Best Automatic OD trans swap for A body car

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You didn't specify, auto or manual?
 
I don't think there is one that does not require some surgery. Gear Vendors on the back of a 727 is probably going to be the easiest.....
 
I hate to say it, because I am not a fan of Keisler kits, but their automatic (4L60 GM) unit fits nicely due to its slender size. All the other options require surgery, and if you are retaining T bars, often results in a less than professional looking installation.
 
Your best bet is to go with a 727 (or 904) and put a gear vendors unit on it. This basically make your 3 speed auto into a 6 speed auto
 
A 4l80e fits, sort of.......as mentioned earlier a 4l60e is a better fit. You dont need to go thru Kiesler for it. The bellhousing, from what I remember, is a bolt on. Go to http://www.quicktimeinc.com/products.html#mopar and look for rm-9071 for a small block or rm-9073 for a big block. If you want to keep it fully functioning automatic just google 4l60e contol unit, you will find tci, baumann and a few others. If you dont mind it being a manual shift unit, just use a trans go 4l60e-3 kit, removes all the electronics.
 

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Following is a post I made on a similar subject back in 2008. Of course, you'll upset all the Mopar purists that have to have their cars be 100% Mopar.
I haven't pulled the trigger on this yet due to a couple of economic setbacks along the way, but still thinking really hard about it when the funds are available.
Contact Art Carr directly at California Performance Transmissions, he's been building great transmissions for many years.


"I've been thinking about a 200-4R behind a 360 magnum crate motor in a '69 Dart for the past week or so. Talked to several tranny companies about it and finally contacted Art Carr at California Performance Transmissions last week. He estimates total cost including converter and installation at about $3300. This does not include a new 8" longer driveshaft since the 200-4R is 8" shorter than a 727. It's also lighter and doesn't have as much HP loss through the transmission. The gear ratios are better than the 727 and it does not require trans tunnel surgery to fit. Art says he has a customer in PA with one behind a 406 stroker that runs 11.80s and still pulls down 25 mpg on the freeway.
Somebody tell me something bad about this setup......"
 
This is all great info guys! Thanks for the replies :hello1:

inkjunkie said:
I don't think there is one that does not require some surgery. Gear Vendors on the back of a 727 is probably going to be the easiest.....
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For $2900 I'd do the surgery

GMachineDartGT said:
I hate to say it, because I am not a fan of Keisler kits, but their automatic (4L60 GM) unit fits nicely due to its slender size. All the other options require surgery, and if you are retaining T bars, often results in a less than professional looking installation.
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Will call keisler on monday, they close at 5pm EST on Fridays, basically a GM trans swap - not sure I need them to do that...

inkjunkie said:
A 4l80e fits, sort of.......as mentioned earlier a 4l60e is a better fit. You dont need to go thru Kiesler for it. The bellhousing, from what I remember, is a bolt on. Go to http://www.quicktimeinc.com/products.html#mopar and look for rm-9071 for a small block or rm-9073 for a big block. If you want to keep it fully functioning automatic just google 4l60e contol unit, you will find tci, baumann and a few others. If you dont mind it being a manual shift unit, just use a trans go 4l60e-3 kit, removes all the electronics.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link, that looks like the ticket for a cross-vendor swap, and I'd go for a 700R4 vs a 4L60E and not have to worry about electronics at all, like the 700 in my 1/2 ton truck.

ocdart said:
Following is a post I made on a similar subject back in 2008. Of course, you'll upset all the Mopar purists that have to have their cars be 100% Mopar.
I haven't pulled the trigger on this yet due to a couple of economic setbacks along the way, but still thinking really hard about it when the funds are available.
Contact Art Carr directly at California Performance Transmissions, he's been building great transmissions for many years.


"I've been thinking about a 200-4R behind a 360 magnum crate motor in a '69 Dart for the past week or so. Talked to several tranny companies about it and finally contacted Art Carr at California Performance Transmissions last week. He estimates total cost including converter and installation at about $3300. This does not include a new 8" longer driveshaft since the 200-4R is 8" shorter than a 727. It's also lighter and doesn't have as much HP loss through the transmission. The gear ratios are better than the 727 and it does not require trans tunnel surgery to fit. Art says he has a customer in PA with one behind a 406 stroker that runs 11.80s and still pulls down 25 mpg on the freeway.
Somebody tell me something bad about this setup......"
Click to expand...

Good info, but I think I can do better than $3300 all done too.

Realistically, I don't care what is under there... I just want it simple and easy - but why not a 518/A518?
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/SwapInformation.htm
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/HPIM1128.JPG
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/HPIM1129.JPG

They also list a "conversion" kit to convert a 727 into a 518 with the addition of a locking torque converter and an $85 solenoid lockup kit listed 2/3 of the way down this page http://www.redrider.us/518_transmission.htm - same company, PATC

For real?
 
