I was the first guy in Jacksonville Fl. with my brand new 84 4+3 with the Z-51 "kidney buster" package. White with red interior. Thanks for bringing back memories.
The overdrive on this 1984 Corvette reminds me of the overdrive that was made by Borg-Warner and was installed on some 1950s and 1960s cars that had a three speed column shift. The Borg-Warner overdrive was similar to this Corvette overdrive in that both were a 2 speed semi-automatic transmission attached to the output of a manual transmission.
When my car was stock, 3rd overdrive in town (40-55) was perfect. A little deeper than 4th but the instant kick down to third when you wanted it was very fun. I don't trust doing that now because I think it would blow with the current power curve... It is solely for highway now lol. But I do make sure to exercise it every now and then.
I have an 85, but you're never going to hear me hate on a Cross Fire or any other Corvette for that matter. It doesn't make sense that someone who loves the Corvette and the hobby would. Each year has good and bad things, I love them all and glad to see them restored and kept on the road. Keep up the great work!!
It makes sense if you want to do some fast accelerating, since you can flip on the overdrive while at full throttle, you don't need to push the clutch in and have any down time in acceleration, can just keep putting the power down through a shift
@@televisionandcheese I was thinking that as well. It would be interesting to see someone hammer through the gears while using the OD and timing it vs without. A quarter mile run would probably work.
@@KartKing4ever I have a Triumph Spitfire over here in Europe, and it's got a similar system. It's a 4 speed manual with electric overdrive. It has the switch more conveniently located on the shifter, making it easier to use in anger. It's certainly much faster when going through all the speeds possible. It's a huge amount of fun and greatly satisfying to use over a 5 speed manual.
I purchased a 1985 year Corvette back in 2015, it has a little bit different digital dash but same transmission. I had no experience with manual transmission cars when I purchased it and my Dad drove it down the ridge from where it was located. We get it up on the lift and its solid underneath. It didn't have reverse and my Dad was able to fix that. The price was originally 3500 but I had a special price of 3250. The seller even included the upgraded window regulators that dont use the nylon ribbon. Anyways that was the whole reason I learned to drive manual transmissions, I've since replaced the heater core and we have a new foil backed foam insulation sound deadener kit, a new graphite carpet kit and I have new floor and cargo area mats. Next is the interior trim panels, door panels and the seats. I also intend to redo the solder connections for the rear defrost, as well as replace those rear pillar trim pieces. I also intend to replace all the weatherstripping when I have funds saved up. Keep up the good work on your 84 as well! Have a good evening!
Great explanation but life for my C4 greatly improved when I upgraded to the Tremec tranny that is a 6 speed now. I get making the DN 4+3 working correctly and maintaining it, but I really love a close ratio gear box for the kind of driving I do when I take her out.
I had a white 84, same drive train. Never had any issue with the 3 over 4. I loved that car and the trans. It had crazy torque. Back then most 2 lanes was 55, I’d have it on in 4th, clutch and drop to 3rd and floor it. Was like a rocket. If I ever run up on one in good shape I’ll probably buy it.
Is great video very informative. It still boggles my mind why people buy corvettes with automatic transmissions. I've been in the market looking for a C4 with a manual transmission very tough to come by.
Had issues with my 88 Vette with old dougies trans. First problem is if it needs work, good luck finding a shop to work on it. When it worked properly is was fun to drive even more so than my current 2000 six speed because I didn't have to depress the clutch pedal to get into a higher gear. I even wired mine to operate in first gear. Mine had the switch in the shifter
Also, most my dash cluster does not work, I dont know my speed or RPMs. Its nice to see how it's actually suppose to work and look, its first one my list to have repaired.
Huh lol I can see my tacho and speedo but cant see my gas gauge and oil/coolant temps. I have an 85 with three screen digi dash. Thinking bout getting backup gauges indtalled
Sounds like you have some dead bulbs in your dash. I would check them first before you invest in back-up gauges. Unless you have your heart set on the additional gauges. Good luck!
I have a gear vendors overdrive in my 1969 mustang. One of best parts is an automatic shift can be set from 1 to 1 over to hit 60 mph no shift With the extra controls on the Corvette overdrive I can see the potential problems.
Nice unit!! So its really a 4+1, but GM wanted to include the overdrive in 2nd and 3rd gear to further the sum of their mathematical problem... Thanks for the video!
