Rebuilt 4L60E Transmission - Trans-Formational

While the transmission in... 

   

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While the transmission in our '96 coupe performed flawlessly at wide-open throttle, it was prone to the occasional slip or indecisive shift in everyday driving. Factor in a copious ATF leak, and it was clear that restorative measures were in order. (Photo by Kevin DiOssi)

To minimize the car's downtime... 

   

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To minimize the car's downtime during the rebuild, we obtained a used trans to serve as the foundation for the job. West Coast Vette specialists J&D Corvette sent us this low-mileage unit, which came out of a wrecked '94 model. Along with a vast inventory of new and used parts, J&D offers everything from light paint- and bodywork to complete Corvette restorations.

All of TCI's Pro Super rebuild... 

   

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All of TCI's Pro Super rebuild kits come with gaskets, seals, a high-volume filter, and everything else you'll need to perform a full, performance-oriented overhaul. Specifying the "Ultimate" version (PN 378955) nets you heavy-duty Alto Red Eagle clutches, power bands, and Kolene-treated steels in place of the standard-issue pieces. Since we'd also be adding a torque converter with a higher-than-stock stall speed, we decided to install one of TCI's Performance Coolers (PN 823500) as part of the job.

To minimize the car's downtime during the rebuild, we also obtained a used stock 4L60E from Vette-parts specialist J&D Corvette in Bellflower, California. J&D shipped us an almost-new unit from a wrecked '94 model, which we turned over to local tuner AntiVenom for the freshening-up work. Once that was done, the AV crew headed back to Source Interlink's lavishly equipped installation center to perform the swap. Follow along now as we take a closer look at both the parts themselves and the highlights of the job.

The stock 700R4/4L60E sun...        read full caption The stock 700R4/4L60E sun shell is famously failure prone. TCI's "Beast" unit (PN 373900) is thicker than the factory piece and uses a revised spline area that's better suited to high-horsepower use.

With the car on a lift, AntiVenom's...        read full caption With the car on a lift, AntiVenom's Casey Willard begins the job by removing the exhaust system aft of the catalytic converters.

With a stall speed of around...        read full caption With a stall speed of around 2,800 rpm (stock is approximately 1,800), this 10-inch StreetFighter torque converter (PN 243106) should boost the car's off-the-line verve immensely. A full complement of beefed-up internals-including needle bearings, furnace-brazed fins, and a heavy-duty lock-up piston-makes the StreetFighter's roughly $580 price tag a relative bargain.