Latest and greatest transmission swaps

[Frankenhorse]

Will the NV3550 handle 400-450 hp approx same torque?

 

[blksn8k]

I'm probably close to that amount of torque output with my 393/NV3550 and I haven't had any problems yet. Of course I don't try to smoke the tires at every stoplight either. ;D

Todd Colvin is running a similar combo (351/NV3550) and probably has a lot more miles on his than I do.

They also used the NV3550 on Project Crazy Horse on the Trucks! TV show behind a pretty stout 349 ci smallblock. They beat the bejeebers out of that thing and it seemed to take it ok.

 

[trailpsycho]

The NV3550 is "conservatively" rated at 300 ft/lbs at a GVW of 7200 lbs. I dont think you can destroy it with a small block very easily. Our Broncos only weigh ~4500 lbs (much less w/o a hard top), so unless you tow a boat, have a big block and hit the nitrous, your probably OK. Maybe a 393 or 408 stroker with some aftermarket heads and nitrous would be enough to tax it...I am not an engineer. Its supposed to be a sporty shifting tranny too which I like. I guess its like everything with this disease, it all depends on what you plan to do with it. With a 4:1 1st gear, its deeper than a stock 3spd for the trail and the 0.78:1 OD will make for decent cruising speeds to get you to and from the trail or road-trip. Personally, I'd rather have a smoother, faster shifting unit than an industrial strength tranny, because its more fun to drive...4wd muscle car...but it sucks having to save the coin for one of them (hell, any of them for that matter). One day.

 

[Jeepincj7]

I run the NV4500. No noise and it shifts as clean as an AX15, NV3550, and a T5. I get a little drivetrain noise from the gears when letting off the gas at speed, but its not a big deal at all IMHO.

This is the 2nd NV4500 that I have owned. My first was in my CJ7, and it was a noisier tranny than my current one, but still better than the NP435 that I replaced. I installed mine with an Atlas, and lost about 3" on my rear driveshaft and added about 2" to my front one. It was worth every penny as I daily drive mine at 75-80mph. 5.13s, 36" Iroks. Puts me at 80mph at 2700rpms

 

[blksn8k]

I got really lucky when I found mine. A kid in Michigan had it on eBay with a buy it now price of $950 and it was brand new. I bought the Advance Adapters pieces through Randy Wood at Adventurous 4x4 and saved some money there as well. I also got a Duff's twin stick kit through Randy.

My understanding is that a transmission's torque handling capacity is directly related to the size (diameter) of the gears and obviously the quality of the metal the parts are made from. The size of the gears is in turn a direct result of the distance between the transmission's shafts. More distance equals larger diameter gears. I would have to measure them to be certain but I believe the spacing of the shafts in the NV3550 is greater than either the stock 3-speed or a top loader 4-speed if that means anything.

Earlier versions of this trans (NV3500) were also used in GM and Dodge half ton pickups including V-8's. The major difference between the NV3500 and NV3550 is that the NV3550 does not have an integral bellhousing whereas the NV3500 does and therefore cannot be used with the Advance Adapters parts and a Ford bellhousing.

 

[cbfomoco]

so if i found a nv 3500 that was say a cheby bolt pattern on the bellhousing could i buy one of the other kinds of adaptors small block chby to small block ford or is the out put shafts different on the nv3500?? thanks

 

[Frankenhorse]

So hp and torque not much of an issue with the NV3550 and I know what zf or NV4500 comes out of but what can I get a NV3550 out of. If already stated I apologize must have missed it. No big trannys in our pull it yards but perhaps the small one.

 

[lars]

So hp and torque not much of an issue with the NV3550 and I know what zf or NV4500 comes out of but what can I get a NV3550 out of. If already stated I apologize must have missed it. No big trannys in our pull it yards but perhaps the small one.

Jeep Libertys among other things. Just did a search on www.car-part.com. There were several listed for $750 and below. Search terms were 2003, Jeep, Liberty, 3.7 motor, 4x4, manual trans. Search the nationwide option.

 

[Jeepincj7]

So hp and torque not much of an issue with the NV3550 and I know what zf or NV4500 comes out of but what can I get a NV3550 out of. If already stated I apologize must have missed it. No big trannys in our pull it yards but perhaps the small one.

Jeep TJs, XJs, and Dodge Dakotas have them. But, you won't get a granny gear first gear at all. Only the ZF and NV4500s have the granny in HD 5spds.

 

[EBReifsnyder]

Just completed an AOD swap in mine. I am very happy with the results. Decent highrange power, awesome highway RPM's, no fuss shifting. I did it all myself around 800 dollars inlcluding adapter $500. Give it some thought.

Greg