Hey Guys,

I have been contemplating going to 5 spd for a while now. I have a 2000 ecsb 4x4 with a 5.3, headers and 3" exhaust and Im just really not an automatic guy. I bought a Circle D 3000 stall in hopes that it would satisfy me. I really like the converter but my milage has gone down a fair amount around town ( im sure partly due to the fact I have a hard time staying out of it ). So I am just looking for some educated opinions on what you guys would do, My options are an nv3500 or 4500 swap or maybe get a full manual valvebody for my 60e. What do you guys think?
Thanks

 

Why not a T-56 instead of a five speed?

Are you and/or your passengers going to mind the jerkiness of a manual compared to the auto? A manual valve body alone won't help your mileage issue but you could add a manual converter lockup switch or have your truck tuned to lock the converter earlier at light throttle to get your mileage back up.

 

I would love a T-56 and have looked into it. RSG builds one but its 3600 bucks and I cant really afford to have the down time to try and build something myself at this point. As for the valvebody I know it wont help my milage but like you said I was thinking about putting in a lock up switch.

 

Sorry didn't see that you're 4x4.
You'll probably get tires of shifting the 60 manually with the column shifter real quick. You could convert to floor shift so you don't miss gears. I'm not sure I would convert to a 5 speed in these trucks and I love manual transmissions. Just not truck manual transmissions.

 

i'd never go back to 5 speed. manual valve body auto is much better.

 

Ya I was planning on getting a ratchet shifter to put in my centre console if I go full manual for sure. Thanks a lot for the input guys. I totally hear what your saying about truck manuals, not alot of good options out there.
Thanks again!

 

NV3500 Does not like fast shifting. I got a RCSB 4x4 with a 6.0 in front of it and it works but would rater have the 4L60E