5 speed transmissions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mikep · 10-26-2002, 04:42 PM

I cant stand automatics. Is there a decent OEM manual overdriven 5 speed that can handle 3/4 ton type loads without grenading. I'd like to up my mileage a bit but I dont want to install a transmission that is weak piece of crap like a T5. I'd like to use as many original components as possible too so getrags are out of the question. Is there a OEM 5 speed that might even bolt up to a chevy bellhousing?

Patrick Sullivan · 10-26-2002, 07:57 PM

I've been looking at the NV4500 (Chev/Dodge 3/4 ton 5 speed), but it always ends up being expensive. Sure would be cool, though..

I think the older ones (93-95?) bolt straight up to the chevy bellhousing, you just need to convert to a hydraulic clutch system.

nu2-72 · 10-26-2002, 08:02 PM

I was looking for info also. Found some useful stuff at Advance Adapters site. They appear to have a bellhousing for manual clutch and one for the hydraulic but both are pricey.

Jesse 67 c-10 · 10-27-2002, 12:31 AM

I'm pretty sure going 5 speed and using as many original components as possible are inversly related! kind of like milage and hp, I used a getrag 5 spd from a half ton, the lighter weight model, no granny gear, seems to be holding up ok to my 327, but I'd go for a nv4500 for something heavy duty, the later model 4500's don't have as low a granny gear either so they would be great. or if you can find a getrag from a 3/4 t, I believe there is such a thing, getrags are great trannys, shift very nice! mine does at least. any 5 spd from a gm truck up to 98 will bolt to an old sb. after that the motors changed so the bolt pattern would be diff. All new 5 speeds (as far as I know) require a hyd clutch, can be done, I did it, also most newer ones have an elec speedo output. This is what I know about the gm ones. You'll spend quite a bit more doing this conversion than on say a th350 but it's worth it! otherwise you can shell out for an aftermarket tranny, richmond gear? how bout a lenco?

Jesse

Project1970 · 10-27-2002, 03:24 AM

I say if you're going to go through the hassles of adapting electronic to mechanical speedos, locating shifters, and a hydraulic clutch...get a T-56 out of a fourth-generation Camaro or Firebird.

They're tough as nails (used in all manual-tranny V8 F-bodies, 1993 to 2002, along with all Dodge Vipers, Mustang Cobra Rs, and the new SVT Cobra) and should be relatively easy to find. Plus, they're a LOT cheaper than a Richmond 6 speed.

Lumpy · 10-27-2002, 08:46 AM

Check out the Tremec 3550 or TKO. I am hoping to get one someday

Cya.....Lumpy

http://www.fortesparts.com/tremec/index.html

**ThreeQuarter** · 10-28-2002, 01:18 PM

The NV4500 sounds closest to what you're looking for. And Jesse is right; even the oldest HD 5-speed trannies are pretty recent. Chevy didn't have an OD tranny for HD pickups until '92.

The NV4500 in GM pickups comes in two forms. The early models ('92-'94 or '95--haven't figured it out for sure yet) have lower gears: 6.34:1 granny, and correspondingly lower in other gears, except OD. The early years have different front-of-the-tranny-case bolt patterns than the Dodge NV4500s of the same years. In either '95 or '96 GM gave NV4500s numerically lower gear ratios (higher gears) to match the Dodge models, and changed the case bolt pattern also to match the Dodges. Both type os NV4500s will bolt to a SBC.

mooneyes · 10-28-2002, 08:02 PM

how much $$$$$$ do those t-56's go fo used????????????i keep hearing how strong they are..anybody run one behind something with some major ass????????

Project1970 · 10-28-2002, 10:11 PM

Look on eBay - I think they're just short of $1000 or so. A lot of the ones you see are still connected - and for sale with - the LT1 or LS1 that came out of the car with it, though. Just have to put both in, I guess

guitarman · 10-28-2002, 10:18 PM

Mooneyes4b, I run a t-56 behind a .030 over BB FI roller motor in a 3200 lb car and it holds up fine to 500+ hp.

