Manual trans identification

[markaria]

I am going to look at a possibly good lt1 engine/trans buy tomorrow that the seller got as a package deal and doesnt know what the trans is other than he says it's a 6 speed ...it is attached to a lt1 v8. My first thought is t56 woohoo...but looking at pics it dont look like any t56 I've ever seen. Heres a couple pics I zoomed in on from his pics and hoping someone on here may shed some light on what transmission this is...thanks for any and all insight!

 

[ELCAM]

Looks a lot like a NV3500 or Getrag HM290 5 speed out of a C 1500 2 wheel drive pickup circa 2000.

 

[oldsmobile joe]

Looks a lot like a NV3500 or Getrag HM290 5 speed out of a C 1500 2 wheel drive pickup circa 2000.

I agree. I think s10 pick ups with a 4.3l may have come with the nv3500 also. The hyd slave was mounted in a different position though compared to the full size 1500.

 

[markaria]

Thanks guys...what threw me for a loop is seller was saying all he knew was it is a 6 speed...lol but I suppose if you include reverse it is haha (was really hoping I just found the best deal ever on a t56...but not) guys asking 600 for the lt1 with this transmission which may still be a good deal but I havent the need for it

 

[oldsmobile joe]

The nv3500 is a decent trans. The issue is the shifter comes thru the floor under the radio.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Make sure it is the close ratio version. Both versions have a .73 OD gear. I would not go too deep on rear gears with that OD and a 3.5 to 1 first gear. The best version was in the Dodge Dakota behind the 5.2 Magnum and the 2000+ 3.9 V6. It was rated at 330 ft/lbs of torque, the GM version is 300 ft/lbs. I believe the Dodge had upgraded synchros. Dodge never put a 5.9 in front of it. Many have, even modified ones and they lived. If you drive like a maniac, the LT1's torque will probably destroy it. The LT1's torque was enough to kill the 4L60E factory, saw it myself. I that guess doesn't say much, it was a stock 4L60E😋.

 

[Wageslave]

Make sure it is the close ratio version. Both versions have a .73 OD gear. I would not go too deep on rear gears with that OD and a 3.5 to 1 first gear. The best version was in the Dodge Dakota behind the 5.2 Magnum and the 2000+ 3.9 V6. It was rated at 330 ft/lbs of torque, the GM version is 300 ft/lbs. I believe the Dodge had upgraded synchros. Dodge never put a 5.9 in front of it. Many have, even modified ones and they lived. If you drive like a maniac, the LT1's torque will probably destroy it. The LT1's torque was enough to kill the 4L60E factory, saw it myself. I that guess doesn't say much, it was a stock 4L60E😋.

The bellhousings aren't switchable on the NV's, so you are stuck with the two Chevrolet versions. The full-size version puts the shifter under the radio. The S-10 version puts it back about 2-3 inches behind the front of the radio. Both have electronic speed sensors only and have no provisions for a mechanical clutch.

That being said, that looks more like the HM290, than an NV3500. I would pass on it for a G-Body application.

 

[markaria]

The nv3500 is a decent trans. The issue is the shifter comes thru the floor under the radio.

Yea thanks...I already have a t5 in the car...if I'm gonna take the t5 out it will be for a t56... I was hoping I found a great deal on a t56 but I was wrong 🙂

 

[Built6spdMCSS]

I ended up with a 1993 LT1 T56 that from the looks of it can only be used for LT1 or SBC unless I do a bunch of stuff to convert it to LS setup, I'm kind of on the other end of that pain.

 

[olds307 and 403]

The bellhousings aren't switchable on the NV's, so you are stuck with the two Chevrolet versions. The full-size version puts the shifter under the radio. The S-10 version puts it back about 2-3 inches behind the front of the radio. Both have electronic speed sensors only and have no provisions for a mechanical clutch.

That being said, that looks more like the HM290, than an NV3500. I would pass on it for a G-Body application.

Good point on the bell housing, exactly why I haven't considered one and eliminates trucks for my Olds swap plans. I wasn't suggesting the Dodge version anyways, only marginally better. A lot of the online stuff basically lumps the HM290 the same as the NV3500. I assume they are a totally different trans or is it an earlier version as the web says?