4l60e Vs 4l65e Vs 4l70e | Which One is Better?

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Transmission is the most important part of your car that converts the engine’s combustion power to momentum which drives the wheels. The clutch will bridge the transmission, so you can change gears when you press the clutch pedal.

If your car model is featured with one of these three 4l60e, 4l65e, and 4l70e or you want to interchange your transmission with these three, you have to know that which is best for you.

Though these three transmission modes look similar in the picture, but there is a huge difference between these transmissions.

Both three indicate different capacities, improved torque, increased durability. It is virtually impossible to compare the 4L60 vs 4L65E vs 4l70e which has internal improvements to torque capacity.

Quick Comparison -> 4l60e vs 4l65e vs 4l70e

Name	4l60e	4l65e	4l70e
Type	4-speed Automatic Overdrive	Automatic Overdrive	Automatic Overdrive
Application	GM Cars – GMC, Chevy/Chevrolet, Buick	GM Cars – GMC, Chevy/Chevrolet, Buick	GM Cars – GMC, Chevy/Chevrolet, Buick
Weight	150 lbs dry	120 lbs	140 lbs
Length	23.5″	22’’
Gear ratio	1: 3.059 2: 1.625 3: 1.00 4: 0.696 R: 2.294	1st gear: 3. 06 2nd gear: 1.62 3rd gear: 1 4th gear: 0.69	1st gear: 3.06. 2nd gear: 1.62. 3rd gear: 1.00. 4th gear: 0.70.
Case Material	Aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum
Max Torque	350 ft.-lbs	430 ft.-lbs	495 ft.-lbs

Differences between the 4L60E vs 4L65E vs 4L70E transmission

Both the three transmissions look quite similar in the pictures but there are a lot of things that are different between these transmissions. You will find some significant differences between these three transmissions if you carry out more in-depth research.

1. The size & weight

When you compare with the transmission the biggest difference occurs with the size & the weight between the 4L60E, 4L65E, and the 4L70E transmission.

The 4L65E is 120 lbs and the length is 22 inches. This one is much smaller and lighter than the 4L60E. The 4L60E has a weight of 150 lbs and a length of 23.5″ that is larger than 4l65e.

The 4L70e weighs 140 lbs. Through this, you can probably calculate the huge size and weight difference between 4L60E, 4L65E, and 4L70E transmissions.

2. Gear ratios

Gear ratios of 4L60E, 4L65E, and 4L70E transmission are different from each other. So, you will find a lot of differences between these transmissions. It will help you to compare which one is best if you are going to swap them, which is the gear ratios. The 4L60e has a 1st gear ratio of 3.059:1 while the 4L65E comes with the 1st gear: 3. 06.

The 4L70e has a gear ratio of 3.06:1. This is important to keep in mind if you are thinking of swapping between any of these transmissions. You can compensate for the new gear ratio with another rear axle differential, so this is not always a big problem, but it’s good to know about.

3. Max torque

In these three transmissions, you will find a large difference between durability and performance. This happens because of the larger internals inside the transmissions. The 4l60e transmission can handle a max torque of 350 ft.-lbs which is good enough for your car. The 4l65e can handle 430 ft.-lbs. torque or even more.

The 4L70E can handle 495 ft.-lbs of torque. These numbers can compare a lot. So, you will get a lot of different answers about how much these can handle. We have to remember that there is a big difference in the durability between an old transmission and a new one. So, the condition of the transmission is important when you want to know the max torque.

4. Wiring harness, controller & sensors

The wiring harness and the transmission control unit of these three transmissions are completely different and are not compatible with each other.

There are also differences when it comes to the sensors, mainly that the 4L60e has 4-speed sensors. 4L70E is a stronger transmission. It’s made of sterner stuff that comes with an input shaft speed sensor.

The 4L65E Input Speed Sensor (3 Prong). If you want to swap between these transmissions, buy the control unit and the harness.

