Nv3500

[Ethans80]

Hey guys!

I'm new to the forum and really need some help before I get my self into all kinds of trouble (my bad habit). I have a 1980 Chevy K10 Cheyenne with a 1979 corvette 225 hp 270 tq engine TH350C and NP205 combo and I want to put manual transmission in it, I've looked at the SM465 and like it but I want overdrive so I decided on the NV3500 5 speed, can anyone tell me what I have to do to make this all work? I haven't pull anything apart yet so I'm not sure how many splines my tcase has yet, if I found a np205 32 spline could I adapt it to the 3500?

Will the hydro clutch and all work in my truck? My truck also has a factory tach in it so I don't have to worry about redlining too much

Thanks in advance!
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[Chevy3+3]

I don't know much about the NV3500 trans but I would think the Np205 would be to heavy to hang off the back of the 3500. If your dead set on the nv3500 then I think your going to need to find one from a 1/2 ton truck not and S10. The reason I say this is because I believe the 3500 trans in the s10 is specific to the t-case they used. If you find an NV3500 from a full size 1/2 ton 4WD I believe you will get the 6 round bolt pattern. I would then put an np208 behind it for simplicity and being lighter weight.

Keep in mind I am not really familiar with all the NV3500's and differences between the years but you have a lot to consider. I am right in the middle of swapping an NV4500 into my 1 ton CC 4x4. I had several decisions to make for that swap. Do I want external slave or internal? I wanted external. Next question was since I wanted external will I have clearance issues between slave and front driveline? If so do I want to buy an AA bellhousing kit for $400+ giving me a drivers side mounted slave or chance it hoping a factory GM bellhousing clears and if it doesn't then put a little more lift under the truck?

There are lots of things to consider. Probably the best advice I can give you is to not rush into it. Do your research so you know exactly how your going to tackle the swap saving you time & money instead of rushing into it.

[mongocanfly]

Nv4500 gets my vote to..I really like mine

[Ethans80]

Well a guy just offering me a sm465/205 combo for $400 sound worth it? I'm a little nervous about the whole thing but I really want a stick in this truck, do you think the rpms on the highway will be the same on the highway? It's my daily driver and I'm on a budget so I suppose a brand new shiney 5 speed is a little out of reach for me at this time.

Where could I find the hydro bellhousing and pedal assembly? I'm assuming this being a pretty stock set up everything will bolt right up with few mods?
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[mongocanfly]

Your gonna need a flywheel clutch pressure plate to.and im not sure but im betting front and rear driveshafts..you might have some luck in junk yards but these parts truck's are getting harder to find. $400 for that combo is about right but with the 465 you really have a 3spd with a granny gear. If you know your gear ratios and tire size you get on net and find a rpm calculator and it will give you your rpm at diff speeds

[Chevy3+3]

Originally Posted by Ethans80

Well a guy just offering me a sm465/205 combo for $400 sound worth it? I'm a little nervous about the whole thing but I really want a stick in this truck, do you think the rpms on the highway will be the same on the highway? It's my daily driver and I'm on a budget so I suppose a brand new shiney 5 speed is a little out of reach for me at this time.

Where could I find the hydro bellhousing and pedal assembly? I'm assuming this being a pretty stock set up everything will bolt right up with few mods?
Posted via Mobile Device

Your truck is an '80 model so your cab would not have had hydraulic clutch components originally. Hydraulic clutch systems were not offered until '85. You should be able the find a bellhousing and pedal assembly easy enough. Prices vary though. Cabs on '85+ trucks have the firewall predimpled where to drill the holes for the clutch master cylinder. Since your truck is an '80 your going to need to get some measurements to lay it out in the right spot. Your RPMs wont change much with that combo IMO. I couldn't tell you if its a good deal or not because I have never priced a 465 or an older 205 like that.

[barry1982]

I converted an 82 4 x 4 auto to a 4 speed standard. Was a BIG job. Installing the clutch pedal assembly was a real pain. I used the NP208 transfer case.
I actually picked up a wrecked 4-speed truck, and just transferred over all of the parts. I would recommend you try find a wrecked 85-86 standard truck with all of the clutch components first thing.

[Ethans80]

Thanks guys! I'm going to shoot for the hydro clutch, I plan on towing another truck with it so this trans may be a better buy for my needs
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[TwoFiftyShifter]

It's a great trans. If you don't need OD at least. I had one in a 3/4 ton 4x4 with 3.42 gears and it was the perfect combo. Creeper gear would pull anything and it still would cruise at 65 pretty decent.

Only downside is the long throw. It acts like a dump truck almost.

[Shady Rascal]

If you presently have a TH350C, the SM465 is going to run the same RPM on the highway. They are both 1:1 ratio high gear. Only you will be able to decide if that RPM suits you.

[74CustomK20]

I'm doing a nv3500-208 combo into my k30 I'm building, and I had the 465-205 combo. The 205 is too heavy and will break the bellhousing where it bolts to the block. But it isn't too bad going this route.