700 R4 Transmission - Overdrive Evolution

For 25 Years, GM's 700-R4 And Its 4L60 Descendents Have Shifted Most Of The General's RWD
Cars. Here's How An Econo Trans Spawned In The Dark Days Of The Energy Crisis Evolved Into
A Rugged And Reliable Unit.
By Marlan Davis, Photography by B&M, General Motors, Marlan Davis, TCI
Hot Rod Magazine, February, 2009

GM's TH700-R4 four-speed automatic-overdrive transmission and its derivatives have nearly
become the universal favorite of hot rodders. Properly built, a good 700 is capable of
withstanding at least 450 lb-ft of torque. But that hasn't always been the case. With the help of
the experts at B&M and TCI, we traced the 700's initially checkered past and bring you up to
date on some of the countless improvements incorporated over the years as GM continually
refined the basic design to keep up with the increasing output of the engines it was installed
behind.

In the Beginning
The 700-R4 was first introduced in the '82 Corvette. On paper, its specs looked pretty good:
The trans had lower First and Second gears (3.06 and 1.63, respectively) than other
automatics, its lockup torque converter offered potential fuel-mileage gains, and the 0.7
overdrive decreased the overall drive ratio by 30 percent. But the original design was not
considered a strong transmission, with failures behind even a mild 350 not uncommon. The
trans was so weak that in its original setup, GM deliberately calibrated it to kick out of lockup
and high gear under full-throttle, top-end conditions to avoid burning it up.

The original versions had only downsized, 27-spline input shafts, one of many possible and
common failure points. By 1984, 700-R4s intended for use behind small-block Chevy V-8s
began to receive beefy, 30-spline input shafts similar to those found on classic TH350 and
TH400 transmissions. From 1984 to 1987, the most failure-prone internal parts, from the ring-
gear to the oil-pump housing, were upgraded.

An auxiliary valvebody was added in October 1986. Finally, on performance cars like the
Corvette, additional internal lubrication improvements permitted the trans to survive in high-
gear, full-throttle, top-end conditions. Many of the improvements can be retrofitted into the
earlier, weak transmissions, but the 27-spline versions need so many new parts that it's more
cost-effective to swap in a later core. However, it is worthwhile to upgrade the later 30-spline
versions to Corvette/IROC-level internals, if they're not already so equipped.

GM's 700-R4 trans and its descendents have become the hot rodder's favorite street
automatic trans. Early problems have been fixed, and overdrive lets you run steep rear gears
and still cruise down the highway. The call-out numbers in this photo correspond to the
sidebars on the following pages.

GM's 700-R4 trans and its descendents have become the hot rodder's favorite street automat

The 700-R4/4L60 uses a TV cable that attaches to the right rear of the case's passenger side
(A). The TV cable is eliminated on the 4L60E and its derivatives. A large hole for a multiprong
computer connector is now located in the same relative location (B). Non-E transmissions had
a smaller TCC electrical connector on the driver side ahead of the governor.


The 700-R4/4L60 uses a TV cable that attaches to the right rear of the case's passenger si
Enter The 4L60E

The next big change was in 1993 with the introduction of the 4L60E in pickup trucks, vans, and
SUVs. "E" derivatives are entirely controlled by the computer via electronic solenoids installed
on the valvebody.E-type transmissions require a computer to function-either the original
factory GM ECM or available aftermarket standalone solutions-but now shift quality can be
easily dialed in without having to go into the trans itself. Also, with the computer controlling
line pressure, E transmissions eliminate the TV cable and its associated bracket geometry and
adjustment issues.

