I'm considering an A 500 4 speed overdrive for a 72 Duster

-
Kern Dog

Kern Dog

Build your car to handle.
FABO Gold Member
Joined
May 23, 2010
Messages
9,749
Reaction score
28,041
Location
Granite Bay CA
Who here has experience with this transmission?
I do know a few things about this transmission. I know that it is based on the 904 series. I would expect it to also then be shorter and lighter than a 518 model. The early models were hydraulic so they require no controller to run. I am guessing that they would still require floor pan modifications but surely less than with a 518 installed there.
I'm curious if they retained the same low first gear that the later 904s had. If so, that would make for a better gear spread than the 518 while taking less HP to operate.
The Duster currently has a slipping 904. I am thinking of using a Ford 8.8 axle in it with 3.73 gears so the overdrive would be a great addition.

IMG_0995.JPG


The car has a mild 360 4 barrel that runs great.
 
A search on DuckDuckGo showed this:
Description:

4 speed rear wheel drive automatic overdrive transmission. Unit identification:

  • Hydraulic (RH) units utilize a 2 or 3 pin case connector.
  • Electronic (RE) units utilize an 8-pin case connector.
Ratios:

1st: 2.740
2nd: 1.540
3rd: 1.000
4th: 0.690 Hydraulic (RH) 1988 - 1996.

Electronic (RE) 1993-ON

By the way...I have stopped using Google for searches due to their political bias!
 
And DuckDuckGo doesnt track you. Also the browser Brave doesnt track you unless you want it to. If you do enable tracking they pay with there own online currency that you can spend with them.
 
From what I see the tailshaft housing overdrive unit is the same size for both a518 and a500, at least from what I see online. I get the same gearing you show for the a500. The a518 is 2.45/1.45/1.00/0.69 & reverse is 2.35
 
I just read that the transmission makes it either impossible or very difficult to retain the floor shifter. This could be a deal breaker because I really like the factory setup.
 
Kern Dog said:
I just read that the transmission makes it either impossible or very difficult to retain the floor shifter. This could be a deal breaker because I really like the factory setup.
Click to expand...

Then you should consider the GM 200 4R swap. There are a few threads on it as well. Little to no floorpan work.
 
RustyRatRod said:
Then you should consider the GM 200 4R swap. There are a few threads on it as well. Little to no floorpan work.
Click to expand...

No floorpan/trans tunnel work involved with putting a 200-4R in my '69 Dart.
The gear spread is 2.74/1.57/1.00/0.67. I'm going to be running 4.30 gears out back, but it'll be like having 2.88s when in overdrive.
 
ocdart said:
No floorpan/trans tunnel work involved with putting a 200-4R in my '69 Dart.
The gear spread is 2.74/1.57/1.00/0.67. I'm going to be running 4.30 gears out back, but it'll be like having 2.88s when in overdrive.
Click to expand...

I thought I remembered you did one, I wasn't sure. Did you do a build thread?
 
The A500 is the same length as the A518.
Also, the 500 requires the same modifications as a 518, as it's not the transmission housing itself that requires mods to the tunnel, but the bulky flange at the OD-section, which is the same on both transmissions.
I'm currently rebuilding an A500 for my '73 Dart and installing a TransGo Reprogramming kit at the same time.
I currently have an A518 in the car and it eats horsepower.
 
ocdart said:
No floorpan/trans tunnel work involved with putting a 200-4R in my '69 Dart.
The gear spread is 2.74/1.57/1.00/0.67. I'm going to be running 4.30 gears out back, but it'll be like having 2.88s when in overdrive.
Click to expand...
That is very interesting what bellhousing did you use?
 
dartfreak75 said:
That is very interesting what bellhousing did you use?
Click to expand...

The 200 has an all one piece case like the 904 and 727 so it has a dedicated bellhousing. You have to use an adapter plate kit for it to work on a Mopar. It's an added expense for sure, but the end result is you don't have to cut the car if you don't want to.
 
RustyRatRod said:
The 200 has an all one piece case like the 904 and 727 so it has a dedicated bellhousing. You have to use an adapter plate kit for it to work on a Mopar. It's an added expense for sure, but the end result is you don't have to cut the car if you don't want to.
Click to expand...
Thanks for some reason I was thinking the 200 was a manual transmission.
 
Though I never kept the factory floor shifter when I did my A500 swap in my Duster, I'm sure it could be done. The big difference would be in figuring out how to steady the vertical shaft on the shifter at the bottom. I dont imagine it would be a huge issue.

Cley
 
I have a B&M quick silver automatic cable operated shifter in the stock auto console on mine. Has a 727 trans. Installed by previous owner. That may be another option. Less fabbing, more money....
 
dartfreak75 said:
That is very interesting what bellhousing did you use?
Click to expand...

I spent the extra $$ and had my trans builder (Extreme Automatics) cut off the factory bell and use a Reid Racing (BH060 — Reid Racing) bellhousing like shown in the pic. With the Reid housing there is no need for an adaptor - the trans will bolt right up to my 360. The same Reid bell would also bolt up to a Gen 3 Hemi.

x2004r.png


I also had my trans built with a manual shift, reverse pattern valve body. I'm also using a high-stall lockup converter. It's going to a fun driver.
 
Last edited:
I'd like to see an A500 swap with a minimum of cutting on the upper floor brace; along with all of the welding to reinforce it be done on top; under the carpet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top