Competition NV 4500 Longevity?

[jmeehan]

My six speed synchros are going out and I'm thinking since I'm going to do the work (at least the R&R) and pay for it myself I'd look for a better transmission.

Part of my problem is when I'm really getting on the throttle and banging the gears I get some serious gear clash. With one less gear I thought the 4500 would accelerate faster. Do you still get gear clash when your really getting on it? How much H. P. can you put through a 4500 and get decent life out of it? If I do the conversion I plan on adding some sort of gear splitter, so I won't miss the six speed much.

Are there any other manual transmission's out there that could be mated to the Cummins and would give good performance and long life? Thanks

 

[Deezul1]

I dont know what the HP limits are on the 5spd but Joe D hasnt mentioned tearing his up but then he only has 600+hp. He is not a drag racer or sled puller.

 

[Sled Puller]

Dave Mitchell has put CENSORED HP through a 5 speed quite a bit.

Of course, he split it in half last season.



The 5 and 6 speeds are good tranmissions. Using them properly, keeping them cool, and use the best lubricant you can find they should last at least 200,000.



The 5 speed failures I have see have twisted off the stock inputs shafts, that can be upgraded.

Loose 5th gear, that can be upgraded, or try not lugging it in 5th gear.



Totally melted down from fluid failure,in a heavy tow, high horsepower situation, that can be helped with Fast Coolers and better lube.



Bad parts from the factory,and/or crappy installation of parts.



I don't have gear clash when I get on it, and my clutch is not the best for fast shifting.

I would stick with the 6 speed, get a set of good synchros for it.

 

[Roger rodbolt]

I agree with everything that Sled Puller said but would add that if drag racing or speed shifting is your main game the upgraded 5speed is worth a look. Larry

 

[jmeehan]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I changed my transmission lube 400 miles ago and just yesterday it started behaving better. It's earned a reprieve for now.

 

[cmonroe]

The NV4500 is extremely durable for a stock transmission. However, when your are talking about getting over 600 horse to the ground they need upgraded parts. The heavy clutch and pressure plate assemblies really take out the stock synchronizers. The fifth gear nut needs work and you may want to thank about an input shaft upgrade. In my mind the 5 speed is much easier to slam shift than the six speed. I have over 120,000 miles on the stock transmission but it will be rebuilt within the next couple of weeks.

 

[Pit Bull]

I agree with everything that Sled Puller said

But if speed shifting is your main thing, I would recommend you sell the Dodge CTD and get a Acura NSX. :-laf

 

[jmeehan]

Pit Bull, what's the Cummins option cost on the Acura?

 

[Sled Puller]

Originally posted by cmonroe

. The heavy clutch and pressure plate assemblies really take out the stock synchronizers.

Really? I have 50,000 on Mitchells dual discs, it shifts great, no grinding at all. Can't believe anything is heavier than that.



Perhaps it is my choice of lubricant helping them live???

 

[CumminFast]

Pit Bull:

Why would anyone want to buy an Acura NSX when they can have a dodge. Heck I almost beat one w/ 35" tires and a slippin clutch!!! He only got me by two car lenghts max and I had a crappy launch, didn't even bark all the tires. Oh and I love my 5-speed.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by CumminFast

Pit Bull:

Why would anyone want to buy an Acura NSX when they can have a dodge. Heck I almost beat one w/ 35" tires and a slippin clutch!!! He only got me by two car lenghts max and I had a crappy launch, didn't even bark all the tires. Oh and I love my 5-speed.

I'm sure he was just going for a quiet drive and did not know you were racing :-laf He probably thought there was something wrong with your truck with all of the smoke and noise it was making, and at the end decided to give it a little gas and get away from you before your truck blew-up :-laf



Sorry I use to own one and if he had been tryin you'd abeen :{

:-{} :-laf



Acura NSX 1/4 mile 13. 1 109 mph 0-60 4. 7 , based on your time in your signature he was not trying hard. Now I do think you have a very very fast truck and you should be proud of your HP and time in the 1/4 mile, not trying to start a :-{} , but the NSX's and Porsche's are big $$ and real fast out of the box.



But I got to admit your time of 13. 95 is real close. How many $$ you got in that truck? and nobody here will tell your wife

 

[jwilliams3]

Pit Bull,

Its amazing how many sports cars can be beat by these big heavy Cummins powered trucks, even when they sport the low 1/4 mile times out of the box.





--Justin

 

[Pit Bull]

Justin, I know HVAC's would beat a NSX in the 1/4 mile based on his numbers. I agree it is amazing. They make great sleeper vehicles. I'm sure most of the other drivers never know what happened when all they see is a big Dodge CTD then a bunch of smoke and then think that the Dodge just disappeared. :-laf



But I wish I still had my NSX, that was one of the best made nicest vehicles I have ever owned. I bought it used for around $31,000. I bought it in 1995, it was a 1991 and only had 18-19K miles on it. I drove it for around 18 months and put 12K miles on it and sold it for about what I paid for it. I've seen them now with 60-70K miles on them for over what I paid for mine back in 95 with only around 18K miles. I screwed up not keeping it If I only had more $$$

 

[cmonroe]

Hey Sled Puller, if you don't mind me asking what are you running in your transmission for a lubricant?

 

[Sled Puller]

Mind??

I love that question!



Amsoil Series 2000 75w-90.

 

[CumminFast]

Pit Bull:

I am not tryin to start anything, but I can beat that NSX. 13. 95 was my last track time and my truck has not gotten any slower in the last couple months. My mustang-freak friend and avid drag racer drove the NSX the other day and said it was maybe a 13. 80 car, so personally I think you are wasting your money buying a $70,000 sports car that can barely break a 14. I also think Porsches are for women unless they are the ones w/ the turbo/turbos. Lets face it these cars are for just looks... there track times sure aren't worth $70,000!!! and I have too much money in my engine.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by CumminFast

Pit Bull:



I have too much money in my engine.

I've out grown the sports cars, retired and poor . Alway bought them used, I could not afford the big $$$, but the NSX is WOW from a quality standpoint. Titanium connecting rod Sounds like your truck is beefed up to the point you can beat the NSX in the 1/4 mile. Just don't chase one on a curved road :-laf