Help with the details

[peltjd]

I had a 318 built to put out about 400hp. I have a 904 transmission. This is a daily driver that goes fast. It will see the highway a lot. I'm a fabricator more than a tech guy so these might be silly questions. My questions are.
What flywheel should I run? 130 tooth or 143? I plan on running a mini starter.
What torque converter?
What pieces do I need to mate the transmission to the motor?

 

[Bulldozer]

the flywheel is on the converter.you dont list any cam specs or gear ratio to recommend a converter but a stab in the dark at 400hp would be around a 2500-3000 stall.you need the converter,the flexplate, 4 converter bolts,6 flexplate bolts,the transmission case bolts.

 

[peltjd]

Gear ratio of the rear-end? Not sure what I'm running yet. (will be highway gear though)
I will have to check my spec sheet on the cam. Its not in front of me. I'm trying to order all the pieces.
Are those the only details I need to figure it out what to buy? (cam spec and gear ratio)
And thanks, that list of things was what I was looking for. I need an idiots guide to transmissions!

 

[Bulldozer]

lol, yes the rear end gear ratio. im sure already know, but you will need all the kick down linkage, tranny lines, shifter linkage.others will chime in with advice.you need to be more specific with your cam/carb/rear gears etc. that you are running.

 

[peltjd]

Thanks for the lines and linkages reminder. I will post the cam stuff when I get home. The carb is a 650 double pumper with Proform main body the gear ratio is probably going to be around 3.73.

P.S. This is in my 1949 Buick super 50 (don't tell the guys over at The H.A.M.B.)

 

[peltjd]

Or low 3's for rear-end. I need it for highway use.

 

[Bulldozer]

thats one heavy beast!

 

[Demonracer]

For that heavy of a car, I'd look towards a 3.55:1 gear if i were you. JMO

Bill S.

 

[peltjd]

It's 3800 lbs. (lead sled) That 3.55 is what my buddy with a 51 Merc said. That's why I'm asking, because I just don't know. With all this info, minus the cam specs, does a 2500 -3000 stall converter sound about right? And why the option of 130 tooth and the 143 tooth flywheel? Oh, and will a mini starter work (for space, master cylinder is down there)?