G-Force 5 speed Test Drive!
03-07-2004, 08:05 PM
#1
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G-Force 5 speed Test Drive!
Got the new G-force 5 speed trans on Friday afternoon.
First off let me tell you, it's a cool looking piece. Billet throwout bearing collar, ARP studs, etc etc. Machine work is beautiful.
The outside appearance is very similar to a Richmond/Nash. The internals are the difference. First it uses straight cut gears and "dog ring" type sliders..meaning there are no synchronizers. Just big open slots to engage making for quicker shifts. The shift forks actually ride on two internal rails that make it similar to an internal rail shifter. But HUGE! There are additional bearing supports (the Richmond already has a midbearing...this adds one more). Of course the steel is of killer material and they say it can handle 1300HP. Should be OK with my weenie little 825 HP!!
It comes with a Long shifter. I got the H-pattern one so it would fit stock console. I can tell you that the Long shifter is a monster piece as compared to the Hurst. I've run Hurst's for years with no issues, but they really redesigned the Long to be beefy. It uses machined forgings instead of stampings and is just overall very stout looking. Not sure if they have redesigned them all, but the one I got looks different than the ones in the catalog or the one Steve Barker (542C2) got a year or two ago. Since the 1/2 and 3/4 shift rods must curve, mine came with additional welded on bracing on each rod at the curves. It also used a straight stainless 5/R shift rod as opposed to the other ones with curved rods. Heim joint ends etc.Looks pretty impressive, but I guess it should for this price!
We put it in with little trouble. It directly replaced the Doug Nash/Richmond I pulled out of it. I spec'd it with the same input and output shafts as well as a speedo type tailhousing.
We took it out for it's first drive. It is noiser than the Nash in the first 4 gears, but I expected that with straight cut gears. 5th is dead quiet though, so highway cruising is fine. The Long shifter is a good bit "notchier" than a Hurst and requires a more deliberate action to shift it clean. I think that will improve with me getting used to it.
Shifting of the trans at low speeds takes a little getting used to. It's just like driving my old Muncies where I had removed synchros and made "crashboxes" out of them. No big deal, you just have to get used to it and match rpm for the shift. After a few miles I had the techique down again.
Then it was WOT time! I had a buddy with me who helped install it. He has never ridden inthe car. I told him I wanted to practice a few "low speed" power shifts to get the feel for it. As we idled along in 1st gear, I rolled hard into the throttle keeping tire spin just on the edge.....hit about 6500 or so and then BANG...nailed 2nd....and then 3rd...and then 4th........
He said "What happened to the practice"?!!! I said that WAS practice!!
We did that a few times and it was fantastic! That sucker shifts like butter. I think I'm in love!!!
I also spec'd trans with ratios that help this 540 wind like it wants to. It sure likes that part too!
So even though, it's ridiculously priced...it puts me one step closer to my goals!
JIM
[Modified by 427Hotrod, 7:55 PM 3/21/2004]
First off let me tell you, it's a cool looking piece. Billet throwout bearing collar, ARP studs, etc etc. Machine work is beautiful.
The outside appearance is very similar to a Richmond/Nash. The internals are the difference. First it uses straight cut gears and "dog ring" type sliders..meaning there are no synchronizers. Just big open slots to engage making for quicker shifts. The shift forks actually ride on two internal rails that make it similar to an internal rail shifter. But HUGE! There are additional bearing supports (the Richmond already has a midbearing...this adds one more). Of course the steel is of killer material and they say it can handle 1300HP. Should be OK with my weenie little 825 HP!!
It comes with a Long shifter. I got the H-pattern one so it would fit stock console. I can tell you that the Long shifter is a monster piece as compared to the Hurst. I've run Hurst's for years with no issues, but they really redesigned the Long to be beefy. It uses machined forgings instead of stampings and is just overall very stout looking. Not sure if they have redesigned them all, but the one I got looks different than the ones in the catalog or the one Steve Barker (542C2) got a year or two ago. Since the 1/2 and 3/4 shift rods must curve, mine came with additional welded on bracing on each rod at the curves. It also used a straight stainless 5/R shift rod as opposed to the other ones with curved rods. Heim joint ends etc.Looks pretty impressive, but I guess it should for this price!