5. Wiring harness

It will appear a huge difference when it comes to the wirings and sensors for the transmissions. You can do it yourself and rewire the OEM wirings. However, it’s pretty difficult and time-consuming and it’s not a job for a beginner. A much easier way to do it is to purchase a pre-made swap kit harness. However, it is not cheap but you will save a lot of time and headache.

6. Driveshaft/prop shaft

The 4l60e 4l60, 4l65e, and 4l70e driveshaft are different and this has to be considered when doing your swap. However, the same thing applies here. If your car model came with the 4l60e, 4l70e or 4l65e transmission get a driveshaft from one of these models if possible.

If you can find it there are a lot of shops that can make the driveshaft shorter for you. You can also go for a driveshaft on other models if you can find one with the same length.

7. Price

You will find a difference in the price of these three transmissions. As the 4L60e is more common than the 4L70e and 4L65e there is a big difference in the pricing of both used and new transmissions. This also applies to the parts because there are much easier and more available parts & whole transmissions of the 4L60e than the 4L70e and 4L65e.

If you have a 4L60e, you can check out the junkyard and find parts for your transmission. But it depends on where you live. However, you can also find both new and used transmissions and parts online such as amazon.

Similarities between these transmissions

If you are looking at the transmission, they actually look pretty much the same, featured with the same functions depending on the year of the transmissions. One of the biggest similarities is these transmissions are electronically controlled. The bolt pattern for the transfer case is similar. So, it will fit in a swap easily without problems.

Read More: How To Turn Off Stabilitrak In Different Car Models?

Pan & pan gasket

If you are looking towards the transmission fluid pan, you will find a big difference between the transmissions. This is a great way of identifying if you have a 4L60e or a 4L70e or a 4L65E transmission in your car.

The 4L60e, 4L65E, and 4L70E have a rectangular pan & gasket of 16 bolts. The pan is the same in these transmissions. so, you will find similarities in these transmissions.

4l60e, 4l65e, and 4l70e swap kit

If you have gone through the recent information, you may have figured out already that swapping between these transmissions is not plug & play at all.

There are a lot of differences in these transmissions and here are some of the things you have to consider if you are going to swap the 4L60e for a 4L65e transmission. Keep in mind that some points can differ depending on the year and the car model. So, the transmission and the car you are swapping in will be different too.

Swapping a 4l65e transmission to a 4l70e transmission or a 4l65e to 4l70e is not an easy job, but it’s totally doable if you are willing to spend some time and money. Here are the things you have to look out for:

Transmission tunnel

Because of the larger size of the transmission, you may have to modify the transmission on the car that you are going to swap it to. Sometimes, the car models come with both 4L60e, 4l65e, and 4l70e from the manufacturer.

However, sometimes you have to use a hammer to make it fit properly. Otherwise, you can take help from a car expert. The 4L65-E can directly replace a 300mm TC version of the 4L60-E.

The 300mm torque converter is used behind all Gen-III/IV engines with the 4L60-E. These have a specific bell housing and input shaft. The 4L70E is a stronger transmission. It’s made of sterner stuff and an input shaft speed sensor.

Dipstick

The dipstick is different on the 4l60, 4l65e, and 4l70e transmission. You have to consider this thing when doing your swap.

If your car model came from a factory with the 4l70e or 4l65e you will get a dipstick from a transmission that has been fitted in one of these cars. Besides, some custom solutions can be done. So, you can get a flexible dipstick like this one for 4l80e:

Flex plate/torque converter

You have two ways on this one to make it work properly. You can get a special adapter kit that normally includes a spacer and an input shaft. It will make it work with your converter. Besides, you can use the flexplate and the torque converter from the 4l70e or 4l65transmission.

ECM

The engine control unit often has to get reflash and reprogrammed for the 4l650e transmission to work properly. You can search the net or watch videos, or find a local dealer to do this job for you. You will also find premade control units for this.

