Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 09-23-2011, 08:48 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 4
4BT Diesel / TH400 with Gear Venders 6 spd OverDrive?

I'm planning a new project van (Club Wagon Chateau) with a Cummins 4BT from a Frito Lay Step Van. They usually come with a bullet proof GM Turbo 400 automatic 3 spd transmission (TH400). But since it doesn't have an overdrive I want to add a Gear Venders Over/Under Drive http://www.gearvendors.com/cg2wd3s.html to give it 6 spds with overdrive. Cruising at 1,800 rpm it should get around 30 mpg! Any input or ideas would be appreciated?

bob21601 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2011, 07:41 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
BajaSportsmobile's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rancho Nuevo (Cabo/Todos Santos) B.C.S. and San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,952
Re: 4BT Diesel / TH400 with Gear Venders 6 spd Overdrive?

It is a great idea, especially for a 2WD. On a 4WD the GV goes after the transfer case, so it only works in 2WD or 4WD Hi Range. They are not cheap though and another option to consider is a 4L80E transmission which is as bullet proof as the TH400 but also has a lower first gear and a overdrive and is usable with a 2WD or 4WD. You would need an stand alone computer controller and there are several. The best in my opinion is the Compushift and it can be programmed from a module on the dash to do just about anything from full manual shift all the way to a six speed paddle shift. That is the way I would go. I have this setup in my 650 HP 502 in my Blazer.
__________________
Four time Baja 1000 winner, four time Baja 500 winner. Solo'ed the Baja 1000 to LaPaz/Cabo twice.
4-Wheeling since 1972, Desert Racing since 1989.

AgileOffRoad.com
BajaSportsmobile is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2011, 07:47 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
BajaSportsmobile's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rancho Nuevo (Cabo/Todos Santos) B.C.S. and San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,952
Re: 4BT Diesel / TH400 with Gear Venders 6 spd OverDrive?

It is funny you should mention this as just a few hours ago I meet a guy with a 1970 Ford F250 CrewCab (rare truck) that had a 4BT in it with a 5spd manual behind it. Nice compact setup with a very open engine compartment. Runs very cool and gets 24 Mpg. He says it tows OK but not great.
__________________
Four time Baja 1000 winner, four time Baja 500 winner. Solo'ed the Baja 1000 to LaPaz/Cabo twice.
4-Wheeling since 1972, Desert Racing since 1989.

AgileOffRoad.com
BajaSportsmobile is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2011, 09:55 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
BajaSportsmobile's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rancho Nuevo (Cabo/Todos Santos) B.C.S. and San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,952
Re: 4BT Diesel / TH400 with Gear Venders 6 spd OverDrive?

One last thought; it is going to be really noisy in a Van!
__________________
Four time Baja 1000 winner, four time Baja 500 winner. Solo'ed the Baja 1000 to LaPaz/Cabo twice.
4-Wheeling since 1972, Desert Racing since 1989.

AgileOffRoad.com
BajaSportsmobile is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-25-2011, 06:27 PM   #5
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 4
Re: 4BT Diesel / TH400 with Gear Venders 6 spd OverDrive?

Yes, it will definately need more insulation around the engine.
bob21601 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2011, 10:56 AM   #6
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 2
Re: 4BT Diesel / TH400 with Gear Venders 6 spd OverDrive?

Have you made any progress on your 4BT swap? I am wanting to do the same setup in mine.

I actually have a GV unit currently in my 96 Quigley, which has a C6. It works great. Got it used on ebay for about 1/3 the price. It needed a little attention, but it works great now. The timing on the gear splits can be a little tricky, but having that 1/2 gear between the original 3 makes a big difference. I saw about a 20% improvement in fuel economy (granted it was from 10 to 12, but hey, 20% is 20%!).

I have yet to see a 4BT in a NBS E series, and am very curious how it would fit (mostly height-wise), especially on a 4WD, if it's even possible. Everyone seems to focus on the 6BT, which seems even less likely to fit, but I guess anything is possible given enough time and $$

If you have made any progress, please share!
deezelseks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2011, 03:43 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
carringb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Corvallis, OR
Posts: 5,300
Re: 4BT Diesel / TH400 with Gear Venders 6 spd OverDrive?

The 6BT does fit in the NBS vans! The 4BT isn't any taller is it?
__________________
2000 E450 dually V10 wagon
carringb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-23-2011, 08:38 AM   #8
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 2
Re: 4BT Diesel / TH400 with Gear Venders 6 spd OverDrive?

I don't think so. My understanding is it's basically a 6BT minus 2 cylinders.

My curiosity has always revolved around how the 4BT would handle a +6000lb E-350. The Frito/UPS rigs have got to be that or more, right? I don't need to tow anything significant, nor do I need a rocket, just a simple, dependable unique rig.
deezelseks is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

» Sportsmobile Registry

The Yeti

TexGX

Dusty

capnkurt
Add your Sportsmobile
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sportsmobile SIP or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:26 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.