Not best, but optimum Transmission?

Trying NOT to open a can of worms here, boy I hope it doesn’t. My 727 (or more likely the torque converter) is making some rattling noise and seems to be slipping into neutral when I come to a stop before everything gets warmed up.

So I’m thinking the transmission may have to dealt with before too long. Here are my thoughts, but I’d like to hear from “the experts” (you guys) before I actually do anything. I'm sure it is obvious, but I am very weak when it comes to transmission knowledge. It is something I have never had to deal with.

I have a 72 Scamp, with an LA360 and 727, column shifter. 14” wheels and tires (very close to 24” O.D. on the tires), 3.23 rear gear and Eaton TrueTrac differential. It turns in the vicinity of 3,000 rpm at 60 mph. Sure, I’d love a 4 speed manual, but I’d rather leave the car as close to stock as possible, within reason. Plus if I had a manual I would probably stay away from the dragstrip, not wanting to burn up a clutch.

If I’m going to futz with the transmission anyway (due to a problem it may be having), I would want to go back with a 4 speed (3 speed + O.D.) transmission. So, the discussion I would like to have is, what is the optimal transmission to go back with? I can hear the cans opening… Base your feedback on the below.

After what level of reading I have done, it seems like maybe my best option is to go with an A500 (42RH). As I gather, the advantages (for me with the 72 Scamp) with an A500 transmission is:

• Less modification to the tunnel for fitment.
• 1st and 2nd gears will put me up in the power quicker for better strip performance (I will run it down the strip a couple/few times a year).
• The overdrive is the same 0.69:1 as most (or all?) other torqueflites.
• The A500 / 42RH can be “built” to be very stout, just like most other torqueflites.
  • I'm not likely to every have more than maybe 500 hp max anyway.
• An A500 is not some damn GM transmission. :D