The 4L60E transmission, developed by General Motors (GM), is a key component in the drivetrain of many of their vehicles, from passenger cars to full-size trucks. It’s known for its strength, durability, and versatility, which has made it one of the most popular automatic transmissions used in GM’s lineup.
Whether you’re working on an engine swap, upgrading your vehicle, or just curious about the 4L60E’s specifications, understanding its weight is an important factor in ensuring smooth integration into your project. This article dives into the details of the 4L60E’s weight, the factors that influence it, and why it’s crucial for vehicle performance.
What Is a 4L60E Transmission?
The 4L60E is a four-speed automatic transmission developed by General Motors that debuted in 1993. It was designed to handle increasing engine power, improve fuel efficiency, and provide smoother shifting for a wide range of GM vehicles. The 4L60E is electronically controlled, which means it uses electronic sensors and controls to regulate shifting patterns, offering better precision and responsiveness compared to its predecessor, the 700R4.
- Key Features:
- Four Forward Gears: The 4L60E provides four forward gears, which help in providing smoother driving experiences and better fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.
- Longitudinal Mount: This transmission is designed for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) applications, though it is also used in all-wheel-drive configurations in some models.
- Electronically Controlled: The 4L60E features electronic control, which improves shift precision, resulting in a smoother ride and more efficient engine operation.
- Overdrive Gear: One of the key features of the 4L60E is its overdrive gear (4th gear), which lowers the engine RPM at highway speeds, improving fuel economy.
The 4L60E has been used in a vast array of GM vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and performance cars. It is a versatile and reliable transmission, often chosen for its durability and ability to handle moderate to high power output.
Types of 4L60E Transmissions
While the 4L60E is a singular model, it comes in several variations designed to meet different power and torque demands. These variants differ in their internal components, strength, and performance capabilities. Let’s explore the types of 4L60E transmissions:
1. 4L60E (Standard Version)
- Torque Capacity: Approximately 360 lb-ft (490 Nm)
- Applications: Found in a wide range of GM vehicles, including light-duty trucks, SUVs, and passenger cars. This is the base model of the 4L60E transmission.
2. 4L65E
- Torque Capacity: Approximately 380 lb-ft (515 Nm)
- Applications: This version is used in higher-performance applications such as the Chevrolet Corvette, GMC Sierra Denali, and other vehicles requiring slightly higher performance and torque handling.
3. 4L70E
- Torque Capacity: Approximately 450 lb-ft (610 Nm)
- Applications: Designed for vehicles with higher torque demands, such as full-size trucks and heavy-duty SUVs. It’s stronger and more durable than the standard 4L60E.
4. 4L80E (Larger Variant)
- Torque Capacity: Approximately 440 lb-ft (595 Nm)
- Applications: The 4L80E is typically used in heavy-duty trucks and high-torque applications. It is significantly larger and heavier than the 4L60E, designed for even more demanding tasks.
How Much Does a 4L60E Weigh?
The weight of the 4L60E transmission depends on the version, model year, and whether the transmission is loaded with fluid and a torque converter. Below, we’ll break down the typical weight for the 4L60E transmission in both its unloaded (dry) and loaded (wet) states.
Unloaded Weight (Dry Weight)
When the transmission is unloaded, meaning it doesn’t have fluid or the torque converter installed, its weight will be lighter. The unloaded weight typically varies depending on the model and year. Here’s a breakdown of the common 4L60E variants:
- 4L60E (Standard): 133 lbs (60.3 kg)
- 4L65E: 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
- 4L70E: 145 lbs (65.8 kg)
Loaded Weight (Wet Weight)
The loaded weight includes the transmission fluid and the torque converter, which are integral components of the 4L60E’s operation. These components add to the overall weight of the transmission. Here’s the typical wet weight for each variant:
- 4L60E (Standard): 146 lbs (66.2 kg)
- 4L65E: 153 lbs (69.4 kg)
- 4L70E: 158 lbs (71.7 kg)
Why the Difference?
The weight differences between these versions mainly come from the internal components designed to handle increased torque in the 4L65E and 4L70E. These enhanced components, such as stronger clutch packs, more durable bearings, and a larger torque converter, increase the overall weight slightly compared to the standard 4L60E.
4L60E Transmission Weight Comparison Table
Here is a detailed comparison of the 4L60E transmission variants, including their weight, torque capacity, and price range:
| Transmission Model | Dry Weight (lbs) | Dry Weight (kg) | Wet Weight (lbs) | Wet Weight (kg) | Torque Capacity (lb-ft) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4L60E (Standard) | 133 | 60.3 | 146 | 66.2 | 360 | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| 4L65E | 140 | 63.5 | 153 | 69.4 | 380 | $1,500 – $2,800 |
| 4L70E | 145 | 65.8 | 158 | 71.7 | 450 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| 4L80E | 236 | 107.5 | 250 | 113.4 | 440 | $2,500 – $3,800 |
| 4L60E Performance | 135 | 61.2 | 150 | 68.2 | 400 | $2,000 – $3,200 |
Factors That Influence the Weight of a 4L60E Transmission
Several factors play a role in determining the overall weight of a 4L60E transmission. Here are the primary factors:
1. Model and Year
- Newer models of the 4L60E, such as the 4L65E or 4L70E, are often heavier due to strengthened internal components designed to handle increased torque and stress. Older models are usually lighter in comparison.
