NV3500 Trans

[cebra]

I have done a lot of searching and I can't seem to find the answer to: What size engines did a later model (98+) NV3500 come on?

I know the came on the 4.3L S10's, I believe they came on 4.8L LS motors but did they come on 5.3 and 5.7LS motors? What manual came on a 6.0L, NV4500? I am fairly sure I want an NV3500 as my C10 is a DD and I am not at all looking to make power as long as I get good gas mileage and can cruise 75-85 mph. I just want to make sure it won't grenade behind a 5.3L if I jam gears passing someone or tow a project car. Thanks.

[95 S_Trucker]

They were used behind the 5.7(98 and older) and they were used behind the 5.3(99+)

Some people have good luck with them. Some people don't. I had a 95 S10 and a 99 Blazer that had the NV3500. They were great for me. But I never towed with them.

There are different shift tower locations on different vehicle applications

[62chevy302]

A nv3500 never came factory behind a 5.3. They came behind 5.7 in the obs trucks. They came behind 4.8s all the way up to 06. I think as long as they are not abused,they will probably last as long as the engine. My buddy has one behind a built 6.0 and he has had no problems.

[74CustomK20]

No 5.3 came with a manual. 4.8 ls, 5.7, 5.0, 4.3 in full size trucks. If you get one from an s10, the shifter will be around the middle of the seat so avoid those. I've had good luck with em, but I stopped abusing my stuff when I had to start paying for it myself lol. If possible get the newest one you find. They got better with age.

[mongocanfly]

Or go nv4500...

[SunSoaked]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Or go nv4500...

X2. Buy once-cry once.

[cebra]

Good information, thanks. I was not aware the S10 version of the NV3500 placed the shifter too far back so that is a good takeaway as most I have found are out of S10's. For the folks with NV4500, did you have to put in a high hump (I have a 67-72 C10)? I have heard that the NV4500 is a bit "clunky" and the ones I have found locally are 2x the price of a NV3500 so that is my reasoning for leaning to the 3500. I do want to tow a few times a year and am still on the fence between 4.8 and 5.3 as I only care about gas mileage (spending around $900 a month on gas currently in my 350 with cam).

[SunSoaked]

[QUOTE I have heard that the NV4500 is a bit "clunky[/QUOTE]

I've heard they shift smooth as silk, best manual trans ever...but never "clunky". I currently have two of them. The 69 truck needed the high hump as it was a factory 2wd half-ton. The current 85 K20 has plenty of room.

[cebra]

I've heard they shift smooth as silk, best manual trans ever...but never "clunky". I currently have two of them. The 69 truck needed the high hump as it was a factory 2wd half-ton. The current 85 K20 has plenty of room.[/QUOTE]

What motor do you have it paired up with in your 69?

[95 S_Trucker]

I am a huge fan of the NV4500. But I wouldn't say it shifts smooth.

It is definitely a truck transmission. Not great for shifting fast or quick. And it has a long throw.

It shifts a ton better than the SM465, but its nothing like a ZF S6-40 or T56.

I love the NV4500 in my rollback.

[cebra]

Related question, can I use a LS flywheel (4.8 or 5.3) and starter with the NV3500/4500? I have not been able to find a related build thread to answer all the questions I have on this swap.

[mongocanfly]

my nv's shift good...you have to remember its a truck transmission...not made for speed shifting...id say they are very smooth to shift though....I used AA on mine...I know if you can find the stuff you can do it with factory parts but after a yr of searching on my first one I just gave up and went AA...did the same on my 2nd one...6.0 LQ9 on one and 5.3 on the other..my c30 already had a high hump where the sm465 was...
and yes a nv45 is pricey but well worth the money...

[74CustomK20]

If you rarely tow, and don't ever go crazy id go 3500. You can buy two or three for the cost of a 45, plus the ratios are a lot closer.