If I ever were to get a C4 (and couldn’t get a Grand Sport) I’d have to get one with the 4+3. Back in the 90s, a good friend of mine had an 88 with the 4+3. From the first time I rode in it, I thought it was the coolest transmission. A manual that also shifts like an automatic, it blew my mind! Did they move the OD button from the console to the top of the shifter in the later cars? For some reason, I seem to remember the OD button on his being a button under the shift pattern on the shifter but it has been a long time since I’ve seen or ridden in the car so I might be wrong. You have a super-cool C4 there. I sure wish I had one like it. Thanks for sharing the driving video. It brings back great memories for me.
Hello Mr. Mike. Thanks for the great video on the Doug Nash 4+3. I myself all ways drove manual stick shift sports cars. So for me to get a Corvette it had to a manual, just as you stated. No such thing as an automatic for me! I currently own a 87 C4 with a 4+3 it's ok, but I never use the overdrive and would be useful to have two more gears to snatch. I look at a sports car as one that as to be driven and for the driver to be fully engaged with the car and road simultaneously left foot included. Hence forth fuel economy is out of the equation, I never push down on the OD button. I can see that a ZF-6 will be a necessary upgrade. A 383 stroker and road warrior clutch to boot! After all has been put in place I should have a 35 year old car that will be able to hold it own in modern day times.
You do realize that with the overdrive you have 7 speeds, right? Why wouldn't you use it? Sure, the ZF box would be preferred, mainly because it's slicker shifting, but the 4+3 to me is still more fun then auto and actually is interesting once you figure out how it works.
I do realize that. Around town I use it as a four-speed - out on the highway I pop it into overdrive when in fourth gear - and it's like getting a fifth gear.
Mike looks like a cross between Adam Horowitz from beastie boys and commander data from Star Trek. A compliment indeed. And I also love the c4!! Rock on dude🤘
Cool! Why did I think there was a button you pushed for overdrive on the top of the gearshift? Was that just my imagination of was that for just certain years?
Finally, someone who shows us all just how the 4+3 transmission actually works, considering its oddities. Myself?, I'd opt to pull that console & add a bunch of sound absorbent material to try to absorb some of that plastic on plastic sounding gear-changes...
@@Mikes84Corvette The Doug-Nash manual box has a bunch of external linkages...and all those "connection points" create & transmit sounds. The likes of a Ford Top-loader have zero such linkages, the shifter stick merely sticks out the 'top' & is utterly silent.. There are a few aftermarket shifters for the Doug-Nash...all those linkages & the 'shifter box' likely are made with differing materials & likely " sound better" & work better.
@@AndieBlack13 My car makes so many squeaks and rattles any improvement in one area would probably get lost. Good info and I appreciate you commenting.
My 84 overdrive is disabled so the only bummer is cruising in 4th at 2500- 3000 rpm which is a bit tense.. but other than that I don’t feel there is a real need for those plus 3 gears.
@@Mikes84Corvette yeah for sure, that’s why my economy is pretty poor especially when i step on it on highway..;) Although i heard that reverse gear might be linked to overdrive somehow and that eventually if overdrive not working, will go bad.. hope that’s not the case..
Wouldn't like a Gear Vendors-style box (or, I suppose, like a 2-speed Brownie box if you're familiar with heavy trucks) be just as effective and simpler? Or is it more or less the same thing?
Damn. Looking at steering wheels before airbags came around is so odd now. In the 90s, it wasn't really that strange. But now? Try driving a non-airbag car and it's like everything is a racecar steering wheel. Well, except for the size. 75 Corvette have school bus steering wheels in them but the trim ring is like a nice wind chime when your keys hit it.
So it's a gear vendor! That's really nice an idea! But tbh, I don't really see the point of the overdrive 2nd gear, seems like it would only fit to a 25-mph urban boulevard or a 30-mph open road (like the ones in Nevada or Utah) but then again, the normal 3rd gear is also good for the same job plus you get a better throttle response for accelerating quicker. I just wonder how history would've been written back then if the engineers had begun searching for better gear spacing, more gear ratios and how spacing and ratios can be combined to give a versatile product. Who knows, maybe we could've seen the 7-speed manual of the C7 Stingray 30 years earlier (it's an extreme example, I know, but seeing how the 4+3 makes us think about it, I think it could very well be done back then too). The only 7-speed gearbox I can think of being that old is not even a manual road-going unit - it's a semi-automatic used in the 1989 Ferrari 640 F1 car!
