Choosing the right OverDrive Trans

[AZRC]

I currently have a 1972 Plymouth Satellite Coupe with a built 360 Magnum motor putting out about 400HP/TQ.  I currently have a 727 TF trans behind it which works great but really winds up at highways speeds since putting in a 8.75 corporate rear end with 3.55 gears.  I would like to change to an overdrive trans and have read through some of the threads about the A518.  I would like some advice about the correct trans to choose.

1) A518 (46Rx) or A618 (47Rx) ?
2) RH or RE ? (hydraulic or electronic controlled governor pressure)
3) Recommendation for place to buy rebuilt trans (I am considering doing this local as well)
4) Any advice from those who have already done this.

Thanks,
Craig - Chandler, AZ

[John_Kunkel]

The 46RH is preferred for retrofits because it's easier to wire the limited electrics. The 46RE requires a computer or  dedicated controller. '95 was the last year for the RH.

[Rolling_Thunder]

I believe there is a guy with a green 72 that did the 518 swap right next to you in Phoenix - forget his name though.

I would do the 518 swap personally

[Budnicks]

a couple of other options are JVX BB adapter $695 www.jvxracing.com to use a 518 behind a B/RB or the SMR Shorty A-727 Gear Venders options but it's $3550 all by it's lonesome www.smrtrans.com or JW Performance bell hosing on a newer O/D trans www.racewithjw.com , "I think anyway"

[cdr]

a couple of other options are JVX BB adapter $695 www.jvxracing.com to use a 518 behind a B/RB or the SMR Shorty A-727 Gear Venders options but it's $3550 all by it's lonesome www.smrtrans.com or JW Performance bell hosing on a newer O/D trans www.racewithjw.com , "I think anyway"

i did the jw bell! but he has a small block so its a bolt in except the cross member & driveshaft .

[flyinlow]

Paul G. put one in his 72/360

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,83724.0.html

Three wire A518 (lock-up converter)  .....My choice with Ultra Bell for use behind a 440

Two wire A518 (non-lock-up, can us some 727 converters )

Eight wire A518 ('96 and newer) needs a computer to work

A618 is for a diesel, not sure if it's good for anything

I put a Transgo kit in mine, upgrade to 3/8 " cooler lines and a good cooler. Trans . uses ATF+4 fluid. I have a temp gauge on mine , never gets hot.

[AZRC]

I appreciate the responses.  Since I am running a small block it looks like the A518 (46RH) will bolt right up.  I saw this listing for applications of this transmission -
- 1994-1995 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 V8
- 1993-1995 (Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.2)
- 1995 Dodge Dakota 5.2l magnum v-8
- 1994-1995 Dodge Ram Van 2500 5.2L Magnum V8

Does this seem right?

Can anyone tell me what parts I can use from my 727 that would go into the 46RH?  Not sure if I will rebuild a donor or not.
Can anyone one recommend a company that sells the 46RH ready to go that can handle 500hp/TQ?

Once again all help is appreciated.

[flyinlow]

Try AMR Transmissions.

My A518 came out of a '94 2500 Ram van with a 5.9 L according to the junk yard tag. 80K miles,bright red fluid,clean pan $500 . They took $400 with no warrentee.
Transgo shift kit (TFOD 2, I think), 3/8 metal cooler lines ,pitch the factory quick disconnects, I heard they caused problems.  B&M plate cooler, I don't use the radiator. Pan temps 150*, max in traffic on a hot day 180-190*. In the winter I have to cover the cooler so it will warm up.
I use a Hurst Quarter Stick  2 Shifter with cable ,but I think the column shifter will work. I don't think the stock console shifter will work,it might hit the larger tailshaft.
I used my stock onepiece '73 kickdown rod. I welded in a section of rod to make it work in place of the TV style cable. About 1 1/2 " longer if I remember and many tweaks to get it not to hit anything. Trail and error to get it work. The A518 has an external spring that pulls the throttle pressure lever back to idle.
727 yolk will work, shorten the driveshaft about 3 1/2 inches
I cut some of the extra tailshaft webbing off to make it easier to fit. Extra attachment points maybe used in trucks. It is still tight.

[flyinlow]

The trans acts just like a 727 until you ground the OD and LU solenoids.  With a 3.55 axle at 70 mph in 3rd. level ground, 3000 rpm. With OD only ,2300 rpm. With OD and LU ,2000rpm.

I pound on the first three gears with  500 ft lbs. of torque like you would with any Torqueflight. OD and LU are for cruising and I try to baby them.

I have about 20 K miles on my set up so far.

Craig

[Budnicks]

a couple of other options are JVX BB adapter $695 www.jvxracing.com to use a 518 behind a B/RB or the SMR Shorty A-727 Gear Venders options but it's $3550 all by it's lonesome www.smrtrans.com or JW Performance bell hosing on a newer O/D trans www.racewithjw.com , "I think anyway"

i did the jw bell! but he has a small block so its a bolt in except the cross member & driveshaft .

I should have proof read a little better, oh well it's good info anyway....

[cdr]

a couple of other options are JVX BB adapter $695 www.jvxracing.com to use a 518 behind a B/RB or the SMR Shorty A-727 Gear Venders options but it's $3550 all by it's lonesome www.smrtrans.com or JW Performance bell hosing on a newer O/D trans www.racewithjw.com , "I think anyway"

i did the jw bell! but he has a small block so its a bolt in except the cross member & driveshaft .

I should have proof read a little better, oh well it's good info anyway....

[John_Kunkel]

I appreciate the responses.  Since I am running a small block it looks like the A518 (46RH) will bolt right up.  I saw this listing for applications of this transmission -
- 1994-1995 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 V8
- 1993-1995 (Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.2)
- 1995 Dodge Dakota 5.2l magnum v-8
- 1994-1995 Dodge Ram Van 2500 5.2L Magnum V8

Does this seem right?

First year for the 518/46RH was 1990 so you have even more choices.