!5-Speed swap!

[85beast]

Hey all, havent been online ina while hope all is well.

Anyhow im thinking of swapping a 5speed NV3500 trans from an s10 into my GP.
Now the car already has a 4speed Saginaw with pedals, zbar etc from a late 70s elcamino.

My question is: can i use those pedals or would i need different pedals?
Any other suggestions would be great.
Thanks guys.

 

[clean8485]

The NV3500 trans has an integrated bellhousing, does it not? Also, if memory serves me correctly, this transmission uses a hydraulic clutch. If your GP has a mechanical clutch, you're probably looking at some changes.

 

[85beast]

Integrated meaning what?
And yea i figured i would need different pedals. Would s10 pedals fit?

 

[t01blaze]

Meaning that it is a part of the case and cannot be unbolted.

 

[85GPLef41]

most likely a hyd master cylinder would be need to be added to the firewall as well, IIRC the s-10 pedals won't fit. I replaced the pedals on my dad's s-10 and they are mounted to a "basket" which bolts to the firewall but his truck was a 2000... I installed a John Bzdel pedal in my t56 conversion, works good and designed for the t56..might work on the nv3500.. :?: the hardest part was measuring and drilling the hole to assure proper pedal travel without binding.

 

[DRIVEN]

This swap has been brought up several times but I'm not sure it's ever actually been successfully completed. There are several easier options to get an overdrive. I'd suggest going with either an MY6 (A833), which would be a direct bolt-in replacement for your Saginaw or a T-5 from an S10 which would be pretty easy. The T-5 would require a different clutch disc and some easy modification to the input shaft. Both will allow you to use your existing bellhousing and clutch linkage.

If you do decide to go through with the NV3500, post up the final details. I'm sure the subject will come up again so you might help the next guy.

 

[85beast]

Thanks guys much appreciated, if thats the case ill just drop the gear ratio from 3:73 to 3:08 or 3:23, something along those lines. Now the NP833 is that a 4 or 5 speed? And are they easy to get?

 

[DRIVEN]

It's technically a 4 speed but 3rd is 1:1 and 4th is OD. They aren't super common but are still out there. They were originally used in late '70s and early '80s pickups and vans. By making the gears in the 3rd gear position an OD instead of underdrive, then flipping the shift arm upside down, it made it work out. Technically you're shifting from 1st->2nd->4th->3rd. Not sure if my explanation makes sense. Ford used a similar concept in some Toploaders too.

 

[jetsetw31]

Hi all, First, the NV3500 is a weak transmission and behind a V8 is asking for trouble. Then again even the T5 out of the S10 is weak. They were both built for the light weight S10. The T5 should get the nod because of it's interchangeability alone and can be upgraded to handle up to 600 hp. Also the NV3500 and the S10 T5 have first gears so low, it would drive you bonkers in a car. A 80s F body T5 is your best bet for the money. If money is not an issue, then the Tremec TKO is your transmission.
T