NV3500, swappable?

[texanidiot25]

Been planning an OD trans swap this summer, but been wanting a stick shift all this time.

Then I stubbled onto this: http://houston.craigslist.org/pts/1135132844.html

NV3500, gotta be plenty tough for some (a lot) fun with a pretty mild small block, with all the freeway cruising I need, eh?

Having a hard time looking up any trucks with the swap. Wondering if shifter location would be a problem (EX: Camaro's T5 being in the seats), and what sort of clutch setup would be needed.

[texanidiot25]

On a side note, that maybe a 4500, considering it's out of a 3/4 ton.

I miss the edit button..

[BossHogg69]

yes it is a NV4500, and no I wouldn't even mess with a NV3500. It won't even hold up to any abuse with a stock 350 (a TBI one at that) much less a mildly built one. I had a '92 xcab 1500 shortbed and went through 3 NV3500's before finally getting tremec TKO500. I've talked to TONS of trans shops and different builders and they all say the same thing about the NV3500 - it won't hold up to any power, hauling, or a heavy vehicle. It's just weak. The NV4500 is very tough and very heavy. it's also got a super low 1st gear (as in granny). but as far as shifter location, the NV's will be about right in the middle of your seat and dash, just where you would want it.

I eventually sold the '92 and took the TKO out and put it in my '69. That Tremec is WELL worth the price. you may be able to find one used somewhere - that would be your best bet for a manual OD. It's a little like the T5, with the shifter at the rear of the trans.

[texanidiot25]

How are they with quick shifts? Lets say, compared to a 98 Wrangler 5 speed. The only other truckish manual I have driven, and it can be decently quick shifted.

Just want a nice, and cheap 5 speed, for the fun of rowing gears and OD. Granny 1st would make a great stump puller with the Dana 60 rear in my truck.


What is the best way to go about the clutch? Use later model stuff, or use stock 67-72 parts

[BossHogg69]

you'll have to use the hydraulic stuff from whatever trans you get (NV3500/4500). The NV3500 has an integral bellhousing and the slave cylinder is on the passenger side of the trans (opposite of where the clutch fork opening is on stock man trans from 67-72) You'd need the hydraulic master cylinder, the slave cylinder and lines from the master cylinder to the slave cylinder. you'll have to find a clutch pedal from a 67-72, mount it to your existing pedals (it will bolt right in) and then fab up a clutch rod to activate the master cylinder - this takes some fab work to get the proper ratio for the clutch pedal/master cylinder piston travel.

The NV4500 is definitely not 'quick shifting'. The NV3500 can be, but I had a Hurst shifter on mine (not just a Hurst stick, the whole shifter). The stock shifter is slow and notchy. Seriously, if you like breaking parts and changing transmissions, get the NV3500, because that's all it'll be good for if you decide to use one.

[BossHogg69]

here's a few pics of the Tremec install on my '69. this is similar to what'll be needed for a NV swap, since they use hydraulic clutches. My tremec is a little different, since I used a Hydraulic throwout bearing, but the principle is the same as far as the hydraulics go. I used a GM Muncie M21 bellhousing from a Chevelle/Vette four speed.

dang it, pics won't upload... I'll try again.

no dice. dunno what the deal is.

[texanidiot25]

For the pics, ever try photobucket? Good bit easier than the forum uploader.

I'm more into getting it done the 1st time. Super quick shifts is not a deal-breaker for me. I'll have to see if there are any kits to shorten the throw some, but other than that it's not a racer.

Reading the NV3500 swap in the FAQ, do the 4500s have the electro speedo like the 3500? High/low hump? And Drive shaft length is the only other issue.

500 for the NV4500 seems like a solid price to me as well. About the same for what I'd be putting into the 700R4 swap.

[texanidiot25]

Edit: this is a 2wd truck, by the way.

[BossHogg69]

the NV3500 has an electric speedo, but I can't stress it enough to you that this trans is a piece of crap. 'doing it right the first time' would mean using another transmission the first time. And yes, you'd have to move the crossmember, change driveshaft length and find the right yoke. If the trans you end up getting doesnt' have a yoke be aware that there are a couple different types and they're not all that easy to find. A new one from GM is $200 (NV3500) I got very lucky and found a used one, but it took me over a month of calling numberous junkyards, driveline shops and what not when I swapped the stock tranny back into my '92 and pulled the Tremec out. Ditto on the shifter, there are like 5 different ones for the NV3500, so make sure you get one with whatever trans you find.

The NV3500 will barely fit in a low hump trans tunnel, not sure about the NV4500.

[rscam]

As with any topic on here you will find as many against something as for it. I did the complete swap and it was way easy. You have to get a little creative when mounting the resivour on the firewall and attaching it to the clutch pedal behind the gauges. The length of the trans.was perfect because I got it from a short bed silverado. I used the driveshaft from the silverado and it was the perfect length also. You just have to buy a conversion U joint. I used my original crossmember and the shifter is in a perfect spot. I am using a high tunnel now because I got a deal on some carpet. But it will work with the low tunnel. I have driven it for a year and a half and no problems yet. I wouldn't bet on it if you are hard on it but for a regular driver it should be fine. I have a 355 with about 300HP and its fine so far. The 88 to about 91 or 92 are not as good as the later 90's versions so I have heard. If you want pics I will post some. Just let me know.

[rscam]

Oh yeah the electronic speedo is a pain but the 4500 has one also. I got a VDO elec. speedo and it works great.

[rscam]

I also think the 4500 will feel more like a heavy duty truck than a car when you shift.

[BossHogg69]

You're outta luck on photos, I can't get them to load from photobucket either. My pics are from a Tremec swap, so it's different from what you'll need anyway.

yes, the 88-93 versions suck, they are the MG5 (Muncie-Getrag) The NV3500 (new venture gear) was made from like 94-up and a marginally better. 300hp is about the absolute limit they'll take (they're actually rated for 275ft-lbs) and any aggressive driving over a short length of time and it's game over. My TBI 350 had around 275 hp, 3.73 gears, posi, traction bars, etc. It was fun to drive, even with the NV trans, but it just wasn't durable.

I'm not trying to discourage you of the swap, just letting you know that aggressive driving will kill a NV3500 in a hurry. Asking about 'quick shifts' tells me it's not all about gas mileage for you, so if you're looking for a performance trans, the NV is not it.

[texanidiot25]

I'm aiming at the 4500, just was comparing it to the 3500 as that was the swap that the FAQ covered.

My dad works at a GM dealership, I could probably get a sweet price on anything like that.

[BossHogg69]

had to shrink the pics down, here they are.

[BossHogg69]

here's a few more

[texanidiot25]

What mastercylinder is that from?

[BossHogg69]

Originally Posted by texanidiot25

What mastercylinder is that from?

Summit catalog - Wilwood part #260-3374. If you're gonna get that NV4500, the ad says he has the whole truck. I'd try and get all the clutch hydraulics from him if you get the trans. make sure you get the clutch rod off the clutch pedal too, it will make fabbing up your linkage MUCH easier. all you'll need is a clutch pedal and spring from a 67-72 truck. I got mine from a junkyard for free.