2. Torque Converter
- The size and type of the torque converter affect the weight. Standard torque converters weigh around 20 to 25 lbs (9.1 to 11.3 kg), but higher-performance versions can weigh more.
3. Bellhousing and Other Components
- The bellhousing, which attaches the transmission to the engine, and additional components like the transmission cooling lines or factory-installed transfer cases, can also add extra weight to the transmission.
4. Fluid Capacity
- The transmission fluid required to operate the 4L60E plays a significant role in its weight. A fully filled 4L60E typically holds around 12 quarts (11.4 liters) of fluid. This adds about 7 to 10 lbs (3.2 to 4.5 kg) to the overall weight.
How Much Does a 4L60E Transmission Cost?
The price of a 4L60E transmission can vary greatly depending on its condition (new or remanufactured), type, and torque capacity. Here is an estimated cost range:
- New 4L60E Transmission: $1,500 – $2,500
- Remanufactured 4L60E Transmission: $1,200 – $2,000
- High-Performance 4L60E Transmission: $2,000 – $4,000
For those looking for a transmission with specific performance modifications, prices can be on the higher end. It’s essential to factor in the cost of labor for installation, as well as any additional parts required to ensure compatibility with your vehicle.
How Much Fluid Does a 4L60E Hold?
The 4L60E requires a specific amount of transmission fluid for proper operation. This fluid acts as a lubricant and hydraulic fluid to control the shifting of gears. Here’s the fluid capacity breakdown:
- Standard Pan: Approximately 12 quarts (11.4 liters)
- Deep Pan: Approximately 14 quarts (13.2 liters)
It’s important to use the correct fluid type, such as Dexron III or Dexron VI, as recommended by General Motors, to maintain optimal performance and prevent damage.
How Much Power Can a 4L60E Handle?
The 4L60E transmission is designed to handle moderate levels of horsepower and torque, typically up to:
- Stock 4L60E: Can reliably handle up to 400 horsepower (298 kW) and 360 lb-ft (490 Nm) of torque in stock form.
- Modified 4L60E: With upgrades such as stronger clutches, a larger torque converter, and reinforced components, the 4L60E can handle up to 500-600 horsepower (373-447 kW) and higher torque loads.
How Many Gears Does a 4L60E Have?
The 4L60E is a four-speed automatic transmission, meaning it has four forward gears and one reverse gear. These gears provide a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The gear ratios for the 4L60E are as follows:
- 1st Gear: 3.059:1
- 2nd Gear: 1.625:1
- 3rd Gear: 1.000:1
- 4th Gear (Overdrive): 0.696:1
- Reverse Gear: 2.294:1
The overdrive gear (4th) helps reduce engine RPM at high speeds, improving fuel economy on highways.
How Fast Can a 4L60E Go?
The 4L60E transmission itself doesn’t directly limit the speed of the vehicle but plays a crucial role in how the engine’s power is transferred to the wheels. Vehicles equipped with the 4L60E transmission are capable of reaching speeds of up to 130 mph (209 km/h), depending on the vehicle’s engine and aerodynamics. The transmission ensures smooth acceleration and shifting at these higher speeds.
Dimensions of the 4L60E Transmission
Here are the typical dimensions of the 4L60E transmission:
- Length: 23.5 inches (597 mm)
- Width: 16 inches (406 mm)
- Height: 22 inches (559 mm)
These dimensions are essential to consider, especially when replacing or swapping the transmission into a vehicle.
Conclusion
The 4L60E transmission is a crucial component in many GM vehicles. Understanding its weight and the factors that affect its weight is essential for proper maintenance, vehicle upgrades, and performance modifications. Whether you’re swapping the transmission or simply replacing an old unit, knowing how much the 4L60E weighs—and the factors that contribute to that weight—will help you make informed decisions. From its relatively light dry weight of 133 lbs (60.3 kg) to the loaded weight of 146 lbs (66.2 kg), the 4L60E strikes a balance between durability, power handling, and performance.
Fun Facts
- The 4L60E is the electronically controlled version of the 700R4, introduced in 1982.
- This transmission has been used in everything from trucks to sports cars, showing its versatility.
- It was one of the first GM transmissions to feature electronic control, which has become standard in modern automatic transmissions.
- Many high-performance enthusiasts modify the 4L60E for drag racing and off-road applications, pushing its torque capacity to the limit.