My Mean 350

[Stewzer55]

Also, the 4L65e sunshell is nearly identical to the beast.

 

[lusktommy]

Also, the 4L65e sunshell is nearly identical to the beast.

good to know thanks!

 

[HotRodPC]

i have one that came out of a 1993 burb 1500..it has the what i call the rainbow mark on the side of the case...from my understanding that supposed to be the better 700r4s...and yeah i have a overhual manual that im going by and i talk to summit a couple of times before i got the kit just to make sure that it would work..

That just ensures you have a later model, and I've also seen the later model not have it. Also, No pressure ports on the passenger side of the case is another tell tale that it's a later model, but some of the early good models do have pressure parts and no rainbows. The most important part is just to be able to see the #'s and KNOW you have a 93 model unit. That's the better unit for certain. 88 and up is what you want. 87 will work too, but 88 up to be sure.

 

[lusktommy]

alrighty. its getting dark out ill go out tomorrow and check it out.......its kinda funny after 2 years of not messing with this stuff..you kinda forget the specifics you once knew about something...lol

 

[HotRodPC]

Also, the 4L65e sunshell is nearly identical to the beast.

I wasn't aware of that. Is it actually the Smart Shell? If so, it would be in the later 4L65's but doubtful in the early ones.

 

[Stewzer55]

It could be the smart shell, the 4L65 has a stronger sun shell than the 4L60 and it has one more planetary pinion like the beast does too. I think they 4L65 had some changes in the clutch packs to increase the power handling capabilities.

 

[HotRodPC]

There's an extra clutch in the 3/4 clutch pack, 5 pinion planets which is a no biggie since 4L60-E never had a problem there, the GM Smart Shell that started in I think 05 and actually has a bearing race as a thrust washer. Some say there is some added hardening of the input and output shafts too but I highly doubt that. I've seen several 4L65-E's get shattered on the track. They come in Vette's, GTO's, Denali and Escalades. Probably in the later trucks too until the 6 speed came about. Nice to have the little added features, but most are really not all that big of a deal.

And a huge mistake guys make, they go buying these Chinese 5 pinion planets off of ebay, or "Hardened Sun Shell" that is NOT the Beast or GM Smart Shell, and that **** is actually weaker than the original weak Sun Shell or GM's OEM 4 pinion planets. Stick To Sonnax or GM OEM parts and you're better off.

 

[lusktommy]

good info HR, ive seen some of those foreign make kits, they are cheaper but like you said they made cheaper too...ive done smartened up and i only by trusted names here in the USA for engine and drivetrain parts..there is no substitute for when your talking reliability and durability..