Gear Vendors Overdrive on A833 Transmission

[Chatt69chgr]

I've got a A833 thats going into my 69 Charger and will also have a 3.55 rear ratio.  The A833 is the wide ratio (I think it's 2.66:1 in low gear).  From what I can tell, I'll be turning about 3000 rpm at 70 mph.  I want to reduce this and have about decided that the best way to do this is with the Gear Vendors overdrive.  From their website, when it's engaged and I'm in 4th gear, it will be like I have a 2.76 rear end and will lower my engine rpm's to something like 2450 or so.  I've done some surfing and searching on this unit and the only two problems I ran across was a improperly machined housing (which they replaced) and a driveshaft vibration issue that some had and some did not after installing the unit. 
These things cost $2850 plus $55 shipping and the company says that's the best price I can get.  There are no rebuilt units from them.  Supposedly all are new.  What are the experiences of those that have used this unit with a A833 trans.  Would you recommend it?  Unless I go with a 5 speed trans or change my rear end ratio I don't see any other way than using one of these if I plan on doing much Interstate cruising.

Also----if you installed one in a 68-70 B-body with std exhaust syst, did you have to cut the H-pipe and move the crossover back?  What about the transmission tunnel on the body?  Did it fit without alterations?

[elacruze]

Mine's not in yet, but it's the exact same setup as yours (except '68 18 spline trans)
For every problem you hear about with a GV setup, there are 500 people using them with great success, quietly.
I can't wait to get it in-the only thing you may consider is how your engine runs at low RPM, in case you want overdrive at 1700-2000 RPM. I do, myself, and I'm making concession to power to be certain. We'll see how I do when it comes together.

[RallyeMike]

On the thrifty side, the OD 833 work pretty good with 3.91 gear sets.

If you have the money to spend, for not much more you can have a brand new 5 speed with a warranty, short throw, and crisp shifts.
I can understand the desire to add these these on a 727, but not really the 833.

[elacruze]

What 5-speed can I get installed in the car, for less than $3000, that can withstand years of 4000rpm launches on slicks?
Plus with the GV I get an automatic kickdown. Not important to me, but maybe more to others, is the claim of up to 1/2 second off ET when using the GV to split gears.

[RallyeMike]

What 5-speed can I get installed in the car, for less than $3000, that can withstand years of 4000rpm launches on slicks?

None, however your 833+GV OD can't be done by most people for $3G either. Your $3000 figure includes only the GV OD purchase. To compare the costs more fairly of 833+GV OD vs. new 5 speed, most people would have to factor in the cost of having the old 833 rebuilt with new syncros, adding the GV tailshaft and unit, shifter rebuild .... etc.  When you look at it all, the cost of a rebuilt 833 + GV OD vs. brand new 5 speed becomes a little bit more comparable.

833+GV is bullet proof, however

years of 4000rpm launches on slicks

is a use category that fits probably less than 1% of classic Mopar owners running 833's (frankly, that kind of vehicle use sounds better suited to a 727+GV to me). So, ya, there are some applications where 833+GV makes sense. Hardcore people, Bonneville, ORR, and the like ..... but, most all people building cars these days who are looking for cruising OD also prefer a crisp, short shift and the drive-ability of a new transmission based on modern engineering with a light case. You don't get that with 833+GV OD. Considering what people spend to build these cars, the extra money to step up to a new 5-speed set up is negligible, and the durability of these fits the needs of most all enthusiasts. I'd guess new 5-speeds outsell GV OD for 833 by 100:1, which tells the story pretty clearly on what people want: They are willing to give a little on maximum durability and performance in order to get a more modern set up.

So... my input to Chatt is still: If you're going to blow a chunk of change, consider the 5 speed.

[elacruze]

Rallyemike, you're right of course.

Personally I don't care for the way new transmissions shift and feel, although I have to admit I haven't been in anything with a performance manual trans for quite a few years. Maybe they're much better.
Is there any relevant swap that doesn't require cutting up the floor?
What's the price of a new or newly rebuilt OD manual?
What bellhousing considerations are there?

Careful consideration of your end usage is always appropriate. Speaking only for myself, I'm not sure I'd enjoy having a different feel to the trans, it's part of the soul of the car, part of what makes it feel 'right'.

[tricky lugnuts]

Limited experience in this area, but have you looked at the Passon Performance 833 overdrive transmission?

That looks to me like a pretty awesome piece for about $1,800 for the guts to put in your trans (all it requires is a gasket set, apparently) or about $3,000 for a whole 18-spline trans built equipped with the overdrive.

It's apparently a totally factory looking piece that requires no modifications but gives you a 21% drop in cruising RPM over stock:

http://www.passonperformance.com/images/stories/passon_documents/Passon_Overdrive_Flyer_20091109.pdf

I always thought if I was going to convert my car to a four speed (I would like to, but cost kills me), that would be the way I would go!

[RallyeMike]

Careful consideration of your end usage is always appropriate.

The cool thing about the hobby is that there are never-ending combination to suit any taste or application. We all just need to figure out what makes us happy. Here I am chatting up the new 5-speeds, but I'll probably never lay the cash down for one. Stock 833 OD works just fine and I like the old school feel.

Passon

I can blow up 15 833 ODs for the same cost as 1 Passon set up, but I suppose they are suited for somebody.