How much for a Gear Vendors? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

custom10nut · 05-30-2022, 08:26 AM

I’m toying with the idea of putting a Gear Vendors Overdrive in my truck.
As a little improvement in Gas mileage (Especially now) would be a plus, my main goal would be the ability to cruise at 70mph on the Highway, without turning 3500rpm.
It’ll save on the wear and tear of the engine/trans (both rebuilt originals)
Has anyone put one in their truck?
Where did you find it? I
Is it difficult to install?
What’s a round figure of the cost?
Does the benefit justify the cost?
I’ve considered a 700r or 4L60, but don’t want all the electronics to control it’s function.
All responses will be helpful

toolboxchev · 05-30-2022, 08:51 AM

I have a friend whom pulled one out of an older motorhome he put in his truck. Virtually Bullet Proof.

He loves it, check CL for parts, or go hunting in the local junkyards. My best guess.

New aint cheap but you get a warranty.

**Getter-Done** · 05-30-2022, 08:53 AM

I would like one also.
Mostly for the Cool factor.
It would take a while to pay off for the fuel savings.
The wear and tear would be the better comparison.

There are several threads that I have saved about the OD unit.

#1: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...t=gear+vendors

#2: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...t=gear+vendors

#3: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...t=gear+vendors

#4: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...t=gear+vendors

**HO455** · 05-30-2022, 09:40 AM

I put one in my Burban. The installation of the GV unit was simple I made it more complex in my case as I also went from a T400 to a T350.
I bought it used with a T350 for $600. I ended up having a drive shaft (converted to a one piece) made that was about $450. So I'm into it about $1100 with everything. Over the years I've bought 3 of them used. I've never paid more than $1200 for one. That one was back about 1994 when new ones were $1800 and so were used 700R4s.

Same as you I wanted less RPM on the highway. Definitely worth it to me. A couple months back I drove the truck with out the GV operating (I had to remove the GV controller as part of a different problem) and I really missed it. It certainly makes the truck quieter going down the road.

They do need the oil changed ever 10k but it's only 24 ounces of oil so it's not a big deal.

The link is to my Burban maintenance thread. Scroll to post 641 to see my notes on the conversion. It includes the ordeal I had with my local driveline vendors.

https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...698377&page=26

I eventually removed the GV switch module and replaced it with smaller components that I installed in my ashtray to clean up the look of the dash. Post 748.

I really like mine. I can have it in OD at 35 to 40 mph and not worry about it toasting the transmission like a 700R4 would.

The only minor quibble I have is at certain speed/RPMs when you punch the throttle the GV doesn't disengage. I have learned to expect that and I manually disengage it, with the foot switch, when I punch the throttle

chewychevy67 · 05-30-2022, 10:41 AM

When it engages/disengages is it smooth or clunky?

**HO455** · 05-30-2022, 11:03 AM

Compared to any modern transmission with OD it has a noticeable shift. Similar to a race modified T400.

**Sheepdip** · 05-30-2022, 12:33 PM

I have purchased 2 GV's OD units over the years, both new from GV's. One bolted to a TH350 and one to a SM465. They are bulletproof and GV's warrantees the off the shelf unit up to 1400 HP.

They are finnicky to an extent, but once you understand them, you get them to work flawlessly and will not be disappointed in your purchase.

They are in the $3k plus range and if you have any mechanical ability at all you can easily install it yourself.

GV's and MSD teamed up to make a supposedly RFI free ignition system adder. I would inquire about that.

71meangreenc10 · 05-30-2022, 12:43 PM

New ones now cost over $3K. I have been looking at them and the price looks to be the same no matter who you get it from. You can buy them through dealers or online. I have a local shop that sells them. I would like to ride in a truck to see how they operate also. Doesn't look that hard to install.

