GearVendors OD

So you see lots of conversions to the Keisler/Tremec 5 speeds, but I've never seen any mention of this conversion:

Dave, those things require a LOT of modifications to the trans tunnel of the car to get them installed. Joel Rosen installed them in several of the Motion cars back in the '70s. Lots of work, for sure. Way more than a typical 700/2004R, or 5spd O/D swap. I think I posted some pics of one here before, but don't know if they are still on the server....

Good to know, Joel, thanks.  Guess I'll keep thinking about the 5 speed OD option.  Some day....

I considered that also, but the mods and bucks really changed my mind.

If I may offer my 2 cents. I put one on the back of a TH350 in the money green '78 several years back before I had the benefit of the expert advice that comes from C3VR. It is certainly novel, but I don't drive it much since the tranny started going out. Immediately after hooking up with C3VR and hearing what else was available out there for the same money, I began to wish I'd gone the 5 spd. route. And every time I get that car up on the rack, I cringe at the destruction I caused to get that thing in and believe me I only enlarged the tunnel in very small increments as the manufacturers description states that you may have to "massage" the tunnel to install in a vette. After several calls to the company  I never got a straight answer or got to speak with the guy said to be their "Vette expert". So I began making relief cuts, small at 1st, but each time I tried to put it on, It was just toooo big. I was almost ready to strip the interior and redesign the entire tunnel. That must be what the Motion people had to do. They pitch an interesting ad, but everytime I hear the mention on C3VR I cringe at the thought and have to speak up. It was just too much altering. I wish I had my money back for the thing.

|UPDATED|7/8/2012 1:16:46 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

That kind of experience is definitely one of things that make C3VR worth it - if not me, you may have saved someone big $$ from going that route with your testimony.  It just seemed so easy from looking at their website: original gear box and shifter, no crossmember mods, etc.  But they don't say it is a lot bigger than the original tail shaft of a T-10 or Muncie and may not fit in a tight tunnel.  

A few years back I contemplated doing a GearVendors OD in the vette. But after talking with Joel and a couple other members I decided against it. I wound up doing the Keisler TKO-500 swap. The kit is a nice engineered kit. Notice I didn't say "well engineered" kit.

I've had a few problems from the beginning with some of the parts in the kit.
1. The speedometer cable was leaking fluid from within the casing.
    Keisler did send me a upgraded cable free of charge. Problem solved.
2. The lip seal on the transmission leaked
    Keisler did nothing for me. I paid out of pocket for a new seal.
3. Their driveshaft and their quick disconnect yoke were made so far out of center it would vibrate the car at freeway
    speeds. It took me a couple seasons to figure it out. Denny's Driveshaft verified the driveshaft was not made right.
    Keisler did nothing for me. Told me my warranty was over. Denny made me a new shaft that is balanced to 10,000
    RPM's.


If I was going to do a 5 speed swap today I would opt for their T45RS Transmission instead of the Tremec. They are supposed to shift nicer and the ratios between gears are a little closer.

Good info.  I remember reading about your driveshaft issues.  Glad you got it worked out.  

Try clicking on this link. Or copy and paste if it doesn't open. This explains the T45RS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leGyGruYHPg

Interesting vid!  I learned a lot about the evolution of those later BW trannies.  Thanks for sharing.