Edit: I just re-read your post 11/01/02 you asked how much? I paid $2200.19 delivered to my house. Then you must buy a bell housing and hydraulic throw out bearing a mastercylinder and clutch pedal assembly a flywheel, and pressure plate and clutch. Would you believe they don't even give you a shift knob.

chevyforever · 11-01-2002, 01:39 AM

if it were me, i would opt to find an early model NV4500,, if you can get one with the bell housing already attached, go for it cuz then all you have to do is convert the clutch to hydraulic and it will bolt right up to the engine. the Nv4500 is tough as nails because of the cast iron case, nothing like the wimpy getrags.

good luck

mikep · 11-01-2002, 01:51 AM

I dont know oo much about the nv4500's. What did they come in ?

chevyforever · 11-01-2002, 10:19 PM

i am not for sure which dodge pickups came with the NV4500, but i know that the early model NV4500 came in both 1/2 and 3/4 ton Z71 packaged chevy and gmc pickups from 1992 to i think 1996. they are also found in non Z71 trucks. they are easy to identify because they are cast iron case and not aluminum, like the getrags.

10-26-2002, 04:42 PM	#1
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	5 speed transmissions I cant stand automatics. Is there a decent OEM manual overdriven 5 speed that can handle 3/4 ton type loads without grenading. I'd like to up my mileage a bit but I dont want to install a transmission that is weak piece of crap like a T5. I'd like to use as many original components as possible too so getrags are out of the question. Is there a OEM 5 speed that might even bolt up to a chevy bellhousing? __________________ No truck :-(

10-26-2002, 07:57 PM	#2
Patrick Sullivan Transcendental Trucker Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Rockaway Beach, OR Posts: 374	I've been looking at the NV4500 (Chev/Dodge 3/4 ton 5 speed), but it always ends up being expensive. Sure would be cool, though.. I think the older ones (93-95?) bolt straight up to the chevy bellhousing, you just need to convert to a hydraulic clutch system. __________________ Patrick Sullivan \| sullivan@oregoncoast.com Rockaway Beach, Oregon 1972 Chevy Cheyenne C-20 1998 Dodge Dakota 4x4 So, fill to me the parting glass And drink a health whate'er befalls... Then gently rise and softly call Goodnight and joy be to you all!

10-26-2002, 08:02 PM	#3
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	I was looking for info also. Found some useful stuff at Advance Adapters site. They appear to have a bellhousing for manual clutch and one for the hydraulic but both are pricey. __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide

10-27-2002, 12:31 AM	#4
Jesse 67 c-10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 599	I'm pretty sure going 5 speed and using as many original components as possible are inversly related! kind of like milage and hp, I used a getrag 5 spd from a half ton, the lighter weight model, no granny gear, seems to be holding up ok to my 327, but I'd go for a nv4500 for something heavy duty, the later model 4500's don't have as low a granny gear either so they would be great. or if you can find a getrag from a 3/4 t, I believe there is such a thing, getrags are great trannys, shift very nice! mine does at least. any 5 spd from a gm truck up to 98 will bolt to an old sb. after that the motors changed so the bolt pattern would be diff. All new 5 speeds (as far as I know) require a hyd clutch, can be done, I did it, also most newer ones have an elec speedo output. This is what I know about the gm ones. You'll spend quite a bit more doing this conversion than on say a th350 but it's worth it! otherwise you can shell out for an aftermarket tranny, richmond gear? how bout a lenco? Jesse __________________ Edmonton, Alberta, 67 c-10, Long fleet, front disks, 5 lug rear end, 327 with Vortechs, edlbrock manifold, comp cams XE 256, 600cfm carb. Backed by a getrag 5 speed and 1 piece driveshaft. 1993 Dihatsu Hijet Jumbo cab 4x4, currently converting to battery electric power.

10-27-2002, 03:24 AM	#5
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	I say if you're going to go through the hassles of adapting electronic to mechanical speedos, locating shifters, and a hydraulic clutch...get a T-56 out of a fourth-generation Camaro or Firebird. They're tough as nails (used in all manual-tranny V8 F-bodies, 1993 to 2002, along with all Dodge Vipers, Mustang Cobra Rs, and the new SVT Cobra) and should be relatively easy to find. Plus, they're a LOT cheaper than a Richmond 6 speed. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

10-27-2002, 08:46 AM	#6
Lumpy 2 tons of fun Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Central, Ca Posts: 194	Check out the Tremec 3550 or TKO. I am hoping to get one someday Cya.....Lumpy http://www.fortesparts.com/tremec/index.html __________________ 67 Chevy,Short/Fleet,350,Saginaw 4-Speed,Lowered 4x2,small window,P/S,Edelbrock Intake/Carb,HEI,Gear Drive,Crane Cam 274H Three Rivers, Ca Pics at: http://www.cardomain.com/id/lumpy454