https://www.gearvendors.com/index.html

Smitty

Accelo · 05-30-2022, 12:48 PM

"I’ve considered a 700r or 4L60, but don’t want all the electronics to control it’s function."
If you are considering the 700R4 you can install them without any electronics. The only electric part is the lock up for the converter. Which you do not have to install.
Just run them like every other early transmission with out the torque converter clutch. The clutch typically drops the rpm by 100 to 150rpm.
If you are running a 350 or 400 in front of the GV overdrive you already have the slip at speed, so you have lost nothing.
You are able to split shift with the GV. Might be an advantage if you are pulling heavy.
The 700R4 will not require any controls in the cab and no frequent oil changes.
Just be sure to get a 700R4 that was built between 1987 and 1992. I have done several this way including BBC in trucks.
The 396 ci fuel mileage went from 10 to 13mph on the highway. And cabin noise dropped significantly.
And they are lighter than any other GV combination. The only down side was cost although the conversion could be half of a GV conversion.
Take your RPM at highway speed and multiply by .7 to get the RPM with the 700R4 conversion.
The Gear Vendor has a. .78:1 overdrive ratio almost the same as the 700R4.

Here is a link that has done all the math for the OD and non-OD transmissions;
https://www.gearvendors.com/cgdrive.html

72SB · 05-30-2022, 01:03 PM

GV is good...but cost "new" is about = to various OD trans conversion be it auto or manual

if you find one used you would be ahead of the $ game.

changing the rear gear ratio would be the cheapest way of reducing highway RPM's but if its about drag racing or towing that is not what you would want to do. Just a driver, 3:08 is a nice gear with a non OD trans

chewychevy67 · 05-30-2022, 06:08 PM

I have yet to drive mine but i have been told it is a real noticeable shift. I found gm had a speedometer controlled emission speedometer gear. I bought it and you can adjust the speed at which it opens ad closes the circuit. It should allow me to get rid of the electronic part. I don't care to split shift either so it will work just like the automatic setting. I also got a different neutral safety switch so it will only come on when in the drive gears. This may work if you find a used set up but don't have the electronics.
https://youtu.be/y9OsuoCRckE

**Ironangel** · 05-31-2022, 07:56 AM

Short answer for a new unit is a little north of $3K...

fun in dirt · 05-31-2022, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toolboxchev

I have a friend whom pulled one out of an older motorhome he put in his truck. Virtually Bullet Proof.

He loves it, check CL for parts, or go hunting in the local junkyards. My best guess.

THIS is how I'd like to find one. Can anybody tell me what models/years to look for that GV came in?

**Sheepdip** · 05-31-2022, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fun in dirt

THIS is how I'd like to find one. Can anybody tell me what models/years to look for that GV came in?

As far as I know any GV you find in a wrecking yard was installed by owner or dealer, they did not come factory with the vehicle.

If you should find one, and it is mated to the same tranny you have that's great but not a deal breaker if it isn't, you can purchase the adapters separately.

Be sure to get all the parts including the electronics or brain as I call it.

The main GV's unit is universal and uses adapters to mate to different tranny's, there may be exceptions, but I am not aware of any.

**mrtoni** · 05-31-2022, 12:02 PM

TH400 and Gearvendors Overdrive

Sacramento craigslist. Good deal

custom10nut · 05-31-2022, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toolboxchev

I have a friend whom pulled one out of an older motorhome he put in his truck. Virtually Bullet Proof.

He loves it, check CL for parts, or go hunting in the local junkyards. My best guess.

New aint cheap but you get a warranty.

Would you happen to remember what kind of Motor Home he got it out of?
Around what year?

I’m figuring that it would have to come out of a GM based MH?
I know where there are a few in OLD yards
These MHs are from the early 80s

**Sheepdip** · 05-31-2022, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrtoni

TH400 and Gearvendors Overdrive

Sacramento craigslist. Good deal

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/pt...489450688.html

un4gvn! · 06-01-2022, 03:27 PM

I wished I lived in California. I would snag that up in a heartbeat. I bought my Gear Vendor a couple years back and it cost more than that and I didn't get a transmission with it. I do love it though. Mine is behind a big block 454 that I race. When I talked to a tech guy on the phone, he told me to try it out at the track. He told me I would be impressed. He was right.

05-30-2022, 10:41 AM	#5
chewychevy67 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Here Posts: 5,416	Re: How much for a Gear Vendors? When it engages/disengages is it smooth or clunky?

