Hydro 465 vs. NV4500

[PhoenixZorn]

Yeah... I just bought it... and yeah... I don't NEED to replace the transmission yet... but I want to know... What do you guys think of a swap from my 700R4 to a SM465 Hydro setup or an NV4500? I'd like a pro's and con's list for each one if you reply to this question... I have 2 465s in my garage, but I don't yet own a 4500... just don't base your reply on that.

 

[tRustyK5]

As much as i love the durability of the SM 465 and the granny low gear the lack of an overdrive pushed me towards the NV4500. The NV4500 is a better shifting version of the SM 465 plus an overdrive. The strength and gear spacing is about identical. Downside on the NV4500 is a bit of added length, a bit spendy, and if you want to run a 203 or 205 behind it you'll need to do some modding to those too.

Rene

 

[gmc4cw]

20,000 posts and he hit it on the head. overdrive is sweet these days.

 

[sweetk30]

if you play your card right one day you will find a nv4500 tranny in a pick and pull yard. then you will pick it up off ground and install it in the wheelbarow . then roll it in the door and pay them the 80 bucks thay asked for.

overdrive rules. less wear and tear on drive line.

 

[BL1TZKRIEG]

will a nv 4500 bolt up to a 350 with no problems ?
and can a 241 bolt up to the 4500 too

 

[Inu-Hanyou1776]

Sorry to hijack, but just what do ya'll mean by a "Hydro SM465"?

 

[u2slow]

what do ya'll mean by a "Hydro SM465"?

Usually refers to the hydraulic clutch setup used from 85+.

SM465 are $50 transmissions.... you gotta do alot of driving to make OD worth it.

 

[tRustyK5]

will a nv 4500 bolt up to a 350 with no problems ?
and can a 241 bolt up to the 4500 too

yup, you'll need an Advance Adaptors bellhousing or try to make the stock GM bell work. Problem with the GM bell is the clutch slave and release fork are all on the passenger side and it's likely the front driveline may hit or rub that stuff. The AA bell puts the release fork on the drivers side. 241 is a straight bolt up affair as long as it has a 32 spline input.

Kevin, the difference between having OD and not having OD is 750 rpm at 70 mph (in my truck) That is the difference between ~16 mpg highway (US gallons) and 23 mpg highway (US gallons again) Driving only 10,000 miles per year I'll save roughly $750/yr on fuel which means the NV4500 will have paid for itself in about 2 years (or 20,000 miles)

The major reason I am so looking forward to having the OD though, is a 1900 rpm cruise versus a 2600 rpm cruise. I'll be able to hear myself think and road trips will be a lot more enjoyable.

Rene

 

[Inu-Hanyou1776]

Usually refers to the hydraulic clutch setup used from 85+.

Thanks. Anyway yeah, if it was me I'd be going for the 4500 too. After driving overdrive equipped vehicles for so long, I can't really imagine not having a non-overdrive tranny. Overdrive's really a necessity I think these days because of how much gas is if you're rig's your main transportation too.

 

[blackblazer717]

SM all the way dude!
LUKE

 

[BL1TZKRIEG]

I would love to ditch my 700r4 and replace it with a 4500

 

[u2slow]

If that's $750 total cost on an NV4500 swap, I'd say you're doing very well I didn't realize you did that much highway travel.

I pull in 17mpg (US gal) city/highway mix doing ~2300rpm @ 70mph (calculated - no tach ) with the 465. I crave better gear steppings moreso than the OD at this point. Then again, its my DD work vehicle so I'm shifting more too.

I might be spoiled by the close-ratio ZF in my Ford... maybe that's the problem

 

[tRustyK5]

The NV4500 has probably cost me closer to $1500, but unlike other parts of my truck this one will pay for itself sooner or later.

As for highway driving, I will be doing my share pretty soon. We're looking at some houses in Abbotsford and Chilliwack...so my commute could become as much as 100 miles per day.

Rene