904 to A230 worth the effort?

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MidnightSwinger

MidnightSwinger

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For my '79 Aspen Wagon 318.

I want a 4 speed, but it seems I've been out of the loop on pricing. Even the OD trans sell for $300.

I found a great deal on an A230 3 speed and it has me wondering. Is it worth the swap? The only downside that I see is that its still set up for column shift, so I would need to source a floor shifter for it.

This is my daily driver, and the main reason for the swap would be because I prefer a manual transmission.

Thanks
Jared

00b0b_1xKCun3wpS5_600x450.jpg
 
No, not from a 3 speed auto to a 3 speed manual. If you really want to enjoy a manual transmission go with 4 gears. Yes the OD are getting pricey, but you will benefit over the auto with an increase in fuel economy. From my point of view you are doing the same thing as swapping to a 4 speed but without the 4 speed.
 
CCHHAARRGGER! said:
No, not from a 3 speed auto to a 3 speed manual. If you really want to enjoy a manual transmission go with 4 gears. Yes the OD are getting pricey, but you will benefit over the auto with an increase in fuel economy. From my point of view you are doing the same thing as swapping to a 4 speed but without the 4 speed.
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I hear you there! The only reason I considered the 3 speed is cost. The wagon was $1k so to spend 1k on a transmission is just not worth it to me(personally). I'm probably going to give up on the idea of a manual swap, this hobby is getting too expensive for average joes. Thanks for your input.

Jared
 
I agree with the overdrive. You get a lower first gear with the overdrive to get that tank moving. And the overdrive gear in your daily for $ saving. The first couple of long vacation trips and you'll have saved enough on fuel to have paid the little extra on the overdrive.
 
The transmission in the picture is set up for a floor shifter, it's the bolt-on Inland style with the handle removed, the extra rod on the shift arm is for the interlock on '70 models. Now the only problems with trying to put that transmission in an F body are the shifter location, it has the B/E body mounting pads. And the length is longer than your 904 so you're going to need a shorter drive shaft.
 
daliant said:
The transmission in the picture is set up for a floor shifter, it's the bolt-on Inland style with the handle removed, the extra rod on the shift arm is for the interlock on '70 models. Now the only problems with trying to put that transmission in an F body are the shifter location, it has the B/E body mounting pads. And the length is longer than your 904 so you're going to need a shorter drive shaft.
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Thanks for the info. The seller said it came out of a 72 Dart(it may have?) but the tailshaft looked a little long.
 
That linkage setup is from a 1970 (only) B-body.

The transmission itself would fit a 1970 B or E.

If he would be willing to sell just the linkage parts, I would be interested.

Or if you buy it, I could trade an A-body set up, but you would still need the right box.
 
Alaskan_TA said:
That linkage setup is from a 1970 (only) B-body.

The transmission itself would fit a 1970 B or E.

If he would be willing to sell just the linkage parts, I would be interested.

Or if you buy it, I could trade an A-body set up, but you would still need the right box.
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I'm going to pass, its on the las vegas Craigslist and he claims its been gone through, $150.
 
Deal made, paid for & he is going to drop it off at a UPS store so I can arrange shipping to PA. :)

Thanks again!
 
Hell yeah, put it in there. Those transmissions are like an A833, just as strong, but with one less forward gear.
 
If you decide to make an A-body swap, holler. I have an original 1970 Valiant 4-door with the manual 3-speed, 318 & floor shift & it is a joy to drive.

There is also a Mopar only 4-door & wagon group on Facebook if you want to check it out - 4-Door Mopar Drivers Only
 
i have been searching for years and i am about to give up: is there any chance that someone out there would have a column setup for a 1971 a230 with a 318 Already have setup for a six with a 903 not the same
 
yes they did . I have a 1971 dodge demon 318 a 230 column shift that there were only 349 of them made,however there were also Dusters made as well am i am sure they made more. I ran across one in Colorado and one in Ohio.i only need the shift rods have everything else
 
yes they did . I have a 1971 dodge demon 318 a 230 column shift that there were only 349 of them made,however there were also Dusters made as well am i am sure they made more. I ran across one in Colorado and one in Ohio.i only need the shift rods have everything else
 
IIRC the A230 has a 2.95 low gear in it, but third was a bit out there. Or was it second. Yeah I think second was out there. Ima guessing something like 1.67 ratio. So it basically is like an ODbox without the od.
The od box was 3.09-1.67-1.00-.73
With the loss of the TC and it's Torque Multiplication ability, you would probably want to up your rear gear some 10% in compensation......... and there goes your fuel economy. But that's a great excuse to get the OD box instead and 3.91s, or at least 3.73s,lol.
In your wagon I would gladly opt for a longtail and put the shifter waaay further back, like between the buckets. What no buckets? That's a great excuse to get some!

Any reduction in cruise rpm,by percentage, is supposed to be equal to about half that amount in fuel useage. If that was true, then the .73od ratio would be good to drop your Rs by 27% and your HIWAY fuel economy should jump 13.5%. That would equate to about 2.5 to 3 mpgs. That might be about 80 gallons per 10,000 miles traveled. At $3.85 per gallon that would be $308. Do it in a year and your od box is paid for. Next year you can work on the clutch, the following year the shippings, and maybe by the 5th year you can start saving money.
But with 3.91s in there, forget saving money, the grin on the face in the mirror every time you shave it will be all the the payback you could ever want.
 
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Nirvana said:
That's awesome, glad it worked out for you.
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It took a while to find a shipper, UPS ground wanted almost 500 bucks! He got it out today via Fastenall for a whole lot less........

Thanks again for the hook up. :)
 
MidnightSwinger said:
For my '79 Aspen Wagon 318.

I want a 4 speed, but it seems I've been out of the loop on pricing. Even the OD trans sell for $300.

I found a great deal on an A230 3 speed and it has me wondering. Is it worth the swap? The only downside that I see is that its still set up for column shift, so I would need to source a floor shifter for it.

This is my daily driver, and the main reason for the swap would be because I prefer a manual transmission.

Thanks
Jared

View attachment 1715190924
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I know this is a really old thread...but did you end up with this transmission setup? Reason I ask is that the linkage/shifter/mount on the trans is for 70 B, and it's not easy to find. I could use these parts. Thanks.
 
Dan Brewer said:
I know this is a really old thread...but did you end up with this transmission setup? Reason I ask is that the linkage/shifter/mount on the trans is for 70 B, and it's not easy to find. I could use these parts. Thanks.
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No sir, it was sold before I could get to it.

While I have your attention, do you happen to sell the shifter bushings and hardware so I can get rid of the slop on this Mr. gasket shifter I have?

IMG_5969.png
 
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