The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - Give me the really big picture on manual trans options

whtgmc68 · 06-30-2019, 03:08 PM

A NV4500 swap is very pricey. Five years ago I paid $3,100 for a new Dodge NV4500 with a GM input and a rebuilt Dodge NP205 that I put in my 68. With the necessary bellhousing and clutch components, it was a $4,000 swap. This configuration was only about an inch longer than the SM465/NP205 combo that it replaced.

I have a fairly thirsty 383 and it will get about 15 MPG when driving two lane roads at about 60 mph. I consider this pretty good mileage for a 400 HP engine, 35" tires, 4.56 gears and 1-ton axles. The engine turns about 2000 RPM @ 60 mph and about 2700 @ 80 but I do very little interstate driving.

All in all, I can't say it is cost effective but it is a discussion point with someone every time I drive the truck and if the lower revs help keep the engine around longer, I am OK with the expense.

06-30-2019, 03:08 PM	#18
whtgmc68 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: King, NC Posts: 63	Re: Give me the really big picture on manual trans options A NV4500 swap is very pricey. Five years ago I paid $3,100 for a new Dodge NV4500 with a GM input and a rebuilt Dodge NP205 that I put in my 68. With the necessary bellhousing and clutch components, it was a $4,000 swap. This configuration was only about an inch longer than the SM465/NP205 combo that it replaced. I have a fairly thirsty 383 and it will get about 15 MPG when driving two lane roads at about 60 mph. I consider this pretty good mileage for a 400 HP engine, 35" tires, 4.56 gears and 1-ton axles. The engine turns about 2000 RPM @ 60 mph and about 2700 @ 80 but I do very little interstate driving. All in all, I can't say it is cost effective but it is a discussion point with someone every time I drive the truck and if the lower revs help keep the engine around longer, I am OK with the expense.