05-30-2022, 11:03 AM	#6
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 10,820	Re: How much for a Gear Vendors? Compared to any modern transmission with OD it has a noticeable shift. Similar to a race modified T400. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban the WMB,1991 S(stink)-10 Blazer,1969 GTO, 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird. 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

05-30-2022, 12:33 PM	#7
Sheepdip Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Waterford California Posts: 2,380	Re: How much for a Gear Vendors? I have purchased 2 GV's OD units over the years, both new from GV's. One bolted to a TH350 and one to a SM465. They are bulletproof and GV's warrantees the off the shelf unit up to 1400 HP. They are finnicky to an extent, but once you understand them, you get them to work flawlessly and will not be disappointed in your purchase. They are in the $3k plus range and if you have any mechanical ability at all you can easily install it yourself. GV's and MSD teamed up to make a supposedly RFI free ignition system adder. I would inquire about that.

05-30-2022, 12:43 PM	#8
71meangreenc10 Its a Truck Thing...... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona Posts: 3,158	Re: How much for a Gear Vendors? New ones now cost over $3K. I have been looking at them and the price looks to be the same no matter who you get it from. You can buy them through dealers or online. I have a local shop that sells them. I would like to ride in a truck to see how they operate also. Doesn't look that hard to install. https://www.gearvendors.com/index.html Smitty __________________ 71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 71 C20 Longhorn/Ole Yellor 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time

05-30-2022, 12:48 PM	#9
Accelo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,163	Re: How much for a Gear Vendors? "I’ve considered a 700r or 4L60, but don’t want all the electronics to control it’s function." If you are considering the 700R4 you can install them without any electronics. The only electric part is the lock up for the converter. Which you do not have to install. Just run them like every other early transmission with out the torque converter clutch. The clutch typically drops the rpm by 100 to 150rpm. If you are running a 350 or 400 in front of the GV overdrive you already have the slip at speed, so you have lost nothing. You are able to split shift with the GV. Might be an advantage if you are pulling heavy. The 700R4 will not require any controls in the cab and no frequent oil changes. Just be sure to get a 700R4 that was built between 1987 and 1992. I have done several this way including BBC in trucks. The 396 ci fuel mileage went from 10 to 13mph on the highway. And cabin noise dropped significantly. And they are lighter than any other GV combination. The only down side was cost although the conversion could be half of a GV conversion. Take your RPM at highway speed and multiply by .7 to get the RPM with the 700R4 conversion. The Gear Vendor has a. .78:1 overdrive ratio almost the same as the 700R4. Here is a link that has done all the math for the OD and non-OD transmissions; https://www.gearvendors.com/cgdrive.html Last edited by Accelo; 05-30-2022 at 01:02 PM.

05-30-2022, 08:26 AM	#1
custom10nut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: East Tn (In the heart of the Smoky Mtns) Posts: 1,846	How much for a Gear Vendors? I’m toying with the idea of putting a Gear Vendors Overdrive in my truck. As a little improvement in Gas mileage (Especially now) would be a plus, my main goal would be the ability to cruise at 70mph on the Highway, without turning 3500rpm. It’ll save on the wear and tear of the engine/trans (both rebuilt originals) Has anyone put one in their truck? Where did you find it? I Is it difficult to install? What’s a round figure of the cost? Does the benefit justify the cost? I’ve considered a 700r or 4L60, but don’t want all the electronics to control it’s function. All responses will be helpful

05-30-2022, 08:51 AM	#2
toolboxchev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road. Posts: 2,629	Re: How much for a Gear Vendors? I have a friend whom pulled one out of an older motorhome he put in his truck. Virtually Bullet Proof. He loves it, check CL for parts, or go hunting in the local junkyards. My best guess. New aint cheap but you get a warranty.

