4 speed conversion

[bear]

Right now I have a 727 in my '69 Charger what parts will I need to convert it over to a 4 speed.

[Chatt69chgr]

There have been numerous threads on this very subject on this forum.  I would do a search to see what nuggets of gold are hidden herein.  If you don't find anything the moparts forum has a lot of good stuff.  Once you have done that and you don't find anything, indicate that and then fire away with your questions.  But I think you will find lots of stuff and will be able to narrow your questions down a little.  It's a pretty extensive process and quite expensive.  If you have already done this, let us know and we will do our best to help you. 

[Rolling_Thunder]

I believe Troy? did a complete list somewhere > Use the search to find

[Dans 68]

Here are a couple of good links to sink your teeth into.
http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=3272813&an=0&page=1
http://www.darklair.com/727-to-833.html

Dan

[Troy]

I believe Troy? did a complete list somewhere > Use the search to find

I need to update the list as more reproduction parts are available now (top plates, brackets, wiring, etc.).
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,9234.msg110493.html#msg110493

More info:
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,9900.msg118096.html#msg118096

The big question is whether or not you have a console and/or want a console. A console significantly increases the cost of a 4-speed conversion since there are more parts to purchase and the shifter handles generally cost more. You *can* modify an automatic console, brackets, and shifter plate to work if you have the time and skill.

Troy

[six-tee-nine]

I'll be doing a conversion to manual.

You don't do it to get away cheap with it, and if you want to put some violence on it you'll need a 18 spline unit wich will set you back around a 1000 bucks.
And then you're only just started, but hey shifter sticks rule....

[bear]

Thanks for all input put.  I think that I am going to get rid of the console.  At this point I am just planning it all out so that I have everything I need before I start this.   

[ChgrSteve67]

If you are going to go to all of the work of converting to a manual shift car why not go with one of these kits?
http://www.keislerauto.com/mopar/transmissions/b-body_66-70-auto.asp

4 gears just ain't enought

[Blown70]

If you are going to go to all of the work of converting to a manual shift car why not go with one of these kits?
http://www.keislerauto.com/mopar/transmissions/b-body_66-70-auto.asp

4 gears just ain't enought

Rolling_Thunder may have some horror stories for you about keisler.......

[ChgrSteve67]

If you are going to go to all of the work of converting to a manual shift car why not go with one of these kits?
http://www.keislerauto.com/mopar/transmissions/b-body_66-70-auto.asp

4 gears just ain't enought

Rolling_Thunder may have some horror stories for you about keisler.......

Got one in mine although my Charger was already a petal pusher.
Floor pan had to be modified but the rest fit great using their bell housing, clutch, drive line, cross member and other assorted parts.

[Rolling_Thunder]

If you are going to go to all of the work of converting to a manual shift car why not go with one of these kits?
http://www.keislerauto.com/mopar/transmissions/b-body_66-70-auto.asp

4 gears just ain't enought

Rolling_Thunder may have some horror stories for you about keisler.......

I'll put it this way...     I wouldn't order anything from them...      EVER!

[ChgrSteve67]

If you are going to go to all of the work of converting to a manual shift car why not go with one of these kits?
http://www.keislerauto.com/mopar/transmissions/b-body_66-70-auto.asp

4 gears just ain't enought

Rolling_Thunder may have some horror stories for you about keisler.......

I'll put it this way... I wouldn't order anything from them... EVER!

Customer service problem or product problem?

[Charger-Bodie]

Let me just say that I had a good experiance with Kiesler Parts and service. 

[Rolling_Thunder]

Let me just say that I had a good experiance with Kiesler Parts and service. 

Lucky you...      They are lucky they aren't within driving distance...     

As far as problems go - both product issues as well as customer service issues...     

[Charger-Bodie]

Let me just say that I had a good experiance with Kiesler Parts and service. 

Lucky you...      They are lucky they aren't within driving distance...     

As far as problems go - both product issues as well as customer service issues...     

I wont say it went off without a hitch, but they handled everything VERY well IMHO.

[Troy]

Yeah the Keisler is nice but it's expensive ($5,300) and not "complete" if you want a console and/or your car has a column shifter. For what it's worth, the shifter-in-the-middle look is a giant red-flag for most Mopar people so a console to hide it is nearly mandatory. A comparable 4-speed package from Passon was around $3,500 the last time I checked which leaves enough money to upgrade to their 18 spline overdrive (which looks and fits exactly like stock) and install a console. Buying used parts can cut the cost to $2,000 or less. I found a nearly complete 23-spline conversion (minus the clutch and z-bar bracket) for $750 a few years ago. It's a balance between what you want, how stock you want it to look, and how much you want to pay.

Troy

[694spdRT]

This is another option as far as the actual transmission is concerned. Read this thread for the pros and cons to determine if it is an option for your application.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,35972.0.html

[bear]

Well, right now I have a console in it for the auto, but I don't know how good it is because I was never able to go through the car at all before it went away and considering what surprises have been left by the "mechanic" who was working on it before it was sold I might just have to get a new one.  And one more thing I think its been mentioned but to clarify it do I need to replace the cross member.

[Troy]

And one more thing I think its been mentioned but to clarify it do I need to replace the cross member.

Yes. Although Brewer's Performance is now converting auto cross members to work with the manual trans.

Troy

[six-tee-nine]

Yeah, The Keisler unit is pricey but maybe worth it IF you are sure you get a top product. Wich you don't IMO.

I wanted a bulletproof strong tranny that will handle 600 stroker horsepower without issues so I got myself an 18 spline unit, wich in the end still is cheaper.
OK so i don't have 5 gears, so be it...

[Chatt69chgr]

Bear------I am gathering parts to do this myself so I have an idea what's involved.  You can reuse the driveshaft as is.  You had an auto in the floor so your column is OK.  You will need the clutch pedal which I think maybe year one had as an add on.  Then all the linkage which Brewers has.  They also have a repop bell housing and I would just buy a transmission rebuilt from them.  The 23 spline is OK unless your are building something with real high HP with real sticky tires on the back.  Then get the 18 spline.  Get the flywheel, pressure plate and clutch and throwout bearing from Centerforce.  Probably better to go with 10-1/2 inch setup.  Reverse light from several sources repop.  Crossmember---Brewers--as stated they redo the auto one to make them manuals.  Rubber mount from them too or Rock Auto.  Lots of folks have the weld-in tunnel.  Forgot, the weld on frame mount for the Z-bar.  Got mine from rpm resto parts in Jasper, GA.  And I got a new Hurst shifter with white shift ball from Summit.  Got the rubber boot and chrome bezel from Year One.  I am not using a console---just don't like them----personal preference.  New carpet from Legendary.  I'am sure I have forgot something.   

[bear]

Thanks again for all the info.  I figured I would start collecting parts for this now so I will have them all by the time I start working on the Charger again which is hopefully soon.