GV overdrive almost ready to go

[Big Don]

Guys,



Big Don here. Glad to see some postings that yall like the 'Ol Blue Special injectors.

I currently have the driveshaft out of 'Ol Blue and have a Gv overdrive installed. Should have the shafts made tomorrow and hit the road friday. I am hoping to get atleast 28 mpg out of her with this unit installed. The installation ids a breeze. Everyhting just plugs in. Very nice looking unit. The only drawback I can see is that the unit does hang down under the truck. Not bad, but miine is a 2wheel drive, so I had to go with the remote mount unit. Being a 2wheel drive I don't take it off road so there should be no problems. I'll try to get some pics when finished so yall can check it out.

I am also working on an 85 crewcab 4x4 shortbed and I bought a 95 to get the engine. So I should have a pretty good offroad ride when needed.

Things at the shop and at work have been keepin me real busy. Just thought I'd check in to see how everyone was doin'. I still have to say, that I love those first gen trucks. I've toyed with the idea of buying a 1998 with the inline pump but can't find a good one for sale. We have a 99 24 valve and I am not very impressed with the performance of them (please don't bash me for this as it is just my opinion). I do believe they can be made to run, but I just do not like all the computer crap. I like to be able to turn the screws or replace mechanical parts, as it seems alot easier to trouble shoot if you have problems.



I apologize for being so long winded, but finally got time to post a little.





thanks for the fun





later

Don

 

[Matt S]

Have you had a chance to play with the pump timing for performance/power? While your snaping pics, how about some of your conversion project?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

DUNNO what fuel mileage you are seeing now, but past experience with the GV in a chevy 1-ton van with the 350 V8, 410's and an automatic - as well as my current US Gear setup in my truck have shown little or NO mileage increase!



Presumably, this is because while the engine DOES turn over more slowly in OD, it's ALSO working harder at that lower speed, so things just even out - plus the small extra power losses thru the added GV unit...



Maybe you will do better than I did, in any event, I much prefer the lower engine rpm at freeway speeds, plus the additional top speed and ability to split gears - 2nd overdrive for instance...

 

[Big Don]

Guys,



We've got bad news in Dodgeville tonight. The local shop has decided to attempt to rape me on the shafts. Today they priced them at $495. 00 for the pair. I figured $300 would be a big price. I called GV in El Cajon , CA. They told me their local shop was high and they could get them for $400. 00. Does anyone know where I could get these in or around Northeast, TN??? I am going to start making calls tomorrow.

As for the conversion projext, I am gonna try to post pics on my website, but so far nothing has happened. Actually, I've been drving the 85 to work while 'Ol Blue is down. I am suprised because it is getting about 14 mpg now!!!!! I think that is awesome for a 360 4x4 with 4. 10 gears and it has 97,000 miles.







later

Don

 

[Racer Brown]

Drive Shafts

Big Don, I just had a shaft made here in Lynchburg, Va at Truck Body Corp. for a 57 Chevy and it uses the 1350 Spicer joints. 2 yokes and a 52 inch tube was $120 including labor. I already had the joints and the front trans yoke. If you are making shafts from scratch, that doesn't sound like such a bad deal but if you are supplying the parts, that's a different story. There is a place in Roanoke Virginia called Roanoke Spring Works that does shafts. Give them a call and see what they charge for them. They also have the equipment to balance the shafts too. See Ya! Racer

 

[Big Don]

Guys,



Called a shop in Morristown, Tn and the guy was excellent. He knew exactly what I needed and even had the stuff in stock. Made me feel very confident in his abilities and he is going to have the shafts ready to pick up tomorrow at noon. $395 for two complete shafts. This is with him supplying all the parts and when I pick them up , all I gottas do is bolt the thing on the truck.



I am excited.





I'll post results tomorrow or sunday with driving impressions.



later



Don

 

[Big Don]

Guys,



Got the Gv unit installed. Love it. I can run 85mph on interstate and only turn about 1800 rpm's. On a quick mileage check, back and forth to work I've been getting 21-22 mpg stop and go with some highway stretches, now with the unit i am getting 25mpg. I am going to middle TN 2nd weekend in september and can't wait to see what she'll get on interstate. I am hoping for hi 20's. I'd like to get @ 28 mpg cruising @75-80 mph. I like how it shifts and handles the power well. Even in double overdrive, the truck still has awesome power I think it is because rpm's are low enough to stay in the torque. i'll post some installation pics soon. Been really busy with work and tractor repair.



later

Don

 

[Racer Brown]

A little off topic but,

Big Don, I've been trying to get in touch with you via Email now for almost 2 weeks concerning the ISSPRO Pyro guage I bought from you a couple of months ago that's not working properly. I've sent 3 Emails from different sources to 2 different addresses and I haven't heard anything from you concerning this problem. Please post an Email address that you receive Email messages at so I can contact you about a warranty claim on this gauge... ... ... ... ... Thanks,



Racer... ... AKA Ken in Concord,Va

 

[Big Don]

-- email address removed -- or call me 423-361-5491 or 423-357-7230 or fax 423-357-0439. We will take care of the problem. I have been having some problems with my email lately but hopefully they are corrected. I apologize for any inconvenience. Best to call if immediate assistance is needed.





thanks

Don Peters