I have a 2000 RCSB with the 4.8 and NV4500 5 speed trany I was wondering if anybody else has had any problems with first gear poping out of gear. It only happens when I am engaging the clutch and accelerating from a stop. How do these transmissions hold up to high horse power?

 

It is most likely a NV3500, unless it has been changed. They are known to have problems with synchros, etc, so it doesnt suprise me. It does suprise me that it is 1st gear, usually 2nd or 3rd go. They are not very strong, which is why they are only ffered in the 4.8.

 

Oh, I thought it was the 4500. Ok, what if I switched to the 4500 is this a transmission that can take some abuse?

 

4500 is a very tough trans. But the ratios in it and the 3500 arent the best for acceleration. The first gear in both is realy low, and the splits the rest of the way up are far apart.

 

Yeah! I hate first gear. I was thinking of puting a 308 rear end gear, to help that first gear. And since I am running a turbo set up, I think the turbo will like the long gears from 2nd to 5th. I also will get really good gas mpg with the 308's. But I don't think that will be long enough for first gear. Then I was thinking of jsut starting in second gear, because from 2nd to 5th the ratio's are almost exactly like a 4l60 or 4l65. But again I don't think the clutch would be able to take it. So should I play with the nv4500 and pay about $1000. Or should I pay about $3000 and swap in a used t56 with all the parts. Any info would help. Thanks Bryan

 

I'd go T56 over the Nv3500 or Nv4500 any day for a performance application . Use a 3.73 gear and a tire of around 28-29 " tall and you should be golden for a turbo setup .

 

I would go T56 if you have the money to spend. I used a NV3500 in my S10, and it ran hard at the track. I launched in 2nd gear with a 27" tire and 3.73's. The clutch lasted a couple of years, but the stickiest tire it ever saw was a small drag radial.

 

I would love to go with the t56, I already have 3.73's and a 29 inch tall tire. Has anyone done this swap. I seen one guy on this site swaped the 4l60 for a t56, but has anyone swaped the nv3500. What do you think I would have to change? I just had a kid and do not have alot of time to problem solve. For lack of time and money I may just try a nv4500. You'd think that would be an esay swap, but that may be just as hard. I've been playing with syclone's and typhoons for the last 7 years, I have not played with any clutches or manual tranies. Has anyone done this swap.