We put it in with little trouble. It directly replaced the Doug Nash/Richmond I pulled out of it. I spec'd it with the same input and output shafts as well as a speedo type tailhousing.
We took it out for it's first drive. It is noiser than the Nash in the first 4 gears, but I expected that with straight cut gears. 5th is dead quiet though, so highway cruising is fine. The Long shifter is a good bit "notchier" than a Hurst and requires a more deliberate action to shift it clean. I think that will improve with me getting used to it.
Shifting of the trans at low speeds takes a little getting used to. It's just like driving my old Muncies where I had removed synchros and made "crashboxes" out of them. No big deal, you just have to get used to it and match rpm for the shift. After a few miles I had the techique down again.
Then it was WOT time! I had a buddy with me who helped install it. He has never ridden inthe car. I told him I wanted to practice a few "low speed" power shifts to get the feel for it. As we idled along in 1st gear, I rolled hard into the throttle keeping tire spin just on the edge.....hit about 6500 or so and then BANG...nailed 2nd....and then 3rd...and then 4th........
He said "What happened to the practice"?!!! I said that WAS practice!!
We did that a few times and it was fantastic! That sucker shifts like butter. I think I'm in love!!!
I also spec'd trans with ratios that help this 540 wind like it wants to. It sure likes that part too!
So even though, it's ridiculously priced...it puts me one step closer to my goals!
JIM
[Modified by 427Hotrod, 7:55 PM 3/21/2004]
03-08-2004, 07:49 AM
#3
Re: G-Force 5 speed Test Drive! (427Hotrod)
Sounds like it's a beast of a transmission! I also like my G Force prepped Road Race transmission, the Long shifter is great! :cool: :cheers:
03-08-2004, 12:37 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
Re: G-Force 5 speed Test Drive! (427Hotrod)
That sounds awesome, thanks for the product review. I've been contemplating their dogring T-5 transmission. It should be able to handle my little small block and its power output. You'll have to take me for a ride at the cruise-in. Also, have you checked out the southwest events section of the forum. Plans are already being made for caravans up to Bowling Green for CI V. You may want to join in. Hopefully we can cruise up there together.
I hope there wasn't too much damage from the balancer coming apart. At least it wasn't your new transmission.
I hope there wasn't too much damage from the balancer coming apart. At least it wasn't your new transmission.
03-08-2004, 11:04 PM
#7
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Re: G-Force 5 speed Test Drive! (burners)
Sounds awesome Jim, congrats. Jeez I wish I could get things done as fast as you do. Can't wait to hear of your next trip to the track. Don't keep us waiting too long eh!
Bill.
Bill.
03-10-2004, 02:42 AM
#8
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Re: G-Force 5 speed Test Drive! (69ttop502)
Thanks guys....
It seems like it takes forever to get these things done to me. I travel a lot for work so I have to really plan ahead so things are ready to assemble when I get home. But even then, I've been know to get started late in the evening and not look up 'till sunup...literally! I honestly just have fun playing with this stuff and it's very relaxing to me to piddle around in the garage.
JIM
[Modified by 427Hotrod, 7:57 PM 3/21/2004]
It seems like it takes forever to get these things done to me. I travel a lot for work so I have to really plan ahead so things are ready to assemble when I get home. But even then, I've been know to get started late in the evening and not look up 'till sunup...literally! I honestly just have fun playing with this stuff and it's very relaxing to me to piddle around in the garage.
JIM
[Modified by 427Hotrod, 7:57 PM 3/21/2004]
03-10-2004, 12:24 PM
#9
CFOT Attention Whore
Re: G-Force 5 speed Test Drive! (427Hotrod)
sounds too cool. i've thought about the g-force but don't have anything powerful enough to warrant it. meanwhile, is the old doug nash for sale????
03-10-2004, 10:26 PM
#10
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Re: G-Force 5 speed Test Drive! (clutchdust)
Hey, you can get a G-Force now and know it will outlive you!
Sorry, but I already sold the Nash to another Forum member. He picked up QUICK when I mentioned on here I might be selling it
JIM
Sorry, but I already sold the Nash to another Forum member. He picked up QUICK when I mentioned on here I might be selling it
JIM