I only use the overdrive feature out on the highway. I get up to speed in 4th gear - clutch down, press the switch, let up the the clutch - and I'm cruising in overdrive. Under the right circumstances - speed, throttle position - it will shift "down" to regular 4th - like an automatic shifting down. Good gas mileage too - on a recent 75 mile trip I got 24 MPG - not bad!
Cool, i'm sure many of us wondered how it works. I understand the 4th Gear + OD but not sure I understand the purpose of the OD for 2nd and 3rd gears though. Do you leave the OD option on and while shifting into 2nd it will automatically go into OD if you are just cruising and then go up to 3rd and it automatically goes into OD? or Is it when you just don't feel like shifting into 3rd or 4th from 2nd and just hit the button for like cruising down the main strip.
It’s the first way you described it. If the OD switch is on and you aren’t accelerating hard it will stay in OD 2-4. If you hit the gas hard it will shift out of the OD gear and into the direct drive gear.
No airbags back then. GM thought the government would add some passive restraint regulations and decided to make that area a big cushion. So it’s kind of soft and juts out. Supposed to cushion your body/head in an accident I guess. And there is no glovebox.
So i've been looking at C4 4+3 vettes, I went and test drove an 88' that has been rebuilt. Is the overdrive switch located on the actual gear shifter in later models? I am missing the switch on the center console like you have. Googling later models shows they don't have it either so it wouldn't have been deleted? What do you know sir?
Haha, I have never seen one of these in action with the 4+3. That's sorta fucking cool actually. Especially for the way I drive where I hang out in 2nd or 3rd when driving around town. Nice ride.
Not knowing anything about the car you are looking at makes it difficult to say. I would strongly suggest getting a pre purchase inspection done by a mechanic you trust. Even if they don’t know anything about the crossfire engine they can still identify other problems. In my three years of owning my crossfire I have had good luck with it. I also know that it was well-maintained by the first and only owner before me. Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Thank you for the explanation. I feel like it works like my truck with the high/low Eaton fuller transmission. Do you have to let go of the clutch to press the overdrive?
it mightve not of poped out it couldve down shifted to gain speed then shifted back into over drive like how you had it before to save gas mileage with lower rpms..... id suggest try using the 2nd gear over drive and test this theory and then also with the third gear over drive
Hi Mike, I just replaced my clutch disc, pressure plate, throw out bearing, clutch resorvoir, clutch line, clutch slave and me and my friend can not get the clutch to work right. We have tried amost everything to get it to work, we have bled it and it works for a few minutes and it goes back down with no clutch. Have you ever have this problem? Thanks alot!
Nope. No airbags, no anti-lock brakes. Too much power. And depending where you live - not good in the snow. Plus, I can't imagine how much insurance would be for a 16 year-old driving a Corvette. In my humble opinion, I would recommend something safe and reliable as a first car. Good luck!
@@dagoat5064 agreed with Mike on that. I'm 23 this is my 3rd car and I still feel shakey really punching it. It's really easy to gun it anytime you want and break the traction start fishtailing a bit. No good for a kid with no exp.
Those transmissions wont stand drag racing or abuse..I had an 85 and it ran pretty good but once they get some wear internally those transmissions become expensive. Not trying to be an ass to each his own. But I would t trade a wheel off of my 87 SS Monte Carlo for a complete Vette. But thsts just me
I think it’s a cool set up. Never convert it to a 6-speed. Keep it stock. Every sports car should have manual transmission. I laugh every time I see automatic Mustangs. #savethemanuals
IF you want to make it last longer you press the clutch in before engaging or disengaging overdrive and then rev match. They are worthless now anyways, you cannot find the solenoid that engages it, they used to sell for $600 new, or $150 used, but they are out of stock everywhere. I think they are in the pan too so you won't find them at a junkyard. Worthless transmission.
Great explanation but life for my C4 greatly improved when I upgraded to the Tremec tranny that is a 6 speed now. I get making the DN 4+3 working correctly and maintaining it, but I really love a close ratio gear box for the kind of driving I do when I take her out.
This is the best video that shows how the Doug Nash system works.
