Trying to select a tranny

[Spartan040]

I'm trying to decide what transmission I want to go with when I start my 1970 Challenger pro-touring/resto mod project. I would like an automatic, but I've never driven stick before, and I've heard it's a bit annoying to constantly have to shift gears while doing in-town driving. Plus, I was planning on doing some drag racing with this car, aren't automatics generally better for that? The autos I was thinking of were a race-built TorqueFlite 727 with a Gear Vendors OD kit, or an SST A41 Automatic. I'm planning for the car to be around 550-650 horsepower, not quite sure yet. The manuals, if I decide to go that route, were an SST TKO 5 speed, or a Tremec T56. Thoughts anyone?

[1 Wild R/T]

If your gonna use a GM trans (A41) why not make it easy on yourself & put an LS engine in it?

[Spartan040]

If your gonna use a GM trans (A41) why not make it easy on yourself & put an LS engine in it?

I wasn't aware it was a GM trans nevermind about that one then. I think an A-518 would be a better alternative.

[Chryco Psycho]

My pick would be a Passon a 855 5 spd , looks stock & bolts in , you would be on a waiting list to get one But this car is not going together immediatly anyway .
For Auto I would look at 727 GV or 518 , preferably a 518

[Spartan040]

My pick would be a Passon a 855 5 spd , looks stock & bolts in , you would be on a waiting list to get one But this car is not going together immediatly anyway .
For Auto I would look at 727 GV or 518 , preferably a 518

I think I've decided on the A-518, GV also makes an overdrive gear splitting kit for that transmission

[RCCDrew]

Drag racing tranny??

Sorry I couldn't resist. 

[Spartan040]

Drag racing tranny??

Sorry I couldn't resist.

LMFAO I needed a laugh, thank you

[Katfish]

Best thing I've done so far, car is a pleasure to drive now.

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=84774.0

[Spartan040]

Best thing I've done so far, car is a pleasure to drive now.

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=84774.0

Sweet, so my instincts and thoughts were correct. Thank you

[rockymopar]

2nd that . The A518 was the best thing I did .

[Spartan040]

Man, I'm a little torn between a Tremec 6 speed and the A518. I've always wanted a pistol grip shifter, two extra gears would be nice and I feel like it's even more of a Mopar if it has a stick. On the other hand, the A518 is great too, I've usually driven autos, and it wouldn't require transmission tunnel surgery.

Chryco says he had a bad experience with a T56 behind a built Hemi. Anyone had a better experience? Provided it's built correctly, how would it do with a 600-650 horsepower 440/512 stroker with 3.54 gears?

[Chryco Psycho]

The T56 Viper trans is ok behind the 440 , but requires floor surgery , the one I didn't like was a Keisler Tremec conversion

[brads70]

If your gonna use a GM trans (A41) why not make it easy on yourself & put an LS engine in it?

   I have that in mine ,  Keisler ( now silver sport)  works great so far 3 years now. But admittedly I don't have a drag strip near me so I've never used it in that capacity. When I was building my car the Passon 5 speed was not available yet other wise I likely would have went that route. 

I've always wanted a pistol grip shifter,

I'm using Quapman's  Autogrip in mine and am happy with it. Easy 2 minute bolt on with the stock slap stick shifter.

[jordan]

I went with the A41 4l60e GM trans in my pro touring build.  I got jerked around from Keisler.  I hope SST is better.  I must admit that I love my transmission!  I just had to hammer a pinch weld in the tunnel to make it fit.  It was real easy to set up.  The program from keisler is great.  It shifts very smooth and clean.  Hardly noticeable.  You will have to modify your stock shifter, but that isn't too hard.  I have a pistol grip shift handle too.  Looks stock from the inside.  I have had no problems with it at all the past two years.  I am running 26" tires, 3:23 rear, and turn just under 2500 rpm at 65mph.  I have a computer controller that is programable to run different shift patterns with the flip of a switch.  I don't have that set up yet since I am not drag racing.  It can make the car more versatile if you are driving to the track.  I got the trans set up to handle my 600+ft.lb.tq.  I hope it lasts.

I have to admit, it feels funny to have a GM part in my car.  At the time I purchased it, there wasn't enough info for installing a 518 available.  But since it works so good, I can't complain.