05-30-2022, 08:53 AM	#3
Getter-Done Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: TN. Posts: 7,741	Re: How much for a Gear Vendors? I would like one also. Mostly for the Cool factor. It would take a while to pay off for the fuel savings. The wear and tear would be the better comparison. There are several threads that I have saved about the OD unit. #1: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...t=gear+vendors #2: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...t=gear+vendors #3: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...t=gear+vendors #4: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...t=gear+vendors __________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ 84 Chevy K-20 63 Impala (my high school car) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...Crew Cab Build

05-30-2022, 09:40 AM	#4
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 10,820	Re: How much for a Gear Vendors? I put one in my Burban. The installation of the GV unit was simple I made it more complex in my case as I also went from a T400 to a T350. I bought it used with a T350 for $600. I ended up having a drive shaft (converted to a one piece) made that was about $450. So I'm into it about $1100 with everything. Over the years I've bought 3 of them used. I've never paid more than $1200 for one. That one was back about 1994 when new ones were $1800 and so were used 700R4s. Same as you I wanted less RPM on the highway. Definitely worth it to me. A couple months back I drove the truck with out the GV operating (I had to remove the GV controller as part of a different problem) and I really missed it. It certainly makes the truck quieter going down the road. They do need the oil changed ever 10k but it's only 24 ounces of oil so it's not a big deal. The link is to my Burban maintenance thread. Scroll to post 641 to see my notes on the conversion. It includes the ordeal I had with my local driveline vendors. https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...698377&page=26 I eventually removed the GV switch module and replaced it with smaller components that I installed in my ashtray to clean up the look of the dash. Post 748. I really like mine. I can have it in OD at 35 to 40 mph and not worry about it toasting the transmission like a 700R4 would. The only minor quibble I have is at certain speed/RPMs when you punch the throttle the GV doesn't disengage. I have learned to expect that and I manually disengage it, with the foot switch, when I punch the throttle __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban the WMB,1991 S(stink)-10 Blazer,1969 GTO, 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird. 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 Last edited by HO455; 05-30-2022 at 09:46 AM.

05-30-2022, 01:03 PM	#10
72SB Registered User Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Moorpark, CA Posts: 701	Re: How much for a Gear Vendors? GV is good...but cost "new" is about = to various OD trans conversion be it auto or manual if you find one used you would be ahead of the $ game. changing the rear gear ratio would be the cheapest way of reducing highway RPM's but if its about drag racing or towing that is not what you would want to do. Just a driver, 3:08 is a nice gear with a non OD trans

05-30-2022, 06:08 PM	#11
chewychevy67 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Here Posts: 5,416	Re: How much for a Gear Vendors? I have yet to drive mine but i have been told it is a real noticeable shift. I found gm had a speedometer controlled emission speedometer gear. I bought it and you can adjust the speed at which it opens ad closes the circuit. It should allow me to get rid of the electronic part. I don't care to split shift either so it will work just like the automatic setting. I also got a different neutral safety switch so it will only come on when in the drive gears. This may work if you find a used set up but don't have the electronics. https://youtu.be/y9OsuoCRckE Attached Images Last edited by chewychevy67; 05-30-2022 at 06:19 PM.

05-31-2022, 07:56 AM	#12
Ironangel Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Falls City, Nebraska "100 Miles From Nowhere" Posts: 2,219	Re: How much for a Gear Vendors? Short answer for a new unit is a little north of $3K... __________________ Michael of the clan Hill, "Two Seventy Two's" 71 1-ton Dually 350 4-Speed 71 C/50 Grain Truck, 350 Split-Axle 4-Speed 02 3/4 ton Express 14 Indian Chief Vintage 1952 Ford 8N, "Only Ford Allowed On The Property" "Be American, Buy American"

05-31-2022, 12:02 PM	#15
mrtoni Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: sparks, nevada Posts: 1,879	Re: How much for a Gear Vendors? TH400 and Gearvendors Overdrive Sacramento craigslist. Good deal

06-01-2022, 03:27 PM	#18
un4gvn! Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Latrobe, Pa. 15650 Posts: 341	Re: How much for a Gear Vendors? I wished I lived in California. I would snag that up in a heartbeat. I bought my Gear Vendor a couple years back and it cost more than that and I didn't get a transmission with it. I do love it though. Mine is behind a big block 454 that I race. When I talked to a tech guy on the phone, he told me to try it out at the track. He told me I would be impressed. He was right.



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