I've heard reports both ways about the GV units. Some say they've had no problems but I've also heard stories about them grenading.

You won't want to use gear splitting. Pretty much the way that works is you run in 1st with o/d off, then first with o/d on, then second and third in the same fashion. It's not worth the time it takes. You're better off just leaving the o/d turned off while you're going down the strip IMO.