Thanks for watching! I appreciate your comment.
I was the first guy in Jacksonville Fl. with my brand new 84 4+3 with the Z-51 "kidney buster" package. White with red interior. Thanks for bringing back memories.
Nice! Thanks for watching. That’s a great memory.
I been wondering how that trans worked. Pretty cool, glad I found your channel, a nice cared for machine and its very unique.
Thanks for watching!
The overdrive on this 1984 Corvette reminds me of the overdrive that was made by Borg-Warner and was installed on some 1950s and 1960s cars that had a three speed column shift. The Borg-Warner overdrive was similar to this Corvette overdrive in that both were a 2 speed semi-automatic transmission attached to the output of a manual transmission.
I just recently purchased a c4 with the 4+3 Trans. The way the gearshift just clicks into the gears is so satisfying. Excellent videos BTW!
Definitely takes a bit of effort but you know when it hits home.
Good job showing how the 4+3 works! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching. I appreciate it!
When my car was stock, 3rd overdrive in town (40-55) was perfect. A little deeper than 4th but the instant kick down to third when you wanted it was very fun. I don't trust doing that now because I think it would blow with the current power curve... It is solely for highway now lol. But I do make sure to exercise it every now and then.
The kickdown is definitely fun!
Love that low end pull from that 4+3.
Not bad for a crossfire.
I have an 85, but you're never going to hear me hate on a Cross Fire or any other Corvette for that matter. It doesn't make sense that someone who loves the Corvette and the hobby would. Each year has good and bad things, I love them all and glad to see them restored and kept on the road. Keep up the great work!!
Thanks!
Drove mine for the first time today. My dad passed his on to me since he can't drive now. I wondered how that worked. Thanks.
Good luck with your CORVETTE!
Fascinating piece of tech.
It is! Thanks for watching.
It's kind of weird they added it to 2nd and 3rd. 4th, it makes sense, but not really for any lower gear. Cool to see it in action!
Thanks for watching!
It makes sense if you want to do some fast accelerating, since you can flip on the overdrive while at full throttle, you don't need to push the clutch in and have any down time in acceleration, can just keep putting the power down through a shift
@@televisionandcheese I was thinking that as well. It would be interesting to see someone hammer through the gears while using the OD and timing it vs without. A quarter mile run would probably work.
@@KartKing4ever I have a Triumph Spitfire over here in Europe, and it's got a similar system. It's a 4 speed manual with electric overdrive.
It has the switch more conveniently located on the shifter, making it easier to use in anger.
It's certainly much faster when going through all the speeds possible.
It's a huge amount of fun and greatly satisfying to use over a 5 speed manual.
What an interesting transmission setup. I had no idea the C4 had this, and totally forgot about the digital dash. What a cool car!
Thanks for watching! I think it's pretty cool too!
I just bought an '86 and had no idea what 4+3 was. Thank you for the explanation. Loving the Vette and having too much fun with it.
Glad you liked it!
I purchased a 1985 year Corvette back in 2015, it has a little bit different digital dash but same transmission. I had no experience with manual transmission cars when I purchased it and my Dad drove it down the ridge from where it was located. We get it up on the lift and its solid underneath. It didn't have reverse and my Dad was able to fix that. The price was originally 3500 but I had a special price of 3250. The seller even included the upgraded window regulators that dont use the nylon ribbon.
Anyways that was the whole reason I learned to drive manual transmissions, I've since replaced the heater core and we have a new foil backed foam insulation sound deadener kit, a new graphite carpet kit and I have new floor and cargo area mats.
Next is the interior trim panels, door panels and the seats. I also intend to redo the solder connections for the rear defrost, as well as replace those rear pillar trim pieces.
I also intend to replace all the weatherstripping when I have funds saved up.
Keep up the good work on your 84 as well!
Have a good evening!
That’s a great story! Sounds like you are doing a good job on your car. Thanks for watching!
Great explanation but life for my C4 greatly improved when I upgraded to the Tremec tranny that is a 6 speed now. I get making the DN 4+3 working correctly and maintaining it, but I really love a close ratio gear box for the kind of driving I do when I take her out.
Go check the ratios, they are closer than you think. The DN 4+3 had almost identical ratios to the ZF6 and is proabably close to your Tremec.