Not all '93 vehicles got the 4L60E. Rear-wheel-drive cars continued to use the 700-R4, but in
keeping with GM's new nomenclature, the carryover trans was renamed the 4L60 (without the
E). Other than the name, the 4L60 is essentially the same trans as a similar-vintage 700-R4. All
GM transmissions use the new identification system: the first digit is the number of forward
gears (4), the letter indicates whether the trans is intended for front-wheel-drive (T for
transverse) or rear-wheel-drive (L for longitudinal) applications, and the last two numbers
provide a guide to the unit's relative torque capacity (60, in this case) compared with other GM
transmissions. If both nonelectronically controlled and electronically controlled versions of an
otherwise similar transmission design are offered, an E suffix (for electronic) is appended to
the designator.
Rear-wheel-drive cars received the 4L60E starting in 1994. Although many internal mechanical
components interchange, the cases, electronic controls, and valvebodies are so different that
it's not practical to upgrade a non-E to an E (or vice versa)

Many internal electronic changes occurred on 4L60E transmissions between 1993 and 1996.
These included the introduction of a pulse-width-modulated torque-converter lockup function
on some models starting around 1995. This smoothes out the converter lockup function by
pulsing the apply function using a PWM solenoid. There are several unique evolutions on this
system with matching solenoids and electrical switches. Although not really important for
performance use, it is of concern if you just need a replacement trans with full functionality for
a late-model and want to make sure everything works as intended.

Here are some common four-bolt TH700-R4 extension housings, from left: two-wheel-drive
truck, Camaro/Firebird with torque-arm mount, and Caprice-style (GM PN 24214689) with an
extra mount the same distance from the case front as a TH400/ TH200-4R mount. You can
usually swap four-bolt housings from one main case to another.

Here are some common four-bolt TH700-R4 extension housings, from left: two-wheel-drive tru


You can identify a 700-R4/ 4L60 by its square, 16-bolt pan. Stock pans vary in depth and filter
style; they don't all necessarily interchange. Universal aftermarket deep pans are available (like
this B&M cast unit, PN 70260).

You can identify a 700-R4/ 4L60 by its square, 16-bolt pan. Stock pans vary in depth and f
Three-Piece Case

In 1996, with the 4L60E in use for most rear-drive applications and with new engine designs on
the drawing board, GM began moving to a common main case with a bolt-on bellhousing.
Previously, there were just two separate case patterns: a metric case for 60-degree V-6
engines and the classic Chevy case that fit traditional big- and small-block V-8s, straight Chevy
L6s, and V6-90 engines. The move to a separate bellhousing let one common core fit a variety
of different engine families and also opened up the interesting possibility of aftermarket
adapter bellhousings to fit oddball or niche classic engines, such as Keisler Engineering has
done with its Mopar conversion kits.

Other changes coincided with the move to separate bellhousings. The input-shaft tip
configuration was revised, although the overall shaft diameter and spline-count still remained
at 30. When retrofitting, the new spline tip requires a corresponding torque converter to mate
with the revised shaft. GM also changed the tailhousing from a four-bolt to a six-bolt design.
The 4l65E

Stock 4L60Es are rated at 360 lb-ft of torque. By 2001, engine output had increased to the
point that further internal modifications were needed for Corvette, Hummer, and some other
applications. The uprated transmission-in stock form rated to withstand up to 380 lb-ft-is
known as the 4L65E (RPO M32). There were significant improvements, including five-pinion
planetaries, a higher-capacity input housing, and an induction-hardened input-shaft assembly.
Beginning in 2002, many of the technologies from the 4L65 applications that added durability
were incorporated into the 4L60, including more robust bushings and bearings. Many of the
other durability-enhancing parts can also be swapped into earlier 4L60 transmissions.
The 4l70E

Classified as the 4L70E, the ultimate production evolution of the original 700-R4 trans family is
used in selected '07 trucks and includes further refinements over the 4L65E. The 4L70 is a
variation of the five-pinion 4L65, with additional strengthening in the output shaft and
reaction internal gear to handle increased engine torque. It is doubtful that GM will continue
to upgrade the trans any further, as it will be phased out once the new six-speed automatic
production lines are ramped up.

Beginning in 1996, GM transitioned to new cases with separate bellhousings. Changing the
bellhousings let the same basic cases fit many different applications. The new cases are also
machined for six-bolt extension housings rather than the four-bolt housings used previously.

Beginning in 1996, GM transitioned to new cases with separate bellhousings. Changing the b


A good valvebody-recalibration kit plus a supplementary professional-grade upgrade kit like
Sonnax's Sure Cure reconditioning kit fix many problems without costing a bundle. Compared
with the basic B&M Shift-Improver Kit, the Transpak is more aggressive and includes
valvebody, boost-valve, and pressure-regulator upgrades. For a complete high-perf rebuild,
use the B&M Transkit.



