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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: Johnny walnuts on November 05, 2013, 06:31:38 pm

Title: 5 speed transmissions
Post by: Johnny walnuts on November 05, 2013, 06:31:38 pm

I am wanting to swap out my 3 speed automatic and stock 2.73 gears fora good reliable 5 speed manual and 3.73 gears.  I will end up having about 400 horsepower out of my small block and want to know what can handle that kind of power without blowing all kinds of cash on a T56 Tremec.  Any suggestions?

Title: Re: 5 speed transmissions
Post by: Engineer on November 05, 2013, 07:35:20 pm

NVG4500.

I doubt the NVG3500 will hold up to 400HP long term.

Title: Re: 5 speed transmissions
Post by: Johnny walnuts on November 05, 2013, 07:43:48 pm

What is the best place to find one?  looking to do it on the cheap

Title: Re: 5 speed transmissions
Post by: Johnny walnuts on November 05, 2013, 10:36:39 pm

Ok, so I found what vehicles carried the nv4500, but what else would I need to make the swap?  obviously I would need the pedals and bell housing from any manual C10 correct?  What about a clutch setup, could I go with a hydraulic clutch instead of the mechanical?

Title: Re: 5 speed transmissions
Post by: zieg85 on November 05, 2013, 10:57:28 pm

You will have to do some surgery to the hump of the cab.  I've been told there isn't enough clearance in a low auto hump cab.

Title: Re: 5 speed transmissions
Post by: Johnny walnuts on November 05, 2013, 11:10:51 pm

Yea, thanks.  I was actually just reading your thread about that.  I can handle that

Title: Re: 5 speed transmissions
Post by: Irish_Alley on November 06, 2013, 02:26:17 am

it also depends on what year 4500 you get for the clutch

Title: Re: 5 speed transmissions
Post by: DnStClr on November 06, 2013, 12:17:25 pm

A video on You tube from an auto to an SM465-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LERy3yrTdA

Title: Re: 5 speed transmissions
Post by: Johnny walnuts on November 06, 2013, 12:41:08 pm

DnStClr, thank you very much.  That video helped a lot.   so I will need a bell housing and a hydraulic clutch assembly from a  sm465 and that should bolt right up to my 350 now correct?  Then I will need to locate a nv4500 , cut a hole in the firewall for the master cylinder, bolt in the pedal assembly, cut up the floor for the new transmission, and make a new trans tunnel.   sounds pretty straight forward.

Title: Re: 5 speed transmissions
Post by: DnStClr on November 06, 2013, 03:00:49 pm

People who've done the swap say you'll have to watch the bellhousing you use- even tho the bolt pattern will be common between the TH350 and SM465, the clearance hole for an SM465 would be smaller than needed for the NV4500, and you'd need to get it machined to a bigger diameter. It wouldn't be too expensive. Just need to be aware of the difference.
 Here's another good link-Parts-
http://www.high-impact.net/transmission_and_gear/nv4500_gm82-93diesel.htm#Automatic

Title: Re: 5 speed transmissions
Post by: Irish_Alley on November 07, 2013, 01:26:31 am

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=13884.0
http://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=863180&page=all