Info provided by Eric of UglyBoost91 Youtube Channel

While slightly less strong than the AR5, the AX-15 and NV3550 (not to be confused the the NV3500) are VERY plentiful and inexpensive. A 2wd Jeep Cherokee or Dakota unit can often be found for under 75 Dollars on craigslist. However, they do require more swap parts than an MA5. The one negative can be the shifter location for sports cars, and the gear ratios which are more “truck like”. The major positive is price and adaptability to Jeep and Dodge Transfercases for 4x4 applications.

• Transmission Specifics: 

  • • Some trans modification is necessary. (Detailed below) You will need to Purchase an MA5 Atlas Bell housing, MA5 Front Bearing Retainer, and Colorado MA5 Slave Cylinder & Throwout Bearing

    • The shifter Location is close to the T5 as used in the Chevrolet S10 and the Early NV3500. This makes it a good match for most domestic muscle cars, trucks, and shorter sports cars.

• Flywheel and Clutch:

  • • NA and Mild Boost Builds:

      • • Build or Source the Vortec 4200 Flywheel from Emtech Motorsports. 3.5/3.7 Dowel Pins will be installed in the flywheel.

        • Disc: The best OE “cheap” option is a stock replacement clutch DISC ONLY from a 2003-2005  Jeep Liberty with a 3.7L V6. This is because the AX15/NV3550 Features a 10 spline input shaft.

        • Pressure Plate: The Pressure Plate used is a stock replacement Colorado 3.5L

        • Note: I have personally beat the CRAP out of this combination (LUK brand parts) in my tuned 4200 Jeep swap, and it's held up to burnouts and off roading for a few years now.

• • • Performance Builds

      • Because parts for GM V8s are so inexpensive, its much cheaper to buy an aftermarket clutch for a SBC 10.5" application if running big power or boost.

      • Build or Source the Vortec 4200 Flywheel from Emtech Motorsports. The GM 10.5" pressure plates DO NOT use dowel pins. They use shoulder bolts that align the pressure plate with the bolt holes. You MUST Use Pressure Plate Shoulder Bolts  or the pressure plate will not be centered on the flywheel, causing a severe imbalance. Don't listen to you uncle Bob who said he has used hardware store normal bolts before. ARP Part Number: ARP-130-2201 

      • Purchase a clutch and pressure plate kit for a GM 10.5" application with a 10 Spline 1.125" input shaft.

• Other Components:

  • • Throwout Bearing/Slave Cylinder: 

      • • Swap the Front Bearing Retainer from the Jeep application to the Colorado MA5 Style (GM Part No. 89048231) . One bolt hole on the top will not line up, but as long as good silicone sealer is used, it has never been a problem for myself or other Jeep 4200 swaps. (This hole could also be machined if desired.) See picture below.

        • Create a spacer for the Throwout Bearing 2-Bolt Pattern. This Spacer needs to be 3/8" thick. This is because the AX-15 / NV3550 Input shaft and front case is slightly shorter than the MA5

        • Bolt the Colorado MA5 slave cylinder and throwout bearing down with red loctite

    • Pilot Bearing: Use an LS V8 Sealed Roller Pilot Bearing such as TIMKEN Part Number: 57080 https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1118367&cc=1035931&jsn=10  The Atlas crankshaft is unique compared with the 5 or 4 cylinder you pulled your MA5 from, you cannot use a 4/5 cylinder pilot bearing.

    • Note that because the Jeep input shaft is slightly shorter, make sure the Pilot Bearing is FLUSH with the crankshaft flange surface, not recessed.