A good valvebody-recalibration kit plus a supplementary professional-grade upgrade kit lik
On the surrounding pages we've illustrated some of the most important improvements and
variations, many of which can be used to upgrade earlier transmissions. But there are so many
details that we can only scratch the surface here. If you really want to get into what makes this
trans tick and get the lowdown on all the changes, fixes, and improvements, the best sources
are Automatic Transmission Service Group (ATSG) Techtran and upgrade handbooks available
directly from ATSG's Web site as well as on eBay

1 Planetary Carriers

Planetaries are used both forward (the input planetary carrier) and at the rear (the reaction
planetary carrier). Early failure-prone planetary carriers should be upgraded to at least the
improved design with batwing washers (circa 1985). The improved four-pinion input carrier
carries GM PN 24226173 and bolts in to any trans. The best four-pinion reaction carrier was
introduced at about the same time for selected high-perf applications like Corvettes and
IROCs. Besides the batwing washers, this carrier also adds a pinion oiling system with internal
passages. Even better-although much more expensive-are the late five-pinion carriers
introduced on the 4L65E, available from both GM and aftermarket sources.

In 2001, GM introduced the 4L65E on selected high-perf, high-load applications. One of the
improvements was even stouter five-pinion planetary carriers: GM PN 24227481 is the input
planetary carrier (left); PN 24227591 is the reaction planetary carrier (right). Aftermarket
equivalents are available. The improved carriers retrofit, but are pricey.

In 2001, GM introduced the 4L65E on selected high-perf, high-load applications. One of the

Note the small lubrication holes in the PN 24228402 "Corvette" four-pinion carrier. An oil dam
was also added to the rear of the Corvette carrier (right); the extra clearance needed by the
dam requires upgrading to the later reaction internal gear.

Note the small lubrication holes in the PN 24228402 "Corvette" four-pinion carrier. An oil
2 Reaction Sun Shell And Input Shaft

The reaction sun gear shell helps apply both Second and Reverse gears and is a key part for
holding all the internals together. It has been a major failure item since the 700's inception.
Originally, the Low and Reverse clutch roller race rode against the shell, separated only by a
thin thrust washer. Aftermarket beast shells became available made from thicker material
around the neck. A Torrington bearing replaced the spindly thrust washer, and better roller
races became available as well. Finally, starting in 2001, GM completely redesigned the sun
shell. The thrust washer was eliminated, and a new fully rollerized thrust bearing was added to
the reaction carrier shaft and front carrier ring gear. The new-design sun gear shell (GM PN
24229604), reaction carrier shaft (PN 24222756), and sun shell thrust bearing (PN 24217328)
will back-fit as a complete assembly.

The original reaction shaft and input gear (left) were prone to wear in the shaft bushing area
and to spline breakage. Starting in 1987 on high-perf apps, GM went to tougher material and
revised the input gear to accommodate an improved five-disc 3-4 clutch pack (center). The '01-
and-up design gets the roller bearing and accommodates a six-disc clutch pack (right).

The original reaction shaft and input gear (left) were prone to wear in the shaft bushing

Sun shells, from left: original stock with thin thrust washer and stock roller race; thick,
aftermarket sun shell with Torrington bearing and heavy-duty race; and '01-and-later GM new-
design setup with thrust bearing on the reaction shaft.

Sun shells, from left: original stock with thin thrust washer and stock roller race; thick
3 Input Clutch Housing (below left and center)
Over the years, both GM and the aftermarket have upgraded the input housing. The material
thickness was increased, the input shaft hardened, and the housing depth slightly increased to
accommodate additional 3-4 clutch packs.

TH700s first used a weak 27-spline input shaft (left). Starting in 1984, V-8/V6-90 versions got a
larger, 30-spline input (center). Separate-bellhousing 4L60Es use a 30-spline input with a
revised tip (right). Torque-converter selection must match the input-shaft design. Upgrading a
27-spline input to 30-spline configuration also requires changing the forward clutch assembly
and front pump.


