700-R4 (4L60) Performance Transmission Build Guide

700-R4 (4L60) Performance Transmission

Introduced in 1982, the 4-speed Overdrive GM 700-R4 transmission — also known as the 4L60 — remains a popular option for street/strip performance applications. Most of the unit’s internal components are shared with the ’93-later 4L60-E, which was regularly improved/revised up through 2010. This means many of the Sonnax parts developed to improve 4L60-E performance and durability also can be used in the 700-R4.

As a little background, the 700-R4 is a GM Turbo-Hydramatic unit known by a number of acronyms, including TH700R4, TH 700R4, THM700R4 and THM 700R4. A little less commonly known is that the 700-R4 is the exact same transmission as a GM 4L60. The OEM simply changed the official name of the unit in 1989 — some eight years after the 700-R4 was introduced. This new naming convention continued with the later 4-speed, electronically-controlled series of units designated as the 4L60-E, 4L65-E, 4L70-E and 4L75-E. The valve body itself is the biggest difference between these two types of 4-speeds. The 700-R4 has a cast iron valve body controlled by throttle cable and mechanical governor determining shift points. The 4L60-E has an aluminum valve body with computer-controlled solenoids actuating the shifts.

Benefits of the 700-R4 are many. A steep 1^st Gear gets heavy vehicles moving and makes for great burnouts, while the Overdrive 4^th Gear delivers lower-cruise RPM. Compared to other transmissions, the 700-R4 is a compact unit, is familiar to many and usually simple to install without a computer. For those looking to improve 700-R4 torque capacity, a common question is: how much horsepower can the 700-R4 handle? While it’s an older transmission, the 700-R4 is no slouch and still very capable in many applications up to about 750HP. The following Sonnax transmission components are recommended for maximizing durability in any build.

Fine Tuning Shift Feel

700-R4 (4L60) Clutch Feed Orifices to Drill to Fine Tune Shift Feel

Drilling clutch feed orifices is a proven way to reduce clutch engagement time and firm-up shift feel. This helps with otherwise lazy-shifting transmissions, hardworking commercial applications or units modified for performance use. It is very easy to use the wrong size drill, though, and produce harsh shifts. If you want to enlarge feed orifices in the 700-R4 or other GM transmissions, learn how to avoid problems by picking the right drill size in our guide to Drilling Orifices the Smart Way. A good starting point when tuning transmissions for shorter shifts is to increase clutch feed holes sizes by 20% area. For even firmer shifts or with high-stall converters that tend to dampen shifts, go up to 50% larger.

Further fine tuning shift characteristics with the 700-R4’s old-school, mechanical controls is challenging, especially with the variety of OE core calibrations out there. A more modern, 4L60-E series unit with electronic controls will support easier, more predictable adjustments through aftermarket tuning techniques. If you are really looking to take performance to the next level with all the advantages of modern programming and greater horsepower potential, check out these Sonnax build charts for 4L60-E series transmissions.

Gregg Nader is the Sonnax high performance transmission product line manager. He is a member of the Sonnax TASC Force (Technical Automotive Specialties Committee), a group of recognized industry technical specialists, transmission rebuilders and Sonnax technicians.