Great video. If there is one dashboard that best illustrated the 80s, this is it. Love it
Thanks for watching and yes the dashboard is awesome and so 80's!
Thankful people put these kinds of videos on the web. tytyty
Thanks for watching !
I had a white 84, same drive train. Never had any issue with the 3 over 4.
I loved that car and the trans. It had crazy torque. Back then most 2 lanes was 55, I’d have it on in 4th, clutch and drop to 3rd and floor it. Was like a rocket.
If I ever run up on one in good shape I’ll probably buy it.
Thanks for watching. Good luck with you cat search.
Is great video very informative. It still boggles my mind why people buy corvettes with automatic transmissions. I've been in the market looking for a C4 with a manual transmission very tough to come by.
Thanks for watching. The manual transmission in this one was the real reason I bought it.
Very informational, thanks man!
Glad it was helpful!
Had issues with my 88 Vette with old dougies trans. First problem is if it needs work, good luck finding a shop to work on it. When it worked properly is was fun to drive even more so than my current 2000 six speed because I didn't have to depress the clutch pedal to get into a higher gear. I even wired mine to operate in first gear. Mine had the switch in the shifter
Also, most my dash cluster does not work, I dont know my speed or RPMs. Its nice to see how it's actually suppose to work and look, its first one my list to have repaired.
Huh lol I can see my tacho and speedo but cant see my gas gauge and oil/coolant temps. I have an 85 with three screen digi dash. Thinking bout getting backup gauges indtalled
Sounds like you have some dead bulbs in your dash. I would check them first before you invest in back-up gauges. Unless you have your heart set on the additional gauges. Good luck!
@@Mikes84Corvette yeah they just barely light up. guess i just need to rip it out and replace them with something more modern and long lasting
@@brandonwilson4408 The LED bulbs from Batee.com are excellent.
5:01 starts the actual demo of the overdrive system. You’re welcome.
Thanks!
Fully warm engine @7:08 idling at 900 RPM, check for a vacuum leak Mike.
Thanks! Lately it’s been idling around 700 - 800 rpm. But I will look for a leak.
I have a gear vendors overdrive in my 1969 mustang. One of best parts is an automatic shift can be set from 1 to 1 over to hit 60 mph no shift
With the extra controls on the Corvette overdrive I can see the potential problems.
Never heard of that - interesting!
Nice unit!! So its really a 4+1, but GM wanted to include the overdrive in 2nd and 3rd gear to further the sum of their mathematical problem... Thanks for the video!
Plus 4+3 sounds way better than 4+1
The overdrive unit will engage in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th if you take your foot out of it. The car has a total of seven forward gears, thus it is a 4+3.
If I ever were to get a C4 (and couldn’t get a Grand Sport) I’d have to get one with the 4+3.
Back in the 90s, a good friend of mine had an 88 with the 4+3. From the first time I rode in it, I thought it was the coolest transmission. A manual that also shifts like an automatic, it blew my mind!
Did they move the OD button from the console to the top of the shifter in the later cars? For some reason, I seem to remember the OD button on his being a button under the shift pattern on the shifter but it has been a long time since I’ve seen or ridden in the car so I might be wrong.
You have a super-cool C4 there. I sure wish I had one like it.
Thanks for sharing the driving video. It brings back great memories for me.
Thanks for watching! The OD button was definitely moved from the console to the shifter, not sure which model year though.
Hello Mr. Mike. Thanks for the great video on the Doug Nash 4+3. I myself all ways drove manual stick shift sports cars. So for me to get a Corvette it had to a manual, just as you stated. No such thing as an automatic for me! I currently own a 87 C4 with a 4+3 it's ok, but I never use the overdrive and would be useful to have two more gears to snatch. I look at a sports car as one that as to be driven and for the driver to be fully engaged with the car and road simultaneously left foot included. Hence forth fuel economy is out of the equation, I never push down on the OD button. I can see that a ZF-6 will be a necessary upgrade. A 383 stroker and road warrior clutch to boot! After all has been put in place I should have a 35 year old car that will be able to hold it own in modern day times.
You do realize that with the overdrive you have 7 speeds, right? Why wouldn't you use it? Sure, the ZF box would be preferred, mainly because it's slicker shifting, but the 4+3 to me is still more fun then auto and actually is interesting once you figure out how it works.