TH700s first used a weak 27-spline input shaft (left). Starting in 1984, V-8/V6-90 version



On stock input housings, cracks often form near the female splines, which could lead to
complete trans failure. A special 30-spline input housing available from aftermarket suppliers is
reinforced with a steel collar. It also has a shot-peened input shaft that's been cryogenically
treated for strength. The entire housing is X-rayed for cracks then spin-balanced at 9,000 rpm.



On stock input housings, cracks often form near the female splines, which could lead to co

In 1987, GM changed from a steel apply piston with a check ball in the housing (left) to an
aluminum piston with relief holes in the piston (right, arrows). The early design had a wavy
spring clutch plate. The late style has a conical spring clutch plate. This change eliminates the
clunk going from Neutral/Park into Reverse. You can upgrade to these parts as a set.


In 1987, GM changed from a steel apply piston with a check ball in the housing (left) to a
4 Reverse Input Housing (above right)

The reverse input housing engages Reverse, but it also supports the 2-4 band. Check the drum
surface carefully for signs of wear. Because of the nonadjustability of the band that contacts
the drum, there is no way to resurface the drum without having adjustment problems or
having the drum crack if returned to service. Drums manufactured starting midway through
the '86 model year are slightly thicker in the 2-4 band apply area, which improves 2-4 band
performance.

5 Front Pump

Overall pump design has been continually upgraded to improve hydraulic pressure. There are
three major factory pump designs: one for the early small input shaft and torque converter,
one for the '84-'96 large input shaft and torque converter, and one for '97-and-up
transmissions. The early style had only a 7-vane pump; the second design (usually cast 732 on
the cover) had a 10-vane rotor set, and the beefy, late third-design has 13 vanes. There are
subvariants that may affect interchange, but in general, the '84-'95 10-vane pump can replace
a 7-vane pump by plugging its auxiliary valvebody port and changing the reverse drum and
torque converter. Installing the 13-vane pump in place of an early 7- or 10-vane pump requires
considerable machining to back-fit as a complete assembly.
Oil-pump performance may be further improved by modifying control orifice size, altering
spool valve land shapes, and adjusting spool valve diameters to meet specific operational
requirements. For example, boost-valve pressure-regulator components installed in the pump
cover regulate boost-line pressure throughout the trans. Up to a point, higher pressure is
better.

It is possible to install upgraded rotor sets into existing pump housings. The 13-vane rotor
components (right) can replace the 10-vane (center) or 7-vane (left). However, the vane-sets
are select-fit components requiring precise assembly techniques.

It is possible to install upgraded rotor sets into existing pump housings. The 13-vane rot

The pump slide spring fits into the pump body. The early single-piece slide spring is no good
and should be replaced by an '86-and-later dual spring (shown). Sonnax offers a high-output
pump slide spring, PN 77722-01K.

The pump slide spring fits into the pump body. The early single-piece slide spring is no g

The TH700/4L60 (left group) uses different pressure regulators than a 4L60E (right group). In
1987, GM upped boost valve outside diameter from 0.496 inch to 0.500 inch. For even more
pressure in a full-race app, install a B&M blue spring and 0.570 extreme valve. Up the 4L60E's
aluminum sleeve-and-valve combo from 0.496 to 0.500 and go to a stiffer spring.

The TH700/4L60 (left group) uses different pressure regulators than a 4L60E (right group).
6 Valvebody
There are several major valvebody configurations. The early '82-'87 configuration had no
auxiliary valvebody; the torque converter clutch (TCC) lockup function was actuated
hydraulically at a set pressure without computer input. Although this makes retrofit easy into
early vehicles, the first-generation valvebodies often have leaky, low-capacity 1-2 and 3-4 shift
valves that produce inconsistent shift quality.
The late '87-'93 second-design valvebody solved the problems. It added an additional auxiliary
valvebody to fix a Park/Drive bang/clunk problem. A new abuse valve smoothed out rock-
shifting, helping cars get out of snow and mud easier. A new one-piece 1-2 shift valve
improved consistency, reduced leakage, and permitted downshifting from Second to First gear
at fairly high rpm. The 3-4 shift valve was redesigned to permit WOT 3-4 upshifts. B&M offers
the improved WOT 3-4 upshift kit under PN 70249.
Most second-generation valvebodies have a plugged TCC hydraulic lockup port, as GM
transferred TCC lockup control directly to the engine computer. The early valve can be
installed in place of the port plug to permit locking up the TCC via hydraulic pressure through
the '88 models. From '89-'93, the former TCC hydraulic lockup port is completely blocked off,
and no valve can be retrofitted. Instead, a computer or electric toggle switch is needed to
actuate TCC lockup. Various coordinated aftermarket shift-improver kits are also available to
recalibrate the shift feel on pre-4L60E valvebodies.
The 4L60E phased in a valvebody controlled by the computer acting through electric solenoids
in lieu of shift valves. There is no interchange between E and non-E valvebodies.