However, it’s pretty expensive. If you are making any modifications to the engine let a tuner do the transmission reprogramming at the same time as they are turning the engine on the dyno.

Overview of 4l60e vs 4l65e vs 4l70e

4l60e Transmission

The 4L60E is a series of automatic transmissions. This one is designed for longitudinal engine configurations of the series. This 4l60e includes 4 forward gears and 1 reverse gear.

Besides, this transmission is electronically commanded evolution of the Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4. Their Stage 2 Pro Race can handle power. The Invincible Black Edition 4L60E trans can support over 1,000 ponies.

The 4L60E won’t take 500HP for long if you beat on it. This is a good transmission, but for others, it appears as if it is the worst transmission ever made. Due to a faulty throttle position sensor, the 1-2 shift failure happens to this transmission system.

The 1-2 shift failure on the leak in the 2nd gear applies circuit servo assembly or 1-2 accumulator. You can also test for this by using an external pressure gauge.

The 300mm input shaft, and 300mm pump were featured on models coupled to a Gen III Small Block. The 4L60E is designed to handle up to 360 ft·lbs. (488 Nm) of torque. It weighs 133 pounds without fluid.

4l655e Transmission

The 4L65E transmission is built for Chevrolet and is an improved version of the 4L60E, and a successor to the 700R4. This one is an excellent automatic transmission that includes a five-pinion gearset, an overdrive, and a stock torque of about 380 ft.

With some elbow grease, the right parts, and a good deal of experience this one is a great GM transmission. The 4L65E is ideal for a high amount of torque, as it has a five-pinion design and 3-4 clutch, and improved hydraulic fluid capacity.

This attachment makes it a clear winner over the 4L60E for heavier builds with the more required power. When it comes to a custom-built 4L65E transmission, the best thing is that even a transmission that operates on a mediocre level performance-wise can be brought up to spec with a full redo.

You can change the input shaft with a completely revamped electronic control system. The speed sensor, a custom shift kit, better cooler prevents overheating under pressure. It can be changed for an extra capacity pan for up to 14 quarts of transmission fluid.

So, if you don’t need the extra power and an extra pinion, jumping to a 4L65E might not be worth it. Besides, a heavier torque and horsepower are better with something stronger.

4l70e Transmission

The 4L70E is a good transmission designed to have more torque capacity. This one offers better capacity than the 4L60E and 4L65E. The 4L70E transmission is pretty much automatic overdrives. It is based on the old Turbo-Hydramatic 350 transmission.

There aren’t any external or physical differences in the case. Even the cases are still stamped 4L60E. It offers 450 horsepower and you need some improved performance components in the 4L70E transmission. The 450 horsepower and 425-pound feet of torque can handle more power.

The final iteration in a line of 4-speed automatic transmissions starts with the 700R4, the 4L70E is often compared to its nearly identical predecessor, the 4L60E. but there are some who contend that the differences are negligible at best.

This four-speed automatic transmission featured five-pinion gearsets and a heat-treated stator shaft spline. The induction-hardened turbine shaft and the seven-plate clutch provide specific valve-body calibration.

This transmission offers a connect & Cruise crate powertrain system that provides factory-matched engine-and-transmission combinations that include specially calibrated controllers and wire harnesses designed for retrofit installations in older vehicles.

FAQs

Final Thought

I have you have got the overview of 4l60e vs 4l65e vs 4l70e. These three transmissions are completely different even the look and design are quite different.  the 4l60e is larger but the performance level is quite low than the other two.

You can take 4l65e for more power. If you are willing to swap your transmission, try to get as many parts as possible from the 4l645e or 4l70e transmission that you are purchasing, like the torque converter, flex plate, dipstick, etc.

I hope I have covered the most important parts when it comes to the difference and the swapping between the 4l60e, 4l65, and 4l70e transmissions. So, follow this guide before changing your car transmission.