I do realize that. Around town I use it as a four-speed - out on the highway I pop it into overdrive when in fourth gear - and it's like getting a fifth gear.
Mike looks like a cross between Adam Horowitz from beastie boys and commander data from Star Trek. A compliment indeed. And I also love the c4!! Rock on dude🤘
LOL! Thanks I'll take the compliment!
Nice video
Thanks!
Crossfires run nice. I love them.
I think mine does.
Cool! Why did I think there was a button you pushed for overdrive on the top of the gearshift? Was that just my imagination of was that for just certain years?
I believe that came out in 85 - making the button on the console an 84 only feature.
Late 85 the OD switch moved to the shift knob. My early build 85 has the OD switch on the console as well.
@@johntrishstrange7378 Interesting! I had a hard time finding a replacement shift console for my 84.
Mine is in good shape except the images are faded. Plan on a replacement in the future.
@@johntrishstrange7378 Mine was cracked in places. I found a new "blem" on eBay. It looks perfect to me. Very happy with it.
Finally, someone who shows us all just how the 4+3 transmission actually works, considering its oddities. Myself?, I'd opt to pull that console & add a bunch of sound absorbent material to try to absorb some of that plastic on plastic sounding gear-changes...
Thanks for watching! Good suggestion too. Maybe for a later video.
@@Mikes84Corvette The Doug-Nash manual box has a bunch of external linkages...and all those "connection points" create & transmit sounds. The likes of a Ford Top-loader have zero such linkages, the shifter stick merely sticks out the 'top' & is utterly silent.. There are a few aftermarket shifters for the Doug-Nash...all those linkages & the 'shifter box' likely are made with differing materials & likely " sound better" & work better.
@@AndieBlack13 My car makes so many squeaks and rattles any improvement in one area would probably get lost. Good info and I appreciate you commenting.
My 84 overdrive is disabled so the only bummer is cruising in 4th at 2500- 3000 rpm which is a bit tense.. but other than that I don’t feel there is a real need for those plus 3 gears.
Agreed. Really only needed in 4th gear. I believe it was done just for a fuel economy boost.
@@Mikes84Corvette yeah for sure, that’s why my economy is pretty poor especially when i step on it on highway..;) Although i heard that reverse gear might be linked to overdrive somehow and that eventually if overdrive not working, will go bad.. hope that’s not the case..
@@bojankalodjera1757 Same here!
Wouldn't like a Gear Vendors-style box (or, I suppose, like a 2-speed Brownie box if you're familiar with heavy trucks) be just as effective and simpler? Or is it more or less the same thing?
Damn. Looking at steering wheels before airbags came around is so odd now. In the 90s, it wasn't really that strange. But now? Try driving a non-airbag car and it's like everything is a racecar steering wheel. Well, except for the size. 75 Corvette have school bus steering wheels in them but the trim ring is like a nice wind chime when your keys hit it.
So true!
So it's a gear vendor! That's really nice an idea!
But tbh, I don't really see the point of the overdrive 2nd gear, seems like it would only fit to a 25-mph urban boulevard or a 30-mph open road (like the ones in Nevada or Utah) but then again, the normal 3rd gear is also good for the same job plus you get a better throttle response for accelerating quicker.
I just wonder how history would've been written back then if the engineers had begun searching for better gear spacing, more gear ratios and how spacing and ratios can be combined to give a versatile product. Who knows, maybe we could've seen the 7-speed manual of the C7 Stingray 30 years earlier (it's an extreme example, I know, but seeing how the 4+3 makes us think about it, I think it could very well be done back then too).
The only 7-speed gearbox I can think of being that old is not even a manual road-going unit - it's a semi-automatic used in the 1989 Ferrari 640 F1 car!
I only use the overdrive feature out on the highway. I get up to speed in 4th gear - clutch down, press the switch, let up the the clutch - and I'm cruising in overdrive. Under the right circumstances - speed, throttle position - it will shift "down" to regular 4th - like an automatic shifting down. Good gas mileage too - on a recent 75 mile trip I got 24 MPG - not bad!
Cool, i'm sure many of us wondered how it works. I understand the 4th Gear + OD but not sure I understand the purpose of the OD for 2nd and 3rd gears though. Do you leave the OD option on and while shifting into 2nd it will automatically go into OD if you are just cruising and then go up to 3rd and it automatically goes into OD? or Is it when you just don't feel like shifting into 3rd or 4th from 2nd and just hit the button for like cruising down the main strip.
