73 Scamp 340 727 tranny

[saulty72]

I have a mildly built 340 in my 73 Scamp with 355 gears. Im looking to put an A-999 transmission to make the car more highway friendly. I know the A-999 is a direct bolt up for a 318 or 360, what about a 340? Also, are there any modifications required for the transmission to fit under the car?

 

[junkyardhero]

while the 999 is a direct bolt in for the 340 (externally it's the same as a 904), you may need to futz with your 727 shifter & kickdown linkage a tad to get it all working correctly. but other than that there aren't any mods needed to fit it.

my question is, what do you hope to gain over the 727 or how do you think it will be more highway friendly?

the lock up feature does drop a few hundred rpm off the top at speed, but it's nothing monumental.

 

[saulty72]

currently at 65 mph I'm running about 3200 rpms. Im wondering is it a pipe dream to think I could get down around 2500 rpms?

 

[Professor Fate]

Just touched on this a little while ago.
32RH 67 Dart
As far as it fitting a 340, the V6 and 318 versions' convertors are both neutrally balanced, so they'll bolt up to a forged crank 340 ('68-early '72) with no issues. If you've got a cast crank 340 (late '72 and all '73) you'll need the B&M flexplate for a cast 340, which I don't think is available anymore; so you'd probably have to get the convertor re-balanced.

currently at 65 mph I'm running about 3200 rpms. Im wondering is it a pipe dream to think I could get down around 2500 rpms?

The A999/32RH is strictly a lockup torque convertor, not an overdrive. You'd probably only see a reduction of a couple hundred RPM.
But-
Since the A999 has a deeper first gear, you could probably go to a 3.23 rear gear and meet your goal without noticing much if any "off the line" difference.

 

[RustyRatRod]

You can expect to see about a 350-500 RPM drop.

 

[junkyardhero]

currently at 65 mph I'm running about 3200 rpms. Im wondering is it a pipe dream to think I could get down around 2500 rpms?

maybe with some *really* tall tires. but no, not really without changing the gearing or running a transmission with an actual overdrive.

 

[toolmanmike]

currently at 65 mph I'm running about 3200 rpms. Im wondering is it a pipe dream to think I could get down around 2500 rpms?

Yep, a dream. A lock up converter won't get you there.

 

[saulty72]

Just touched on this a little while ago.
32RH 67 Dart
As far as it fitting a 340, the V6 and 318 versions' convertors are both neutrally balanced, so they'll bolt up to a forged crank 340 ('68-early '72) with no issues. If you've got a cast crank 340 (late '72 and all '73) you'll need the B&M flexplate for a cast 340, which I don't think is available anymore; so you'd probably have to get the convertor re-balanced.

The A999/32RH is strictly a lockup torque convertor, not an overdrive. You'd probably only see a reduction of a couple hundred RPM.
But-
Since the A999 has a deeper first gear, you could probably go to a 3.23 rear gear and meet your goal without noticing much if any "off the line" difference.

So, I guess my next question is are there any other modern 5 speed transmissions out there that can accomplish what I am trying to do, Or should I just convert the car for a manual tranny and go with a Tremec?

 

[Professor Fate]

So, I guess my next question is are there any other modern 5 speed transmissions out there that can accomplish what I am trying to do, Or should I just convert the car for a manual tranny and go with a Tremec?

Guess I don't get what you mean by modern 5 speed OR a Tremec...
But if you want to stay with an automatic/overdrive transmission (that doesn't require a special electronic controller or extensive floor/crossmember mods) the GM 200R4 comes highly recommended by member @jbc426 . Maybe he'll chime in.
There are several threads on the subject.
200R4 vs A518 vs Keisler A41 fitment
Any companies selling complete small block overdrive transmission assembles?

 

[VOETOM]

So, I guess my next question is are there any other modern 5 speed transmissions out there that can accomplish what I am trying to do, Or should I just convert the car for a manual tranny and go with a Tremec?

go 2.94 with the wide ratio gear set...

 

[junkyardhero]

So, I guess my next question is are there any other modern 5 speed transmissions out there that can accomplish what I am trying to do, Or should I just convert the car for a manual tranny and go with a Tremec?

absolutely!

A500/518, 42/46RH (and RE with a controller), 200R4, silver state's A41 (4L60E) and i *think* either NAG1 or 8HP can bolt up (but again, with a controller).

so there's options. all of them require some level of fabrication, special consideration and/or controllers.

no matter how you slice it, you're gonna be in for about 4~5K so weigh that against more friendly gears and taller tires...

 

[Big.J.007]

You could go gears and tires for around $1500.. You make no mention of the current differential, so that price can fluctuate depending on the route you choose.

 

[jbc426]

Guess I don't get what you mean by modern 5 speed OR a Tremec...
But if you want to stay with an automatic/overdrive transmission (that doesn't require a special electronic controller or extensive floor/crossmember mods) the GM 200R4 comes highly recommended by member @jbc426 . Maybe he'll chime in.
There are several threads on the subject.
200R4 vs A518 vs Keisler A41 fitment
Any companies selling complete small block overdrive transmission assembles?

It's all dependent on your budget, and what you are looking to invest in your car. I love having EFI, overdrive and peak performance in an old car wrapper. There's just something about smoking people in newer cars and motorcycles who looks down their noses and mock my old muscle cars on the street, before I enlighten them with high-ten-second acceleration and virtually unlimited top-end. I guess that part of my personality runs deep. I haven't won every encounter, there was that draw with a Ferarri 599 GTO and that Monster GTR that was in the comma club that pulled away from me like I was in a Prius and many more lurking out there, but it's still fun and the excitement is addicting.

I'm in my 60's, and have never owned a new car, yet. I spend my money on my basic needs, family and essentials. The rest I waste on making my cars faster, better handling and more comfortable, good-looking women and traveling.