Anyone know what kind of modifications (if any) need to be made to fit an A-518 overdrive auto into the transmission tunnel of a 1970 Challenger. I know about installing a switch for the overdrive, modification of the crossmember in order to hold it up there, and probably a different drive shaft, etc. But do any modifications to the body need to be made in order to fit it? Would this post be better placed elsewhere ie in the general tech or chrysler forums? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Evan
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You can still find overdrive A833 transmissions in some junk yards. They used them in pickups and vans through about 1980. They even have the long tailshaft and the mounting pad for the rear shifter hookup. You should be able to use your stock shifter and linkage. The difference is that the 3-4 lever points downward instead of up like the reverse and 1-2. You will also need to get a different bell housing since the front support bearing is so much larger. If you can find a trans with the bell housing already attached...it will bolt right up! Make sure you get the clutch fork too since they are attached differently (using a ball and socket). I actually have one of these in my garage sitting on the floor if you want it cheap...like $75. It needs the front bearing retainer though but they are available through year one. The OD A833 has a .73:1 ratio in 4th and a 1:1 in third. First and second are about the same as the stock A833. If you're using monster gears, this will allow you to still retain some of your gas miledge and top end speed. I set mine behind a 304/6 pack and 3.55 gears. Reason being was that I was looking for top speed (162 actually) and didn't want to lose all my torque going with 2.73 gears. Hope this was of some help to you. If you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail me at: bmcmillen@sbnair.com
Hey, sorry I didn't get back to you....I don't have the bell housing and the trans needs a new input bearing and bearing retainer. There wasn't a problem with them.....they were taken off the trans when it sat in my garage by some idiot! the yoke seems to be stuck too and should probably be replaced. Anyway, if you want it, you can have it cheap.
I have gotten two of the transmissions from my local junk yard for 100 each and they worked fine. just a bigger space between gears than normal but I ran it in my cuda for a long time behind a 318.I have heard that they dont take as much horsepower as a regular 833 but i never had any trouble.I also just had the hole in the back of my bellhousing reamed out so the overdrive front cover would fit and used the original bell.I was told that my trans came from a truck but I'm not sure ,it did fit ok
I don't have an answer but you might try getting an answer on www.cuda-challenger.com. When it comes to Challenger's, somebody's either done it, doing it or knows how to get it done on that site.
Overdrive Tranny In Challenger
