Identify Transmission

Shoot2Thrill · November 5, 2005

I am curious as to the model/make information of the 5 speed manual transmission in my 05 V6 Silverado. I have read the manual, but have not found anything specific to it. They only describe the Allison transmission in the bigger trucks. Anybody have any ideas?

vhato · November 5, 2005

I am curious as to the model/make information of the 5 speed manual transmission in my 05 V6 Silverado. I have read the manual, but have not found anything specific to it. They only describe the Allison transmission in the bigger trucks. Anybody have any ideas?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It is a New Venture Gear 3500

Can transfer *up to* 285 lbft of torque

Gear ratios are:

1st: 4.02:1

2nd: 2.32:1

3rd: 1.40:1

4th: 1:1

5th: 0.73:1

Reverse: 3.55:1

GM's description:

Low maintenance

The New Venture Gear (NVG) 3500 (MG5/M50) uses Texaco 1874 synchromesh transmission fluid and is certified “fill-for-life” in normal operation.

Overview

The NVG 3500 (MG5) is a conventional five-speed manual transmission for rear-drive and four-wheel drive light duty pickups and sport-utility vehicles. The MG5 is used in full-size pickups with six cylinder and V-8 engines. The most noticeable difference is the location of the shift lever tower that extends the shift lever through the vehicle floor and into the passenger compartment.

Features include a phosphate coating on the shifter lever to reduce friction and make shifting easier. There are double-cone synchronizers on 1st and 2nd gears and friction material on both sides of the synchronizer rings. The extra friction surfaces spread the workload of accelerating and decelerating driven gears to the desired speed over a larger area. This results in decreased shift effort and greater synchronizer durability. The friction material on all forward and reverse gear synchronizers is sintered bronze.

Other design advantages are a high-ratio first gear for quick launching of the vehicle (see specifications page), and a wide center distance between the mainshaft and countershaft to allow gears with deeper cut teeth, which are generally stronger.

03Bluerado · November 5, 2005

Yep thats it! I don't hang out around much anymore but glad to see people are still getting the manuals!

I have the NV3500 in my 03 behind a 4.8L. What is interesting is that GM seems to bump up the torque rating each time they bump up th power in the 4.8....it seems like they can take alot.

I know for awhile I was seeing those Joe Gibbs (i think) 4.8 5 speed trucks with superchargers on eBay.

I think NV5600 is still on this site, he was a big help to me with good info when I ordered my truck, if I recal, he used to assemble these ar work at the plant! Maybe he can chime in with addt'l info.

They say they are fill for life, but I changed the synchromesh fluid at 1000 miles, 30K and am getting ready to do it again at 60k. Probably overkill but I am very fanatic about my maintenance and do a fair bit of towing so I figure it cant hurt!

Enjoy your 5 speed, I love mine!

Shoot2Thrill · November 6, 2005

Thanks for the info. I always like knowing the finer details of my vehicles. ;-)

sjspor · November 6, 2005

Oh if I could just have one of those in an extended cab.... I'm kinda curious.. what sort of mileage are getting (once your broken in of course) and what rear end are you running?

Shoot2Thrill · November 7, 2005

Oh if I could just have one of those in an extended cab.... I'm kinda curious.. what sort of mileage are getting (once your broken in of course) and what rear end are you running?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Before I added the K&N air charger, I usually got around 450 miles before I would fill up the 26 gallon tank. I probably could have pushed it a little more to the 465 range, but I can't afford to chance it. I haven't let my truck get too low on gas lately since the change. I am still driving the truck like I stole it to break it in with the air charger. When I start driving it normal, I will post results. To be honest, I don't know what the specs are for the rear end. Any easy way of telling? - Shoot2Thrill

sjspor · November 7, 2005

The Rear end gear ratio will be listed on the window sticker, in english,otherwise you have to break down the RPO codes, that little white sticker with all those 3 digit numbers. With the 3:42 rear, 4.3 V-6 and a five speed in my 97 2wd I used to see 19 around town and up to 21 on the highway.

I have seen close to 20 with the Auto on the highway, but around town if i see 17, i'm doing good. I miss the 5 speed. You need the V-8 with the slush box.

Shoot2Thrill · November 7, 2005

Oh if I could just have one of those in an extended cab.... I'm kinda curious.. what sort of mileage are getting (once your broken in of course) and what rear end are you running?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My truck's rear axle is 3.23 ratio. I am not sure the significance of that due to ignorance on my part.

NV5600 · November 11, 2005

I think NV5600 is still on this site, he was a big help to me with good info when I ordered my truck, if I recal, he used to assemble these ar work at the plant! Maybe he can chime in with addt'l info.
Enjoy your 5 speed, I love mine!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not to hijack the thread but thanks for the good word. I have transferred out of the Muncie NVG plant and am now a "skilled assembler" for Allison Transmission.

You guys pretty well have it covered correctly. I will say that Muncie is still making the 3500 for now but is scheduled to close in March or early spring of 2006 I don't know who will be making it after then but it looks like it won't be anyone from GM/Powertrain . My guess is that they will turn to Aisin (Japan) to supply their manual gearboxes like they did for the Colorado/Canyon.

MS3DALE · November 11, 2005

Oh if I could just have one of those in an extended cab.... I'm kinda curious.. what sort of mileage are getting (once your broken in of course) and what rear end are you running?

My truck's rear axle is 3.23 ratio. I am not sure the significance of that due to ignorance on my part.

The significance of it is that GM does not offer the 5-spd in any of the gas engine 1/2 ton ext.cab trucks.

The only manual you can get in the ext.cab trucks is the 6-spd.with either the Duramax or the 8100 Big-Block in the HD's.