a 3 foot tall streamline 3400 lbs vette's gearing requirements related to your 6 ft tall 5000lb plus land barge???? Truely amazing. That truck will constantly hunt gears on anything but the slightest grade with 3.42 gears. I like my trucks to never leave OD, even on a hill unless severly loaded. Heck, you do not have a 4 speed auto, it is a 3 and a half speed beacuase you can not really fully use 4th.

masomatic · June 4, 2004

Slight grade would be correct. I live 30 miles from the coast of SC. They don't call it the lowcountry for nothing. The only elevation changes around here are interstate overpasses. After long thought, I may consider a swap in the future. The priorities lay in getting HPs and TQs up.

snoman · June 4, 2004

Slight grade would be correct. I live 30 miles from the coast of SC. They don't call it the lowcountry for nothing. The only elevation changes around here are interstate overpasses. After long thought, I may consider a swap in the future. The priorities lay in getting HPs and TQs up.

But if you change to 4.10 or so your performance will come up far more than with dual exhaust or a ECM program. You will not believe the diference it can make! That baby will jump when you step on the gas with 4.10's and it will not die in 3rd gear and OD will actually pull.

BTW I have relatives the live near Columbia and I have been down there a few times and may be down there the end of this month for a few days.