Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Auto to NV4500 Complete

[pete97]

I completed my auto to NV4500 Conversion today. No problems with the conversion. I'll post my notes soon. Is it ok to start out in 2nd gear? 1st seems so low. Thanks to all on TDR who helped with input on the conversion.

 

[WDaniels]

I always do. So far hasn't hurt a thing.

WD

 

[hsmith]

Absolutely! I only use 1st when towing, and then only from a dead stop.

 

[pwerwagn]

Ditto, I never ever use 1st except when starting from a stop with at least 5-7,000lbs. even empty trailers I use 2nd.



funny thing, I want to do the opposite of you!! manual to auto...



--Jeff

 

[pete97]

pwerwagn, How come you want to go to an auto?

 

[BTilson317]

I agree why would you want to? and i have an auto 96 2500 4wd and id killll for a stick sometimes. . tell me why i shouldnt!? Pete97 definetly tell me where you got instructed on how to do the conversion i think im just curious

 

[pete97]

BTilson317, I sent you a PM about it.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

a properly built automatic will hold more power and is MUCH quicker in a drag racing application.



I've gone back and forth with putting an auto in my truck... I'll probably just end up with a 5sp, but I'd kill for a built automatic sometimes

 

[pwerwagn]

Well, I guess I shoulda clarified. I want a built auto. Full billet, etc etc.



The way I see it, im limited in a sense to hp with the 5-speed. I dont want hp to go to a dyno and see what it makes. I want hp to go to the strip, etc. This truck is also a daily driver, tower, etc.

If I were to get a clutch I could actually abuse, It would have to be a dual disc. The Dual disc I was looking at at one time was around 2 grand. Then you have to figure in the 1-3/8" input to keep from breaking, and your getting up there in price. If you had to do the fully splined mainshaft and stuff (mine already has), your right up there in the same price league as a built, non billet auto.

I like the reliability of my 5-speed, and I also prefer the lower overdrive opposed to the . 69 of the auto, especially while towing.

My 4500 now has 200K miles on it, and Ive had to do a clutch, its has had the mainshaft/5th nut fixed, and currently the 3rd gear syncro is grinding real bad. Ive been hard on it, but not flat out abusive. It gets used as a work trans would, except for the few passes down the 1/4.



Just my humble opinion. and FWIW, I have ALWAYS been a die hard stick guy. Ive always hated autos. I passed up numerous good deals on trucks before mine because they were autos!!

--Jeff

 

[pete97]

I went with the 5spd because I like sticks and the conversion was not as costly as a built auto. I figure that with the #10 plate only and no other mods that the 5spd would be able to handle it. I also dont drive very far to work and my longest trips are to camp.

 

[BigPapa]

Welcome to the wonderful world of conversions



If I'd had the extra funds I would have gone with a built auto. I'l go with Forrest on that one.



Scott

 

[Forrest Nearing]

between the money I'll have in a fully splined 5sp + billet input + DD clutch + the money I'll get out of my 6sp, I'll be pretty close to a built auto...



BUT, I don't have to pony up all the bread at once, the conversion will be much easier, and I really do love driving a manual transmission 99% of the time



gotta love converting a 98 BACK to 5sp from 6sp! :-laf

 

[BTilson317]

so what exactly is a built auto guys. . ive got a 96 2500 4x4. it only has a mag hitech pan, buuut lets talk money and good parts to put up with the abuse. how much would i be looking at for auto build up parts? orr is it best to get an ats or ddt or whatever

 

[BigPapa]

This is just my PERSONAL opinion, so no flames PLEASE.



From the experience of some of the guys in my Mid-Tenn TDR chapter, I would give Dave Goerend a call.



Scott

 

[Oil Burner]

Pete,

Did you do this at the house? How long was the truck down?



Good job.

Jason

 

[pwerwagn]

so what exactly is a built auto guys. . ive got a 96 2500 4x4. it only has a mag hitech pan, buuut lets talk money and good parts to put up with the abuse. how much would i be looking at for auto build up parts? orr is it best to get an ats or ddt or whatever

Do some searching, you can read for hours, if not days. Asking auto questions usually starts some pretty hot debates, not a good topic for this thread.

 

[pete97]

Yes I did it at the house in my garage by myself. I took it apart 2 fridays ago. Had it running 10 days later. I didn't work on it everynight and I had to wait on some parts. The only help I had was the one night I had my brother in-law help me get the transmission lined up and in. Everything else was on my own. No too bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!