I'm dropping a 518 off at a guy tomorrow for rebuild. Heard some people say there are probles with them, anyone know what?
I'll tell this guy to fix the problems. Otherwise, it's going to be a stock rebuild with a bolt-in sprag and a TransGo reprogram kit. Going in my Dart, less than 600 miles a year and I don't race it at all. Around town and Highway.
 
I did not know Quicktime made automatic bells for the GM units? I have used one of their Tremec bells, and if that is any indication of the rest of their stuff - no thanks...Its my understanding that Keisler cast a bolt on bell for the 4L60E which is a neat piece.
 
GMachineDartGT said:
I did not know Quicktime made automatic bells for the GM units? I have used one of their Tremec bells, and if that is any indication of the rest of their stuff - no thanks...Its my understanding that Keisler cast a bolt on bell for the 4L60E which is a neat piece.
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Quicktime's bell worked out good for my 4l65e --6.1 hemi swap so far. I skipped Keisler and am doing my own "kit".....not really any cost savings to speak of, but I get to select the parts I want
 

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rjsjea said:
Quicktime's bell worked out good for my 4l65e --6.1 hemi swap so far. I skipped Keisler and am doing my own "kit".....not really any cost savings to speak of, but I get to select the parts I want
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Will that pictured trans go into an A-body without surgery? I really like the 700R4 in my truck, I think one in my scamp would be stompin
 
octanejunkie said:
Will that pictured trans go into an A-body without surgery? I really like the 700R4 in my truck, I think one in my scamp would be stompin
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Define "surgery"......The floor will need to be moved around a little bit here and there, as any OD trans will require (that I am aware of anyway). In my specific case it was a ton of surgery, however that was a unique fitment requirement.

I dont think the 700R4 has a removeable bellhousing, so it will need an adapter compared to a standalone bellhousing.
 
This has been posted before on here....lot of guys wanting O/D apparently...

I have talked to Phoenix Transmissions from Texas (www.phoenixtrans.com)....along with a few other places...700R4 is the easiest without major modifications...overall length of a 700R4 is 30 3/4", compared to 30 1/2" of a 904......so, you probably could get by with your existing driveshaft....face to mount distance (from front of housing to rear trans. mount) between 700R4 and 904 is 1 1/4" difference, but it is different on some 700R4's...they know what year 700R4's are comparable, or search the web yourself....all you would need is an adapter for the front mount and some mods on your rear tranny mount, but there's probably companies out there that sell the rear modified mount too....Phoenix Trans. quoted me $22-2400 for the tranny, mount, mounting kit, basically everything but a converter, and it requires no floor modifications like the A518.

I have been considering this for awhile, but I'm not ready to sink that kind of money in it....I hope to do mine in the near future.....
 
Tnutz144 said:
This has been posted before on here....lot of guys wanting O/D apparently...

I have talked to Phoenix Transmissions from Texas (www.phoenixtrans.com)....along with a few other places...700R4 is the easiest without major modifications...overall length of a 700R4 is 30 3/4", compared to 30 1/2" of a 904......so, you probably could get by with your existing driveshaft....face to mount distance (from front of housing to rear trans. mount) between 700R4 and 904 is 1 1/4" difference, but it is different on some 700R4's...they know what year 700R4's are comparable, or search the web yourself....all you would need is an adapter for the front mount and some mods on your rear tranny mount, but there's probably companies out there that sell the rear modified mount too....Phoenix Trans. quoted me $22-2400 for the tranny, mount, mounting kit, basically everything but a converter, and it requires no floor modifications like the A518.

I have been considering this for awhile, but I'm not ready to sink that kind of money in it....I hope to do mine in the near future.....
Click to expand...
700r4's are not exactly that strong. While it may be a bit of an easier fit, I would prefer a stronger transmission.....
 
inkjunkie said:
700r4's are not exactly that strong. While it may be a bit of an easier fit, I would prefer a stronger transmission.....
Click to expand...

My stock one will handle 300lbs tq. which will be fine behind my 318 if I go through with the swap, which I call a 'Basic Swap' (craigslist tranny/converter I haggled for cheap) for approx $1100.

I have the tranny and lock up converter, so all I need is a tranny mount off my subframe connectors and the following 4 things:

1) I called BOWTIE OVERDRIVES. They said that for an A-Body getting a 700R4 swap (700R4 has non-electronic shift control, which is why the 700R4 is the easy/better way to go IMO) they recommend this complete relay circuit lock-up wiring kit for $95:

http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/catalog/catalog_inc/viewitem.php?ITEMID=336

2) Then I need a BOWTIE OVERDRIVES throttle valve set up for my Eddy 600:

http://www.tvmadeez.com/1406_cam/

3) Here's the adaptor I'm looking at:

http://www.compperformancegroupstor...Screen=PROD&Store_Code=TC&Product_Code=149160

4) And finally (here's the kicker for the swap) I'm waiting for a call back from KEISLER to see if I can use their 'stock 3sp floor shifter to 700R4' on my column shifter. If this can't happen, I'm gonna be less excited about doing this swap.

