What transmission does the 2000 Silverado have?

The 2000 Chevrolet Silverado primarily used a four-speed automatic transmission, with the common 4L60-E for most half-ton (1/2-ton) models. Heavier-duty 3/4-ton configurations could use the 4L80-E, and a five-speed manual (NV4500) was available only on select heavy-duty 2500/2500HD builds. The exact transmission depends on engine, drivetrain, and trim, so checking the specific vehicle’s VIN or build sheet is important.

Overview of automatic versus manual options

To give readers a clearer sense of what was available across the Silverado line in 2000, here’s how the transmissions broke down by typical configuration. This section focuses on the factory-installed choices most buyers encountered during that model year.

Automatic transmissions

The 2000 Silverado offered two main four-speed automatics, with the 4L60-E being the standard for light- to mid-duty trucks and the 4L80-E serving heavier-duty applications.

• 4L60-E: The common four-speed automatic used on most 1/2-ton Silverado models, including many with the 4.3L V6 and various V8 options.


• 4L80-E: A heavier-duty four-speed automatic found on 3/4-ton and heavier configurations, suitable for higher torque and payload requirements (including some diesel-equipped trucks).

Notes: The majority of 1500 (half-ton) variants tended toward the 4L60-E, while 2500/2500HD vehicles and higher-tidelity configurations leaned toward the 4L80-E. Exact equipment can vary by market and option package; always verify on the specific vehicle.

Manual transmissions

A five-speed manual transmission was available only on select heavy-duty Silverado builds, making it a relatively rare configuration for the 2000 model year.

• NV4500: A five-speed manual found in some 2500/2500HD configurations, typically paired with certain heavy-duty engines and drivetrains.

Because manual options were limited in 2000, most Silverado buyers ended up with an automatic. Confirming the exact transmission requires checking the vehicle’s build sheet or VIN data plate.

How to confirm the exact transmission on a specific truck

Vehicle specifications can vary within the same model year, so the surest way to know which transmission a particular 2000 Silverado has is to verify the VIN and consult the GM build sheet or service documentation. A physical inspection of the transmission stamp or pan can also help identify whether you’re looking at a 4L60-E, 4L80-E, or NV4500.

Summary

For the 2000 Silverado, the most common transmission was a 4L60-E automatic on light- to mid-duty trucks, with the 4L80-E serving heavier-duty models. A five-speed manual (NV4500) was available only on select 2500/2500HD configurations. Engine, drivetrain, and trim determine the exact transmission, so it's best to verify with the vehicle’s VIN or build sheet to be certain.

What year did Chevy go to 4L60E?

Chevy started using the 4L60E transmission in 1993 for trucks, vans, and SUVs and in 1994 for passenger cars. The "E" stands for electronic, as this transmission was an electronically controlled version of the previous 4L60, which was used from 1990 to 1992.
 

• 1993: Introduced for medium-duty trucks, vans, and SUVs like the Chevrolet Astro, S-10 Blazer, and C/K 1500/2500. 
• 1994: Introduced for rear-wheel-drive passenger cars such as the Chevrolet Camaro, Caprice, and Corvette. 
• Transition: The transition from the older hydraulic 700R4 (and earlier 4L60) to the electronically controlled 4L60E happened in these two years, with the electronic version replacing the mechanical one. 

What kind of transmission is in a 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500?

A 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500 could have either an automatic or manual transmission, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The most common automatic transmission is the 4L60E, which was available in 2WD and 4WD models with engines like the 4.3L, 4.8L, and 5.3L. The manual transmission option was a 5-speed NV3500.
 
Automatic transmissions

• Model: Most commonly a 4L60E.
• Applicable Engines:
  • 4.3L V6
  • 4.8L V8
  • 5.3L V8
• Drive: Available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. 

Manual transmissions

• NV3500: Model: (or MG5).
• Drive: Available with 4x4.
• Gear: 5-speed. 

How do I tell if I have a 4L60 or 6L80?

Control like the other GM automatics the easiest way to identify a 4L80 is to look at the shape of the pan. And you can see compared to this 4L60 pan that the 4L80 pan is just enormous.

How do I tell if my transmission is a 4L60E?

You can identify a 4L60E by its case (one-piece for 1993-1997, two-piece with a removable bell housing for 1996-1999, and two-piece with a deeper bell housing for 2000-and-up), the number of bolts on the rear extension housing (4 bolts on older models, 6 bolts on newer models), and the presence of an electronic speed sensor and a 12-pin case connector. You can also find a stamped or stickered ID number on the case, often on the passenger side, which provides detailed manufacturing information.
 
This video explains how to identify a 4L60E by its case and connector: 1mTransmission BenchYouTube · Aug 7, 2014
Key identification features

• Case and Bell Housing:
  • 1993-1997: One-piece case and bell housing. 
  • 1996-1999: Two-piece case with a removable bell housing that bolts to the case. 
  • 2000 and later: Two-piece case with a deeper bell housing to accommodate a larger 300mm torque converter. 
• Rear Extension Housing:
  • 1993-1995: Four-bolt tailhousing pattern. 
  • 1996-2010: Six-bolt tailhousing pattern. 
• Connectors and Sensors:
  • All 4L60E transmissions have a 12-pin case connector on the passenger side. 
  • A vehicle speed sensor is located on the passenger side of the case (1996 and later). 
  • Early models (1993-1994) used an on/off TCC solenoid, while 1995 and newer models use a PWM solenoid with "PWM" cast into the pump cover. 

This video demonstrates how to identify a 4L60E from a 700R4: 43sMonster TransmissionYouTube · Feb 25, 2015
ID tag and stamped numbers

• Look for a sticker on top of the bell housing for the original identification tag. 
• Alternatively, look for a stamped ID number on the case. On earlier models, it's on the right rear side of the pan rail; on later models (1996 and up), it's on the bottom just in front of the tailshaft housing. 
• The number will follow a format like 3KCDY12345678, where the first digit indicates the year, the next letters identify the engine and transmission type, and the rest are serial and plant codes. 

You can watch this video to learn how to read the ID tag on a 4L60E: 58sCarport CustomsYouTube · Nov 8, 2024