Overdrive trans in a K20?
 

Just out of curiosity, how would a new process overdrive trans (NV883) handle in a stock k20? Is the gearing such that it can tow decent sized loads or was it meant for 1/2 ton trucks only? Anyone have an opinion on this? There is one for sale in my area, and the O/D option would be a welcome change for me haha.

Re: Overdrive trans in a K20?
 

I would look in to a nv4500 swap or maybe a gear vendors overdrive on your stock trans.

Re: Overdrive trans in a K20?
 

The overdrive version is a 1/2 ton trans. It was never sold by GM behind anything more powerful than the 305, and never in a 3/4 ton. If you never off road or tow, and drive it like your truck is a 1/2 ton with funny bolt pattern wheels then it would be OK.

Will it work, yes, if you are gentle with it and get the cast iron version and don't have a big block and don't tow big load in overdrive and...

Re: Overdrive trans in a K20?
 

:lol:

Re: Overdrive trans in a K20?
 

Thanks guys, that answers my question, if I do ever swap my trans it will probably be for a NV4500. Seems like the most reasonable option. Whats the value of one of those trans in used condition(NV4500)? I don't even know what they go for.

Re: Overdrive trans in a K20?
 

I just bought my second one last week for $500. My first one was newly rebuilt and I pad $1200 for it and a new clutch, bellhousing, etc. You are way better off to buy a truck and get everything with it.

Re: Overdrive trans in a K20?
 

You will easily outstrip the cost and time investment of a Gear Vendors unit putting in NV4500. I've done both.
The GV unit will allow gear splits when towing big heavy stuff.

Re: Overdrive trans in a K20?
 

[QUOTE=D13;7911572]The overdrive version is a 1/2 ton trans. It was never sold by GM behind anything more powerful than the 305, and never in a 3/4 ton. If you never off road or tow, and drive it like your truck is a 1/2 ton with funny bolt pattern wheels then it would be OK.
Maybe it was a Canadian thing, because I had a 82 GMC K25 with the A833 and it was factory. Also back in 83, the tool push on a rig just north of us had the same truck only a 83 model. 6.2/A833/208.... nice combo.

Re: Overdrive trans in a K20?
 

[QUOTE=Rubble;7912491
Maybe it was a Canadian thing, because I had a 82 GMC K25 with the A833 and it was factory. Also back in 83, the tool push on a rig just north of us had the same truck only a 83 model. 6.2/A833/208.... nice combo.[/QUOTE]

Keith shared the powertrain charts that showed it was only available with 305, 4.3, or the 6.2 diesel which has the same hp/torque ratings as a 305. So I suppose someone could order it in a light 3/4 ton. The 4wd ones have the cast iron case and would be nice as long as you didn't overload it. I thought about making that same combo, 6.2/A833/NP208, but my left knee has decided I need to sell my A833's and put in 700R4's. Ah, the joys of old age.:waah:

Re: Overdrive trans in a K20?
 

Also had a lite duty 84 K20 with a 350 and the factory overdrive transmission, 8200 gvw.
They were made, just weren't available with the C6P option.

Re: Overdrive trans in a K20?
 

Interestingly enough, I used to own the truck that I'd be pulling it out of, it is the 4 wheel drive cast iron model. Was strapped to a 6.2 in a 1982 K10. It was a family members that they had bought new. Granted, now it's all rusted apart and sitting in the guys backyard I sold it to. I have a camper I plan on carrying around in my bed as well as towing a lake boat with my K20 regularly so maybe it's best not to swap that specific OD trans in.