A500 and A518 Parasitic loss

[rustytoolss]

With 27 inch tires and 3.23 or 2.76 you will probably get very good mileage with your nicely warmed 318!
I might just try a 904 first?

That's what I'm thinking. If I buy that 999 trans. I'll get the low first gear ( 2.74 better take off) . Plus lockup for a bump in mileage.
Anyone know about how much of a RPM drop you get when the lockup engages ?

 

[gtsdude]

i believe it is couple hundred rpm

 

[rustytoolss]

I put in an A500 in my 68 and didn’t modify the tunnel at all. The torsion bar cross member is another story, but it’s not difficult if you can use a torch and welder. You can also reuse the shift linkage and kick down linkage from your 904.

Did your A500 come from a dakota with a 3.9 V6, or a 5.2 V8 ? Also did you need to update the overdrive parts to the later model 15 degree parts ?

 

[rumblefish360]

15 degree parts?

 

[jas0162]

I bought it at a local yard, I think it came from behind a v-6. I went thru it just as it was, I wasn’t aware of any need to upgrade the angle of anything- everything looked good, just cleaned it up and put it back together with new wear parts and a TF-2 kit from transport. Works great

 

[rustytoolss]

15 degree parts?

Be reading a lot of post here on FABO. Some say to replace the early style 22.5 degree overdrive planetary setup gears with the later model (1994) 15 degree gear sets.

 

[Clelan]

I just had my 91 A-500 from behind a 318 in a 1/2 ton truck rebuilt before installing it in my Duster. The upgrade to the overdrive planetary is something any shop will do as part of a stock rebuild. He also upgraded the clutch packs as part of the job. I don't think it matters between a V6 trans and a V8 trans as far as what you can have done to the internals. They should be equal after being rebuilt by someone competent.

Cley

 

[TrailBeast]

i believe it is couple hundred rpm

About 300 from what I have seen with mine, but almost more important than the RPM drop is the direct drive with no converter slip.