It’s the first way you described it. If the OD switch is on and you aren’t accelerating hard it will stay in OD 2-4. If you hit the gas hard it will shift out of the OD gear and into the direct drive gear.
silly question, could not see well, but the passenger glove box area looks cushiony, is that what airbags looked like back then?
No airbags back then. GM thought the government would add some passive restraint regulations and decided to make that area a big cushion. So it’s kind of soft and juts out. Supposed to cushion your body/head in an accident I guess. And there is no glovebox.
Thanks! Was this basically an alternative to building a 5-speed?
Pretty much - a way to get more MPGs out of the 4-speed until a proper manual was ready.
So i've been looking at C4 4+3 vettes, I went and test drove an 88' that has been rebuilt. Is the overdrive switch located on the actual gear shifter in later models? I am missing the switch on the center console like you have. Googling later models shows they don't have it either so it wouldn't have been deleted? What do you know sir?
Yes. Later models had the OD switch moved to the gear shift.
@Mikes84Corvette thank you so much I'll make sure to test that.
@@bluetyphoon2100 It's the button right on top of the gear shift.
Haha, I have never seen one of these in action with the 4+3. That's sorta fucking cool actually. Especially for the way I drive where I hang out in 2nd or 3rd when driving around town. Nice ride.
Thanks for watching. Yeah I don't use the overdrive at all around town. Just cruising on the highway.
Hello Mike! Would you recommend me to get a 1984 with under 30,000 miles… so many people talk bad about the Crossfire engines.
Not knowing anything about the car you are looking at makes it difficult to say. I would strongly suggest getting a pre purchase inspection done by a mechanic you trust. Even if they don’t know anything about the crossfire engine they can still identify other problems. In my three years of owning my crossfire I have had good luck with it. I also know that it was well-maintained by the first and only owner before me. Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Maybe not the MOST horsepower , but them lil horsies paved some way for the Clydesdales lol
Definitely!
I drive a manual. Never knew this with older cars. My Grandfather had a 1984 Corvette but his was automatic
Didn’t last very long. I think I’m either 88 or 89 they want to a 5 speed.
Looking to purchase a 86 how is the clutch on the 4+3? Is it stiff does the car pull when letting off clutch or do you need to give a lot of fuel
It’s definitely not as easy as say a Honda clutch. Just like any clutch you need to give it some gas.
Wow. Your dashboard instruments. I remember the future. What happened?
Love the Atari dash!
So my overdrive light seems to turn on at first gear, sometimes it turns on and off at later gears! Does anyone know what that could be?
Hi! It could be the relay. It’s located near the wiper motor. Check out this part: Standard Motor Products RY31 Relay
@@Mikes84Corvette I appreciate, I will check It out and see what’s going on with it!
The only channel devoted to MY 84 Corvette. NO SHIT. Who else would have a channel devoted to YOUR 84 Corvette?
So you get the joke! Thanks for watching!
They have come a long ways my C7 is a 7 speed manual
They sure have! Thanks for watching.
Just noticed yesterday he has it listed on Craigslist in North Jersey for $4500.00....
Changed my mind. Not selling.
can you start 1st gear in over drive, ?
No you can’t.
can you start in second gear
Second in overdrive from a stop? Don’t know. Never tried.
Thank you for the explanation. I feel like it works like my truck with the high/low Eaton fuller transmission. Do you have to let go of the clutch to press the overdrive?
The smoothest way to activate the overdrive is to push clutch in, press the overdrive switch to on, then release the clutch. Thanks for watching!
Sounds like a splitter 🚛
Have you ever had problems with the 4+3? How often do you service it? Thx
No problems so far! (knocks on wood). I had the fluid replaced when I bought the car in August 2019. Probably due for another change soon.
I just bought 1986 c4 the day after I posted on your youtube channel. Thank for responding and for your cool video, it helped me with my decision!
@@a253383 Awesome! Enjoy your "new" Corvette.
@@Mikes84Corvette Thanks Mike!
it mightve not of poped out it couldve down shifted to gain speed then shifted back into over drive like how you had it before to save gas mileage with lower rpms..... id suggest try using the 2nd gear over drive and test this theory and then also with the third gear over drive
True. You need to be deliberate and keep your foot in it to keep it out of overdrive.
