I've never seen anybody running 3500 in hot rod, but plenty in 4X4. They're usually found in Chevy and I believe dodge 1 ton trucks. Plenty strong enough might want to check into gear ratios though.
We've got 2 late 90's Dodge half ton pickups with V-8 (360 maybe??) and the NV3500 trans. Both have over 100K "contractor" miles on them with zero tranny problems. 100 thou contractor miles is equal to about 300 thou normal person miles, so I'd say they're pretty damn reliable.
The problem with that transmission in a hot rod is it's size, they are very bulky (diameter). Usually not a lot of room in that small frame.
Chevy used NV3500s behind 4.3 V6s in S-10s. I own two 4.3/NV3500 trucks, one with 214,000 miles on it and one with 312,000. Both transmissions still shifting smooth.
They're really not much bigger that a traditional Muncie or BW T-10 4-speed, plus they don't have all that linkage hanging off the side. And most of them are set up for a hydraulic clutch, so even less linkage to deal with. Overall, a 3500 might actually take less room.
I'm going to put one behind my stock 350 in a 55 Chevy half ton. I think they used the 3500 in all the half tons whether it be a small block or V6 starting in the late 80's. 3/4 and 1 tons use the indestructable nv4500 that all the off roaders look for. I think it should work fine. Pretty steep first gear if I remember correctly. No aftermarket support as far as replacement parts or better shifters that I know of.
I have one that I'm going to use in a future project. Size is good; no bigger than a T5 or TKO. It's about the same length as one of my T350's. The bell is integral and they use a hydraulic throwout bearing. The S10 4.3 V6 version has a better gear set (3.49 first). The shifter is further back, though, right on the tailshaft. Also, they all seem to have an electronic speed output. I haven't found a torque rating, but the consensus seems to be that they are stronger than a T5. There's also an early Getrag transmission that is not as strong and full of obsolete parts that is also called an NV, so be sure of what you're looking at.
Yes they were used in the GM 1500 and 2500 series pickups as well as Dodge and JEEP. I don't have a small hot rod ...I have a 48 Ford coupe with a SBC and 700R4. I'm toying with the idea of converting to a manual transmission and thought the NV3500 might be a good option. I doubt if its much bigger, if at all, than the 700R4 and it might actually be the same overall length which would make life easier. Looks like the close ratio one has a 3.49 1st gear . The 700R4 has a 3.06 1st gear. Anyway, thanks for the input. John
Yes. It replaced the T-5 in V6 powered S-10s, and was also used in the full size trucks. The bell housing is part of the casting, rather than being detatchable.
Thanks Heathen. I find myself trying to figure out options for my '58. I've got a TH350 in it right now but I have always liked banging gears. If I do go to a manual trans I would like to go with something with a 5 spd OD so I can cruise a little better on the highway. I'm just trying to learn about what is out there and what might work, and whether this trans could be an option. What year S-10s did this come in? What about the bolt pattern on the bell housing? Same as SBC? Sorry, OP. Not trying to take over your thread.
This car has one in it. Been beatin hell out of it for 4-5 years with no problems. It does great. Its behind a 355 with a small cam.
For a traditional look they are pretty damn cool because they are top loading, so no side shifter linkage and the shifter will sit in the middle of the trans up top like an early ford instead of off to the side of the trans with external linkage. All in all a pretty decent tranny. Scot
I am, it's big... but totally workable. And you can get them for $200 everywhere. Shifter placement is a bit forward, but again, workable for a coupe. Bolts up to a SBC, needs a 168 tooth flywheel and a clutch kit from a "1998 C1500 2WD 4.3L" if it has a hydraulic throwout.... Earlier versions had a Slave Cylinder, and you can run the clutch and flywheel from a "1988 C1500 2WD 4.3L"
I got one i put in a 53 ford, i just pulled it out yesterday and its in my truck. I couldnt find a cheep and easy way for the throwout bearing to work.
late model GTO throwout bearing has a traditional style fitting instead of the push lock, and its the same size.
No problem. I believe as long as the S10 is a 4.3 you're ok. By the way , I priced one today from a company that specializes in dismantling chevy pickups and they get $600 for the NV3500. They had both external hydraulic cylinder activated and hydraulic type throw out bearings.
Wow ! $200 I'd better start looking in NH rather than Maine. Can you give me any leads on where to look over your way ?
So you want one from a 1995 or newer GTO for a NV3500 with the hydraulic throwout? I just picked one up out of a 99 S-10 for $275.00 87000 miles is all, hit by a coke truck in a parking lot. This is some good info.
Please show pictures and explain some more because I need to know. I'm using a '97 4.3 S-10 Getrag that looks extremely similar to the transmission pic above.
I've allways wondered what tranny I've got in my roadster. I was told it was some sort of S-10. It's toooooough!
toreadorxlt is right. these are readily available for CHEAP. the guy next door to my garage is a big time mini truck builder. a few guys in his club just sold theres in the $250 price range. check the minitruck and s10 forums, he said they all tend to ditch the 5 speeds for an auto. i plan on throwing one in my 59 pickup. this youtube video is a bagged 54 chevy with a 400 horse sbc and nv3500. i believe he is a fellow hamber http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEoDaQzPjI0
I am putting one in my '32. What did you use for a throwout bearing & mc? If you used a stock one, how did you handle the factory hyd. line? Thanks
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