Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) What fails on the NV4500?

[sparks57]

From what I have heard, the NV4500 is only rated for 400hp or so. I know that a lot of people are running 5 speeds with 700+ horsepower...



So how did they upgrade the transmission to take it? What is the weak link? The input shaft?



Basically, what needs to be upgraded on the NV4500 transmission to handle 600-700 or more HP?



Thanks!

 

[CATCRACKER]

it needs to be completely rebuild with an upgrade kit that costs from 1200-1500... . i cant remeber $. it comes with a large hardened shaft and fully splined 5th gear plus plus. not cheap by anymeans but at 700hp you are not messing around.

 

[sparks57]

Do you know where one could get a kit like that?

 

[C. Harlan]

when looking into rebuilding my 4500, I was told the bearings, basically the journals were shot. I do not know if it was from high mileage, or a combo of towing and racing. Either way, if you are going to rebuild it, go with the fully splined mainshaft. You will be glad you did.



-Chris-

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by CB_Parker

Do you know where one could get a kit like that?

Do yourself a favor, check out the prices on stuff @ www.standardtransmission.com

 

[sparks57]

Thanks Mark! I'll check it out.



Edit: the parts they list, are those all the upgrades available to increase the power handling capabilities of the nv4500 or is there more to be found?

 

[sparks57]

Would the NV5600 be a better way to go with high HP applications?

 

[CATCRACKER]

yea. bluemental has a conversion kit for cheap then all you have to do is get the transmission and lengthen/ shorten drive shafts. if it is hard than that somone let me know.

 

[JGheen]

Dammit Mark!!

Originally posted by Got Smoke?

Do yourself a favor, check out the prices on stuff @ www.standardtransmission.com

Damn, Mark, why did you have to show me that website??!! I paid way too much $$ at the stealership about a year ago when my clutch exploded on the freeway, due to improper install by the stealership tech about 2 yrs back before that. If I remember correctly they charged me $1500 for a new NV4500 and of course the insane amount of $$ for the labor!!! Damn, I wish I saw the "Hot sellers" page on that site, cuz they want only $1250 for a new fully splined, and upgraded 5th gear NV4500!!!! Plus the $400 core charge!!! AHHHHHHH!!!! That pisses me off that I didn't do more research on it before I went and paid the damn dealer!!! :{ Oh well, at least my original NV had lasted me for 120,000 miles of hard driving and wheelin'. So that gives me hope that my new one in there right now will last a long time.



Does anyone know if any of the newer NV4500s have the upgraded 5th gear and shaft?? Or is that a custom aftermarket set-up only?? Just wondering if New Venture fixed that issue with the 5th gear coming off the shaft??

 

[bgilbert]

JGheen, $1250+400= $1650 for a rebuilt more than what you paid for a 'new' transmission from the dealer... anytime theres a core charge involved, its a rebuilt item. Bill

 

[TPCDrafting]

In my copy of the TDR buyers guide under "whats' new for 1998" it does say it includes an updated 5th gear. Not sure what that means, but it sounds like the factory did something.

 

[britannic]

I believe this is when they permanently took care of the 5th gear nut coming loose problem in the Dodge version of the NV4500.

Originally posted by TPCDrafting

In my copy of the TDR buyers guide under "whats' new for 1998" it does say it includes an updated 5th gear. Not sure what that means, but it sounds like the factory did something.

 

[sparks57]

So would a beefed up NV4500 be the ideal way to go if you're stuck on getting a manual transmission and want to sled pull and drag race on occasion?