A typical 700-R4 valvebody, showing the TCC hydraulic lockup, 3-4 shift valve, 2-3 shift valve no
changes needed), and 1-2 shift valve. Early designs used a hydraulically-actuated valve for TCC
lockup. '87-'88 bodies still have the port, but it's plugged; the A1 parts can be swapped in to
achieve pressure-based TCC lockup. You can replace leaky early 3-4 parts with the '88-'93 parts
for improved performance. Stock early and late 1-2 parts don't interchange, but higher-
capacity aftermarket replacements for early 1-2 parts are available.

A typical 700-R4 valvebody, showing the TCC hydraulic lockup, 3-4 shift valve, 2-3 shift v

An improved throttle-valve sleeve was used on some high-perf apps. It allowed the trans to
stay in Fourth at WOT. If the existing throttle-plunger valve is stamped 94, the assembly can be
upgraded. Caution: For durability, prolonged WOT Fourth gear operation requires upgrading
other internal parts and performing oiling mods. B&M sells the sleeve under PN 70237.

An improved throttle-valve sleeve was used on some high-perf apps. It allowed the trans to

Rather than messing with the valvebody or governor weights to change shift quality, on a
4L60E and derivatives, you reflash the computer. Aftermarket standalone computers are
available for retrofit applications. TCI PN 377010 fits the 4L60E as well as the TH400's
electronic overdrive descendent, the 4L80E.

Rather than messing with the valvebody or governor weights to change shift quality, on a 4
Servo Assembly
The 2-4 servo assembly applies the 2-4 band. Upgraded servo assemblies have more surface
area and volume to increase the holding force and yield firmer shifts. The best GM servo was
used on C4/C5 Corvettes, as well as '93-and-later Camaros and Firebirds equipped with LT1
and LS1 engines. TCI sells the Corvette servo assembly under PN 376003. Aftermarket Super
Hold servos are available with even more holding power. Changing the servo should be
coordinated with valvebody recalibration, all matched to the intended application. Production
inner (second apply) and outer (fourth apply) servo pistons can even be mixed and matched to
fine-tune the feel.
Governor
Valvebody mods contained in typical aftermarket shift-improver kits can alter individual shift
points, but playing with the governor weights allows the end user to change all shift points
equally. The 4L60E no longer has a governor.

The best stock governor is the Corvette-style with pointed weights (Sonnax PN 730. The Vette
weights are lighter than typical standard V-8 governors with square weights. The B&M
governor recalibration kit (PN 20248, bottom) allows the end user to adjust the mile-per-hour
shift points of the trans. It also fits the GM TH200, TH350, and TH400. Also note the TCC lockup
plug used on TH700/4L60 (non-E) versions.


The best stock governor is the Corvette-style with pointed weights (Sonnax PN 730. The Vet

Typical servo assemblies, from left: GM standard, light-heavy-duty, and Corvette, with (arrow)
improved '85-and-up 2-4 servo cover that retrofits with the correct cover seal. Aftermarket
servos require their own covers, like the Sonnax and Superior Super Hold servos shown on the
right that yield 40-50 percent more holding power in Overdrive.

Typical servo assemblies, from left: GM standard, light-heavy-duty, and Corvette, with (ar

Complete transmissions upgraded with good heavy-duty parts are available from reputable
aftermarket performance trans specialists like B&M and TCI.