1985 Chev 383 Manual transmission conversion?

[Pwonu2]

I have a 1985 chevy swb 2wd truck with a 450+hp 500+tq 383, it currently has a th350 with a stage 3 shift kit and a 3000 stall converter, I'd really like to throw a 5 speed manual trans from a 90's or newer chevy truck in it, anyone got any info on a pedal kit and if there is a trans that can hold up to my power output?

[Jason S]

The clutch & brake pedal setup from an 80's - 91 C/K or R/V Chevrolet or GMC with a manual transmission would be hydraulic and basically a bolt in for your truck.

In the 90's, the GM pickups could be had with one of two different 5 speeds.  The NV3500 and the NV4500.  The NV3500 was, the best of my knowledge, found in 1/2 ton pickups with a 4.3 V6 or 5.0 V8.  The NV4500 was offered for 3/4 and 1 ton trucks with the 350 and 454 gas engines.  Both setups used hydraulic slave cylinders, so you can adapt the 90's clutch slave cylinder setup to work off the 80's clutch master cylinder.

Unless you were gentle with the throttle, the NV3500 likely wouldn't hold up too well behind your engine.  The NV4500 would hold up, but 1st is almost a granny gear.  Additionally, both transmissions have a rather long throw.

My $0.02:  If you're looking for a racing type transmission, you'd probably be happier with a T-5 or similar style transmission.

[Engineer]

If your 383 is built using a reground 400SB crank then you will need a specially balanced flywheel for a 400SB. Don't try looking for an OE either. Chevy only built the 400SB with automatic transmissions.

I do believe that one is available from GM Performance Parts.

[Captkaos]

The NV3500 in the 1/2T trucks won't stand up behind a engine with that much power for long.  You need a passenger car trans like the WC T5, or the new Tremec.