Gear Vendors overdrive

After reading some of these od threads one has to wonder why the manufactures ever got rid of the old hydraulic 3 speeds? Hell, they could have just used a GV unit. Wonder if I can find a 3 speed trans that will fit behind my Duramax? Pull that piece of junk Allison/lock up t/c out of there and put a GV in its place....

I understand that today's t/c are more efficient. At the same time there are some serious hills in the Pacific North West, steep enough that my diesel builds 15+ pounds of boost climbing them empty. And needless to say these hills are long. Would not want to try to climb some of these hills in a car that makes a butt load of torque while lugging the motor in OD. Don't care what any one says the convertor will start to slip. And I am not talking .1 mile long grades, more like several mile long hills.

Not saying that the GV is not a great idea for SOME folks. But face the facts, modern day trans have come along way. 4r70w/aode hybrids with a lock up convertor, trans brakes and 4500 or so rpm convertors, ditto for the gm 4l60-80 etc. To a person that does not have a trans to begin with the GV probably will not save you any money. 3k on the GV plus the cost to build a good 727 will no doubt be more than most folks are going to spend on a modern day unit.

Like I said earlier, more than one way to skin a cat....