10-28-2002, 01:18 PM	#7
ThreeQuarter Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Texan in Iowa Posts: 2,517	The NV4500 sounds closest to what you're looking for. And Jesse is right; even the oldest HD 5-speed trannies are pretty recent. Chevy didn't have an OD tranny for HD pickups until '92. The NV4500 in GM pickups comes in two forms. The early models ('92-'94 or '95--haven't figured it out for sure yet) have lower gears: 6.34:1 granny, and correspondingly lower in other gears, except OD. The early years have different front-of-the-tranny-case bolt patterns than the Dodge NV4500s of the same years. In either '95 or '96 GM gave NV4500s numerically lower gear ratios (higher gears) to match the Dodge models, and changed the case bolt pattern also to match the Dodges. Both type os NV4500s will bolt to a SBC. __________________ Ben '68 Chevy C10 Custom LWB 327/TH400 2nd owner '16 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Dblcab 4wd 5.3

10-28-2002, 08:02 PM	#8
mooneyes Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slippery Rock PA USA Posts: 1,692	how much $$$$$$ do those t-56's go fo used????????????i keep hearing how strong they are..anybody run one behind something with some major ass???????? __________________ Ken Lyons, Slippery rock pa 68 short step 327 t10 4 gear 72 2wd blazer project 70 lwb 305/700r driver 78 caprice project 02 cavalier D.D ( hate it!!)

10-28-2002, 10:11 PM	#9
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Look on eBay - I think they're just short of $1000 or so. A lot of the ones you see are still connected - and for sale with - the LT1 or LS1 that came out of the car with it, though. Just have to put both in, I guess __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

10-28-2002, 10:18 PM	#10
guitarman Do it well or don't do it Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Georgia Posts: 457	Mooneyes4b, I run a t-56 behind a .030 over BB FI roller motor in a 3200 lb car and it holds up fine to 500+ hp. Edit: I just re-read your post 11/01/02 you asked how much? I paid $2200.19 delivered to my house. Then you must buy a bell housing and hydraulic throw out bearing a mastercylinder and clutch pedal assembly a flywheel, and pressure plate and clutch. Would you believe they don't even give you a shift knob. __________________ Try to be the person your dog thinks you are. Excellent paint and body site: http://www.autobody101.com/ Visit my Web Site http://home.attbi.com/~agfosteriii Last edited by guitarman; 11-02-2002 at 12:21 AM.

11-01-2002, 01:39 AM	#11
chevyforever Some like em' long! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Grace, Idaho Posts: 69	tranny help if it were me, i would opt to find an early model NV4500,, if you can get one with the bell housing already attached, go for it cuz then all you have to do is convert the clutch to hydraulic and it will bolt right up to the engine. the Nv4500 is tough as nails because of the cast iron case, nothing like the wimpy getrags. good luck __________________ 1971 chevy c10 lwb- 300 hp 350 crate motor, soon to be more with ported and polished 62cc chamber 461 double humps, TH400, 3.73 posi, used to be my uncle's truck 1972 chevy k10 lwb- 350,4 spd, old and tired, dad bought brand new and is now mine 1968 chevy c20 lwb- 327, 4 spd, was originally a 50th anniversary truck 1990 GMC K1500-just my runaround truck 1982 Chevy K10 shortbed, new motor and new paint, another project in the mix of the others. IMPORTS SUCK!

11-01-2002, 01:51 AM	#12
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	I dont know oo much about the nv4500's. What did they come in ? __________________ No truck :-(

11-01-2002, 10:19 PM	#13
chevyforever Some like em' long! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Grace, Idaho Posts: 69	i am not for sure which dodge pickups came with the NV4500, but i know that the early model NV4500 came in both 1/2 and 3/4 ton Z71 packaged chevy and gmc pickups from 1992 to i think 1996. they are also found in non Z71 trucks. they are easy to identify because they are cast iron case and not aluminum, like the getrags. __________________ 1971 chevy c10 lwb- 300 hp 350 crate motor, soon to be more with ported and polished 62cc chamber 461 double humps, TH400, 3.73 posi, used to be my uncle's truck 1972 chevy k10 lwb- 350,4 spd, old and tired, dad bought brand new and is now mine 1968 chevy c20 lwb- 327, 4 spd, was originally a 50th anniversary truck 1990 GMC K1500-just my runaround truck 1982 Chevy K10 shortbed, new motor and new paint, another project in the mix of the others. IMPORTS SUCK!



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