An education about "13 vane" 4L60E pumps

[CPT]

I'm sure many of you have seen the term "13 vane pump" used in some build advertising. What most people aren't aware of is that this is nothing more than a selling gimmich. Earlier 4L60Es came with 10 vane pumps. It's common practice to install a 13 vane rotor, guide, and 3 extra vanes in a 10 vane pump, and call it a "13 vane pump". The problem with this is, it serves no advantage, as a matter of fact, a 13 vane rotor is weaker than a 10 vane rotor. A REAL 13 vane pump will be cast with "13V" on both the body side and stator side of the pump. A real 13 vane pump has longer feed slots in the stator support (cover), and longer feed slots on the pump slide. Just swapping the rotor, guide, and vanes make no difference on overall pressure or pressure stability.
To add to that, when a rotor breaks, it breaks at the vane slots. Adding 3 more vane slots adds 3 more potential failure areas. We have seen a much higher rotor failure rate in 13 vane rotors than 10 vane rotors.
So, why do so many companies use them? Well, they cost the same as a 10 vane rotor, and it looks good on paper...LOL

Frank

[chile]

Made this a stickie. Very good info Frank. A good way to educate our fellow members.