Building up a 383.
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Joined: Dec 2009
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I read the link you posted and as I stated earlier, it's not computer controlled. The OD and TC lockup are actuated by a 12 V source through the OD switch but it has nothing to do with the computer in the truck. I could take a 46RH/A518 and put it in a 67 Dodge truck with a carb without a computer, it just needs to be wired properly as stated in the article you linked. If you're dealing with a 46RE (electronically controlled) it needs the computer in the truck to shift, lock up the TC etc, although a 46RE can be converted back to a 46RH.
You will have to make your own motor mounts to put a big block in your truck, no sweat if you got a welder. BTW, your motor is either a 400 or a 440, they stopped with 383's in 1971, the 400 was the replacement (and it's probably a 1978 as that was the last year for big blocks in cars). .
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If I were you, I would go with the big block, more potential and torque. BUT be warned that the late 70's 400's and 440's weren't exactly barnstormers, they had very low compression, probably around 7.8:1. If you go with the BB and don't want to rebuild it, take the heads off and mill them to get some compression. With milled heads, a decent cam, headers, and an intake, 350 HP would be no sweat for a 400, probably 375 -400 for a 440
EDITED for content....
If I were you, I would go with the big block, more potential and torque. BUT be warned that the late 70's 400's and 440's weren't exactly barnstormers, they had very low compression, probably around 7.8:1. If you go with the BB and don't want to rebuild it, take the heads off and mill them to get some compression. With milled heads, a decent cam, headers, and an intake, 350 HP would be no sweat for a 400, probably 375 -400 for a 440
I wouldn't waste my time with a 400 either, its a low compression smog motor that is/was as bad on gas as todays 5.9. Maybe worse.
Anyway, a 318 stroker nets 390 cubes, uses all your current electronics, is easily tuned with a SCT, will get better mileage, and make as much HP as an early big block. It also works with your current transmission. That IMO would be cheaper and less time consuming than trying to make a big block fit and rigging up a half assed wiring job to get it running.
Those old motors belong in the past, in the muscle cars they lived in.
If your motor is a pre 1971 383 with a steel crank, 10:1 compression, and has the old school AVS carter 4 bbl, it may be valuble to someone who's restoring an eraly Roadrunner, Charger, Coronet, etc. Sell it to that person and buy your stroker parts.
Last edited by dsertdog56; Feb 2, 2010 at 10:25 AM.
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Leesburg, IN
I read the link you posted and as I stated earlier, it's not computer controlled. The OD and TC lockup are actuated by a 12 V source through the OD switch but it has nothing to do with the computer in the truck. I could take a 46RH/A518 and put it in a 67 Dodge truck with a carb without a computer, it just needs to be wired properly as stated in the article you linked. If you're dealing with a 46RE (electronically controlled) it needs the computer in the truck to shift, lock up the TC etc, although a 46RE can be converted back to a 46RH.
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This is how to replace your three speed transmission with a 1995 back A518 overdrive transmission with a three wire connector (gas). A 518 transmission has a 31% overdrive and will produce a 30 to 40% increase in gas mileage on the road over a three speed transmission. Remember overdrive is only 3rd gear high range anyway. There are two wire 518 transmissions out there, these have a non-lock-up torque converter. With this three wire setup you have a four speed transmission plus a torque converter lock-up feature. The extra gear is 3rd high range. We've been asked this question for years, so I decided to put it down in black and white. What we're actually going to do here is control the overdrive and torque converter lock-up normally controlled by the computer using one vacuum and two oil pressure switch. Instead of using an electronic speed sensor and throttle position sensor we will use a mechanical / hydraulic / electronic speed sensor and a vacuum / electronic throttle position sensor. This will be accomplished with the use of three GM parts and some trick wiring. The Chevy and Ford guys make the swap to overdrive all the time, it's time for the Dodge people to have the same option. Lets say you drive an average of 400 highway miles per week, at that rate you could save as much as $1000.00 per year on gas. This can be made to work with a diesel motor also with or without a vacuum pump and vacuum regulator.
Dave
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Ok I guess what I'm trying to say is that the 46 RH doesn't need the computer, your underlined section proves it. The computer may play a minor part but it isn't required, basically it sends 12 V to a lockup solenoid which you can do with a toggle switch. A 46 RE NEEDS the computer it will not function without it where a 46RH will. Case in point, throw a 46RH in a vehicle without the lock up solenoid hooked up and you have a 3 speed, basically a 727, do that with a 46 RE and you won't go anywhere because the computer tells it what to do
Record Breaker
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Leesburg, IN
Ok I guess what I'm trying to say is that the 46 RH doesn't need the computer, your underlined section proves it. The computer may play a minor part but it isn't required, basically it sends 12 V to a lockup solenoid which you can do with a toggle switch. A 46 RE NEEDS the computer it will not function without it where a 46RH will. Case in point, throw a 46RH in a vehicle without the lock up solenoid hooked up and you have a 3 speed, basically a 727, do that with a 46 RE and you won't go anywhere because the computer tells it what to do
Dave