Hi, This may be a lame idea, well any way, I have this 87" chev pickup that came to me with no trans. I just happen to have this 4L60E out of a astro van mid 90's. Of course the elec. plug ins are totally different, but I think that the 700 and the 4L are cousins per say. My lack of knowledge about auto transmissions is considerable, I would like to use the 4L60E if at all possible, I know the van it came out of had low miles and it is clean inside. If anybody out there can shed a little light on possible solutions to the compatibility issues of these two trans. I would really be grateful. Thanks Dave

I just checked out the Compushift site, I sure hope that there are other options. I didn't pay that much for the truck and the 4L60E combined. If anyone out there really knows these transmissions please enlighten me. Thanks Dave

I just checked out the Compushift site, I sure hope that there are other options. I didn't pay that much for the truck and the 4L60E combined. If anyone out there really knows these transmissions please enlighten me. Thanks Dave

On a 87 you have to use the 700R4.

The 4L60E has to have a transmission and engine computer VCM and all wiring and engine sensors capable of shifting and controling it.

On a 87 you have to use the 700R4.


Keep in mind that you can also use a 4L60 (not the 'E' version).
This trans is virtually identical to a 700R4, but it simply has a different name, and was made from 1989 (I think) to the early '90's.

I would say, sell the 4L60E trans and buy a 700R4 or 4L60 trans. This will be much cheaper and easier than trying to convert your existing trans.

Avoid using a pre-1987 700R4. They will work but have some reliability issues.

Also, does your truck have a mechanical speedometer or electronic? Try to get a trans with a compatible speed sender. It's easy to convert an electronic-speedo trans to a mechanical and vice-versa.... only if you have all the parts. So its easier to know this so you know what to buy.

Ok I figured as much, I guess thats what craigslist is for. Maybe I can find somebody to trade me. So like a pre- 92' 4L60 will work, thats good to know. Someone out there surely will need this one or I do have an old M-21 laying around, that could be fun. Thanks Fella's

HMM: YES IT CAN BE DONE Two(three) different ways with NO ECM Mods.

If you have ever driven an automatic with a manual valve body I don’t see a problem.

The 700r4 is a tuff as nails tranny and the is just a renamed 460 (not as good as the 465 some say). They are a little different with a few mods and the ones made after 95 have the snap in cooling lines, and upgraded input shaft. The 460e CAN be used without a computer if you did not mind electrically shifting it. But that would be a pain to fabricate. You allow the computer you have handle the TCC, and then make either a switch box, or a install switches on the shifter to do what the 460 needs to shift. driving just like a car with a manual valve body . I don’t know if you have the illuminated dash with separate lights in it or not, for P R OD 3 2 1 but if you do you can make the tranny shift correctly with a few wires and two relays run off those lights. You can also fabricate a bracket and replace the shift lever nut (on the tranny or under the dash) with a cap screw so that it would activating two micro switches and one diode
The E tranny has two electric valves that turn on and off to shift automatically. If the fuse is blown the default gear is 2. If you manually select 1 first it will go into 1, so the only electric shifting you need is for 3 and OD. The tranny requires a ground on SOL 2 to activate 3rd, and a ground on sol 1,2 to activate 4th.
If memory serves correct the entire electric shift pattern when in drive is. SOL1 First, nothing for second, sol2 for 3rd, and sol1/2 for 4th.
The 465 does not have the external Modulator valve/pressure regulator and I am not sure if the pressure is regulated internally (some one sound off) but if the pressure is not regulated by the ECM..... That one will work also.

There is a difference from,
Can cant
Will wont

Dont let any one kid you, it can be don, Heck my mother is still driving a Buick, that came with a 4l60E and it has been running great with a 4l60 and no codes/Mil just a little re wiring and swaping of the temp sensor. and an adjustable modulator valve

Far out. I knew this forum was a good idea. I am gonna' try that. I just have a couple more questions.The wire from the truck for the lock up I can track down, just wondering if you might know which pins on the trans connector are which, it sounds as if you have worked on autos for a while and I figured you might be able to save me some time. Also someone else told me that a manual shift valve body might work, if you say it wont I will believe you. I like the "can do", I also think anything is possible. I really hate the word can't I scold my kids for even saying it. The 87' Truck has the old style dash so I will have to use micro switches i do happen to have some of those laying around. Do you know if a speedo gear from a 700 will fit the 4L60E? Also I am unclear or rather my automatic information base is limited and was wondering how the TCC circuit works. More so what determines lock up? feedback from VSS and engine rpm? Throttle angle vs. speed? This truck uses a mechanical speedometer, i hope that doesnt throw a monkey wrench in the works. Please let me know. I am very confident that you will know. Thanks very much for the info. I look forward to your response. Sincerely Dave

Better Idea:

I dont know what year that you have but there is a transaxle switch on top of the tranny on the T and the L..... 460Es
that means that the fabrication is already done for you. The switches are normaly closed so you would have to use a normaly closed relay contact to make the sol activate when the switch on the tranny opens........

this link should give you the diodey gram of the tranny and everything els you should need for the OEM part http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/attachments/electrical-wiring-questions/30842d1164920445-shift-

the PWm is s modulated valve so that the TCC does not have a harsh engage ment. I dont remember if a low opens the valve full blast or if a low closes it. In any event that is the only thing you would have to play with because I do not know the DUty cycle of the valve

the manual valve bodies for the l460 is about 745$ http://www.importperformancetrans.com/gmautorwd.shtml