Hi Mike, I just replaced my clutch disc, pressure plate, throw out bearing, clutch resorvoir, clutch line, clutch slave and me and my friend can not get the clutch to work right. We have tried amost everything to get it to work, we have bled it and it works for a few minutes and it goes back down with no clutch. Have you ever have this problem? Thanks alot!
Hi. When my clutch died I had the work done by a professional mechanic. I wish I could help you. Good luck!
@@Mikes84Corvette Ok thanks, just put it in the shop, I hear these manuals are terrible to get it right. Look forward to driving it again soon!
Did this improve gas mileage any?
Is the clutch heavy? I imagine it is.
It's not like a Honda or Toyota - but it's not bad at all.
Tengo un corbet con esa transición y nesecito saber de esta porque no la entiendo gracia ayudame
still going good? i bought my 1985 with 4+3 around late january. clutch went out and the replacement has problems shifting ever since.
Sorry to hear you are having problems. I hope you can sort it out.
@@Mikes84Corvette would you recommend one of these gen corvettes for a 16 yr old first car ?
Nope. No airbags, no anti-lock brakes. Too much power. And depending where you live - not good in the snow. Plus, I can't imagine how much insurance would be for a 16 year-old driving a Corvette. In my humble opinion, I would recommend something safe and reliable as a first car. Good luck!
@@dagoat5064 agreed with Mike on that. I'm 23 this is my 3rd car and I still feel shakey really punching it. It's really easy to gun it anytime you want and break the traction start fishtailing a bit. No good for a kid with no exp.
How much HP will DN trans take?
Those country roads are in terrible shape. What does your county do with all the road maintenance funds?
Yeah there are sections where it’s pretty chewed up. Where does the money go? Not really sure.
Had and 85 with the 4+3 with in 10000 miles over 7 years went out twice
Yikes! Hit or miss with these transmissions I guess.
Hola. Me venden un modelo 84, me conviene para restaurar??
@0:05 - FALSE.
I also have a TH-cam channel dedicated to Mike's '84 Corvette.
Nice! Good luck with it!
Those transmissions wont stand drag racing or abuse..I had an 85 and it ran pretty good but once they get some wear internally those transmissions become expensive. Not trying to be an ass to each his own. But I would t trade a wheel off of my 87 SS Monte Carlo for a complete Vette. But thsts just me
Well - I have no intention to drag race my car or abuse it. Enjoy your Monte Carlo.
Cool! I was the 84th like :)
Nice!!
Looks like she idles a bit high?
Maybe a bit. But she runs smooth.
You need a camera mount. Let’s fully commit to this TH-cam channel about your corvette.
The absolute Worst manual transmission ever made was replaced with ZF 6 Speed in 1989
Thanks for watching!
I think it’s a cool set up. Never convert it to a 6-speed. Keep it stock. Every sports car should have manual transmission. I laugh every time I see automatic Mustangs.
#savethemanuals
Thanks for watching! No plans to change it!
Why not just a 5 speed lol instead of making a 4+3 Doug Nash
That's a good question - maybe GM didn't have one available at the time for the new Corvette?
Yo
Yo
I got my c4 all done out the shop I’m trying to figure out how to send you a pic I’m not sure how
Want to watch, but the sound levels are killing me, sorry.
Sorry about that.
IF you want to make it last longer you press the clutch in before engaging or disengaging overdrive and then rev match. They are worthless now anyways, you cannot find the solenoid that engages it, they used to sell for $600 new, or $150 used, but they are out of stock everywhere. I think they are in the pan too so you won't find them at a junkyard. Worthless transmission.
I’ve been doing just that. Seems to engage much smoother that way.
Sorry dude your video is terrible, can't see how you engaged in overdrive and your aim on the shifter is completely unfocused .
Thanks for watching!
Had one..piece of crap! Not worthy of the Corvette name.
Ok. Thanks for watching!
Great explanation but life for my C4 greatly improved when I upgraded to the Tremec tranny that is a 6 speed now. I get making the DN 4+3 working correctly and maintaining it, but I really love a close ratio gear box for the kind of driving I do when I take her out.
If my transmission ever goes - that will be the option I take. But for now - if it ain't broke don't fix it!