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Chevy 4L60E Transmission Build - Back To The Street, Part 2

We Continue To Puzzle Together The Drivetrain For Our '71 Camaro With A 4L60E Automatic From Level 10 Transmission Systems

By Mike Ficacci, Photography by Mike Ficacci
  • Chevy 4L60E Transmission Mainshaft
    Next, the mainshaft is installed through the tail of the case. Once installed, the driveshaft will bolt up to the back of the mainshaft and the torque converter to the front. The mainshaft also works as a rotational center for all the moving parts inside the transmission.
    Chevy 4L60E Transmission Mainshaft
    Next, the mainshaft is installed through the tail of the case. Once installed, the drivesh
  • Chevy 4L60E Transmission Drum Assembly
    The input and reverse drums can then be assembled. These each receive a clutch pack and locking rings, and a sun gear is installed in the input drum.
    Chevy 4L60E Transmission Drum Assembly
    The input and reverse drums can then be assembled. These each receive a clutch pack and lo
  • Chevy 4L60E Transmission Drum Assembly
    Once assembled, the drums are locked into place and installed in the case.
  • Chevy 4L60E Transmission Intermediate Band
    The intermediate band is installed next. Transmission fluid is guided through the valvebody and actuates the band, locking that part of the gears. In our electronically controlled transmission, the intermediate servo is activated via the automobile's ECM, and controls the action of the band.
    Chevy 4L60E Transmission Intermediate Band
    The intermediate band is installed next. Transmission fluid is guided through the valvebod
  • Chevy 4L60E Transmission Intermediate Servo
    Level 10 assembles its own servos using a spring chosen per application, and a rubber seal to ensure no fluid is pushed through.
    Chevy 4L60E Transmission Intermediate Servo
    Level 10 assembles its own servos using a spring chosen per application, and a rubber seal
  • Chevy 4L60E Transmission Super Pump
    The PTS Super Pump is then installed, providing cooler transmission temperatures, lockup valve technology, increased pressure, and overall longevity. The stock pump can only pump so much fluid at a given time and is unsatisfactory for our application.
    Chevy 4L60E Transmission Super Pump
    The PTS Super Pump is then installed, providing cooler transmission temperatures, lockup v
  • Chevy 4L60E Transmission Valvebody Balls
    The case is then flipped over so we can continue work on the underside of the transmission. The valvebody balls are installed with grease to ensure they do not move during the process. These balls regulate the flow of fluid through the veins of the transmission and into the main case.
    Chevy 4L60E Transmission Valvebody Balls
    The case is then flipped over so we can continue work on the underside of the transmission
  • Chevy 4L60E Transmission Valvebody Install
    The valvebody itself is then installed after the gasket and plate we drilled out earlier. "We carefully select the spring weights, orifice sizes and location, valve size, and port modifications to suit your driving style and vehicle," Pat told us.
    Chevy 4L60E Transmission Valvebody Install
    The valvebody itself is then installed after the gasket and plate we drilled out earlier.
  • Chevy 4L60E Transmission Valvebody Install
    After putting that in place, we installed the electronics and wiring that control the transmission. This is the main difference between the 700R4 and 4L60E transmission. Yes, TV cables are quickly becoming a thing of the past and are being replaced by electronics and servos.
    Chevy 4L60E Transmission Valvebody Install
    After putting that in place, we installed the electronics and wiring that control the tran
  • Chevy 4L60E Transmission Deep Sump Pan
    Lastly, the transmission fluid filter and deep sump pan are installed. The deep sump on the pan allows for added fluid in the system, which is essential when demanding firm shifts and lower operating temperatures.
    Chevy 4L60E Transmission Deep Sump Pan
    Lastly, the transmission fluid filter and deep sump pan are installed. The deep sump on th
  • Chevy 4L60E Transmission Torque Converter
    Level 10 also builds custom torque converters per application. Small changes in the angle and clearance of the veins in each of the components will affect stall speed, flash, and slippage.
    Chevy 4L60E Transmission Torque Converter
    Level 10 also builds custom torque converters per application. Small changes in the angle
  • Chevy 4L60E Transmission Torque Converter
    To keep things simple, we can say that the torque converter replaces the clutch in a manual transmission setup and transfers power from the engine to the transmission. In our case, we have yet to determine vehicle weight and rear gear ratio. Once we provide that information, Level 10 will create a custom converter for us.
    Chevy 4L60E Transmission Torque Converter
    To keep things simple, we can say that the torque converter replaces the clutch in a manua
  • Chevy 4L60E Transmission Handheld Tuner
    Level 10 utilizes this SCT Xcalibrator handheld tuner to set shift points, line pressure, and all the necessary information the ECM needs once the transmission is in the vehicle. Level 10 can also perform laptop tuning once the transmission is dropped in the vehicle. It provides full-service diagnostics and tuning after the purchase of a trans.
    Chevy 4L60E Transmission Handheld Tuner
    Level 10 utilizes this SCT Xcalibrator handheld tuner to set shift points, line pressure,
  • Chevy 4L60E Transmission Build
    Our finished product is almost ready for installation in our Back To The Street '71 Camaro. Once we fab up our Camaro, get it on the scales, and report back to Pat at Level 10, his builder can make our torque converter, bolt up a tailshaft, and have us rocking and rolling in no time.
    Chevy 4L60E Transmission Build
    Our finished product is almost ready for installation in our Back To The Street '71 Camaro
SOURCES
Level 10 Performance Transmission Systems
3670 Rte. 94
Hamburg
NJ  07419
By Mike Ficacci
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