Another 727 build
So its time to start on the transmission and will have questions throughout the buildup since I haven't found much reference material out there.
I have a 727 from a 76 truck that Will be behind a 380-400 hp 400 lbs 360.
The tranny looks like new inside so far but has 3 pinion planets. What kind of abuse will they handle? I don't plan on beating this car.
I know the front drum is one of the weak links. Is the only upgrade option a $600 billet drum?
Are all factory drums equal? I see hemi drums advertised for sale.
What about planetary gear sets? Does anything newer fit? Like for the A518 or 46re?
Just thought I would throw those questions out there to start
Thanks for viewing
I wouldn't be concerned too much about the drum. Unless its' badly worn, 400HP won't bother it at all and shouldn't be a concern. Just inspect it very carefully. The billet drums came out mainly for the racers. At high rpm, the old factory drums with a jillion miles on them could/would fail. If you go to
www.tcsproducts.com they have a sheet that will show you at what rpm the factory drum and the three drums they make will fail. All 727 front drums other than the hemi to the best of my knowledge are all the same. TCS is I believe the only manufacturer of these drums in North America and sell them to all the top name performance transmission people.
If you're not going to beat on the car, I don't know that 4 pinion planets would benefit you. Look the ones you've got very carefully and check for signs of wear on the gears and how much side to side motion the gears have on their shafts.
If it was my car, I'd do a major rebuild, friction plates (raybestos waffle lined), steel plates, all washers and bushings, filter, both front and rear band, a Transgo TF-2 shift kit, a sprag kit, and maybe look at the pump and pump gears closely. Others on this board can give you further advise, and we've got a couple of very knowledgeable transmission guys on board.