trying to figure out what my different options are. I was originally going with the 700r4 but am starting to consider a 5speed... what are u guys running for a 5speed?
T5's, World Class T5, Tremec's subsequent versions of that trans; NV3500, NV4500 (these two really big truck transmissions with granny low)... probably the WC T5 is about the easiest on the budget for use behind a 350, followed by the two truck transmissions - only trouble with those is you'd never use 1st in a car, except perhaps in a burnout competition. That said, I have a big 1-ton dually with the NV4500 trans and it's reasonable enough to drive and will stand up to some abuse. The whole truck only cost $800, and it will pull 7500 lbs behind it like it's not even there.
its going in my 54 chevy... I was considering a NV3500 not to concirned about the price just something thats gonna run down the street with out being at 4000rpms at 60mph. not that i need to do 80 on the highway but its nice to know that i could without the 350 screaming. What do the T5s get pulled out of?
T-5's are found in many vehicles - camaro's, firebird's, S-10's, S-15's, Astro van's, Safari's, etc... The most common performance setup though is a F-body T-5 with a S-10 T-5 tailshaft bolted on - this gives you a V8 rated transmission with the more favorable shifter location. Read up on lots of info on this subject posted here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=171291
Of course, changing the rear gear to a 3.08, 2.73, or even a 2.54 (no OD with that one) would be helpful too.
My 63 BelAir with a TKO 600 at 75 MPH and in overdrive the RPM's drop to 1900 RPM which equates to 28 MPG. What more could you ask for?
NV3500 from a 4.3 S10 has a reasonable 3.49 first gear. Should have an M50 code on it. It's probably as strong as a T5, maybe a little more. 3.490 2.160 1.400 1.000 0.780 ratios. Shifter is back on the tailshaft unlike the full size trucks. All of them seem to have an electronic speedo output. I was going to use one on a former project, but got sidetracked so it's sitting for now.
Easiest swap would be a 2004R same length as the Turbo 350 but you would have to move the mount back several inches and install a TV cable the overdrive ratio is .67, also stronger than the earlier T-5's and no fabricating clutch linkage.
i really think the 5 speed is gonna be the way to go. gas milage is what im lusting after since i plan on driving this thing all over. Guess it be great to understand all the ratios and so forth. it would probabley make my dicission making a bit easier lol