Gear Vendors 3DFS353A For Camaro/Firebird - Anyone tried it?

[RyboFlavin]

I currently have a nice Coan Racing TH350 and 3:73 gears in my 81 Camaro, but have been considering an OD unit for a long time since I would like to be able to drive at highway speeds. I'm not looking to start a debate on whether I should switch to a 2004R...believe me I've read all about it. I am interested in the Gear Vendors unit right now.

Previously, I've read that it is a tight fit trying to get a Gear Vendors unit into a 2nd Gen...possibly requiring some bashing under the car. Now, I see that Gear Vendors sells a unit specifically for 70 1/2 to 81 Camaro/Firebirds, model 3DFS353A.

Has anyone tried this unit? Their description says:

Part #3DFS353A
Automatic 3-Speed TH 350 Shorty.
Cut 2" off of output shaft.
70 1/2 to 81 Camaro/Firebird and Short wheel base street rods.


What concerns me is that it says that 2" needs to be cut off of the output shaft. If true, that would mean that this install has moved beyone a simple, bolt in place product. How in the world would one go about doing that? That may go beyond my skill/tool set.

Thoughts?

 

[green 1977]

At least one of our members has one...... Ratracer comes to mind, he has one in a 77z

 

[GetMore]

I don't think the modification to the output shaft should be all that difficult. I thing all you'll need is a hacksaw or sawzall and a file. Mark it, cut it, and then file the edges. I don't think it even has to be a straight cut.
BTW, I know you don't want to hear it, but I don't see the point of using a GV unit in a street car. If you had a 1000+ hp car then I could see it, but I don't see the point otherwise.
In a truck, hauling a heavy load, I can see the point in splitting the gears, but I don't see that being needed in a car, and don't know if it'd work on the track.

 

[RyboFlavin]

Thanks for the info. I'll give Gear Vendors a call on Tuesday and see what they say. It seems I have 4 options...

1. Stay with what I have, which sucks on the highway (which I'm doing a lot more of now).

2. Change gears back to something like 3:23's.

3. Replace my TH350 with a 2004R from Bowtie overdrives.

4. Gear Vendors unit. I don't care about split shifting at all, but the overdrive would put me at a final gear of 2:91, which would be awesome. They have a good rep for holding up well, and like I said I love my current Coan TH350.

 

[CorkyE]

What's spec on your torque converter? As you reduce the gear ratio, you will not be into converter lockup. I'm in the same boat with 3:73 gears and 4K stall speed. Since I don't drive much on the interstate, I just put up with it.

The only way I know you can have your cake and eat it also it to go with an overdrive tranny and clutch lockup converter. That winds up being a heavy and expensive solution.

Your needs and checkbook will determine the route you take... IMHO

 

[RyboFlavin]

I just looked at my old receipt and see that it's actually a 2400 stall...no wonder I drop into third so quickly. Considering that it's a 2400, wouldn't I be better off with say 3.08 or 3.23 gears anyway? I never race the car, just drive for enjoyment and of course I like to goose it occasionally.

 

[ZS10]

Have you tried searching 'Gear Vendors' in the trans section? There are a couple guys that have done it, I considered it at one point. Like you had a 2400 stall TH350 that was good and still is, in a corner of the shop.

After looking at the cost, the conversion, and not having a converter lock-up. A OD trans is a better value, and no more complex to install. Being able to lock the converter is a big bonus after all the time and $.

Gears...I swapped in a set of 3.25s for a trip. It wasn't enough of a difference on the highway, and too much at the strip. But that's just me...

 

[RyboFlavin]

Thanks for the info ZS10. After sleeping on it last night and reading your post this morning, I've decided to call Bowtie Overdrives tomorrow and get a price quote for a 2004R and all the accessories.

My biggest problem with this option is that I have never changed a tranny before and I'm not sure that I have the tools/knowledge to do the install myself.

 

[ZS10]

There's a thread in the Sticky at the top. All you need to know.

 

[RyboFlavin]

Yes, the sticky has scared me away from attempting this myself. However, our most reputable local tranny shop tells me that they will do the install for $500. That doesn't sound too outrageous to me.

After reading the sticky, I am worried about the brace interfering with exhaust as it has for some others. Right now I have long tube headers with dual pipes running straight back to the mufflers. I don't have cats, x-pipe, h-pipe, crossover, etc (that's another project), so do you foresee a problem with the pipe itself being in the way of the new brace?