*********PRETTY MUCH DONE**************NOTE: With 3.73 gears I will be turning 2200 rpms at 68mph in 4th gear!

Then later... If I go through the 700R4 swap and I stroke to 392, Summit sells their own 700r4 that handles 450lbs tq for $1300...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-700700/

...and a lock-up converter can be had for $250-300:

http://www.summitracing.com/search/...ansmission-Type/700R4/Lockup/Yes/?Ns=Rank|Asc
 
YoungBlood said:
My stock one will handle 300lbs tq. which will be fine behind my 318 if I go through with the swap, which I call a 'Basic Swap' (craigslist tranny/converter I haggled for cheap) for approx $1100.

I have the tranny and lock up converter, so all I need is a tranny mount off my subframe connectors and the following 4 things:

1) I called BOWTIE OVERDRIVES. They said that for an A-Body getting a 700R4 swap (700R4 has non-electronic shift control, which is why the 700R4 is the easy/better way to go IMO) they recommend this complete relay circuit lock-up wiring kit for $95:

http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/catalog/catalog_inc/viewitem.php?ITEMID=336

2) Then I need a BOWTIE OVERDRIVES throttle valve set up for my Eddy 600:

http://www.tvmadeez.com/1406_cam/

3) Here's the adaptor I'm looking at:

http://www.compperformancegroupstor...Screen=PROD&Store_Code=TC&Product_Code=149160

4) And finally (here's the kicker for the swap) I'm waiting for a call back from KEISLER to see if I can use their 'stock 3sp floor shifter to 700R4' on my column shifter. If this can't happen, I'm gonna be less excited about doing this swap.

*********PRETTY MUCH DONE**************NOTE: With 3.73 gears I will be turning 2200 rpms at 68mph in 4th gear!

Then later... If I go through the 700R4 swap and I stroke to 392, Summit sells their own 700r4 that handles 450lbs tq for $1300...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-700700/

...and a lock-up converter can be had for $250-300:

http://www.summitracing.com/search/...ansmission-Type/700R4/Lockup/Yes/?Ns=Rank|Asc
Click to expand...
You can run a 4l60 ot 80 without the electronics. Glad the 700 will work for you, but my plans are for an 8oo hp or so EFI 572" Hemi. Aint no way that weak 700 will hold up. Then again, my buddies 30 years of experience building transmissions for off road desert tucks probably does not hold a candle to a company that has a web site and a catchy name like BOWTIE OVERDRIVES.......Sure, I am going to spend more than $1100, but then again I will have a new triple disc lock up convertor built to my specs, and a fresh trans with all the good stuff in it. Careful setting up that tv cable, 700's burn up real ez if it aint right.....
 
Yep 700 tranny go bang when behind a big block,lol! Same reason I want to stick with the 727 and simply lighten the internals.At least the 727 will take the punishment.
 
inkjunkie said:
You can run a 4l60 ot 80 without the electronics. Glad the 700 will work for you, but my plans are for an 8oo hp or so EFI 572" Hemi. Aint no way that weak 700 will hold up. Then again, my buddies 30 years of experience building transmissions for off road desert tucks probably does not hold a candle to a company that has a web site and a catchy name like BOWTIE OVERDRIVES.......Sure, I am going to spend more than $1100, but then again I will have a new triple disc lock up convertor built to my specs, and a fresh trans with all the good stuff in it. Careful setting up that tv cable, 700's burn up real ez if it aint right.....
Click to expand...

I was just trying to help people who want an OD set-up with the info I collected was all. BOWTIE OVERDRIVES is NOT a catchy name. It's lame as ****. But they are very helpful and might be able to give you a hand too if you need anything.
 
YoungBlood said:
But they are very helpful and might be able to give you a hand too if you need anything.
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No thanks, a former co-worker swore up and down about how great they were. He bought one of there 700's for his 57 Chevy Truck he was building. Had a blueprinted 427 in it. Did not last long. I have been using my buddy for 12 years or so now. He has built the trans in every vehicle I have owned since I met him. Sad thing is he is 1400 miles or so from Spokane.
Sorry If I came off a bit strong, but I interpreted your previous post as kind of a bash on me and my trans buddy........
 
needsaresto said:
Yep 700 tranny go bang when behind a big block,lol! Same reason I want to stick with the 727 and simply lighten the internals.At least the 727 will take the punishment.
Click to expand...
We are going to need to figure out a time for me to pick your trans up. When I get a chance I will be calling you......
 
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