518 OD yes-no??

[RAD1229]

OK,  I have pinpointed that i need a new converter for my 360-727 combo...........on the other hand, I did just run across a 3.91 posi unit.


So, how bad would it be to go to a 518 OD and use the 3.91's???  I am just thiniking here :dontknow:

 I know that the shifter brackets would have to be altered or changed, but I think i remember a few members here on the board that have this tranny?

Just looking for some opinions here,  I am not a racer, just like cruisin' around and burnin a little rubber here and there?  IS this a reasonable thing to be pondering, or should I just say "heck with it" and stick a converter into the 727? :dontknow:

[ragtopdodge]

I say go for it.  If you have the $$$.

I think you'll have to grind down some parts of the tranny case for it to fit, but no biggie.

Big deal is probably the wiring, but not too bad.  Here's a great site for the conversion:

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/alto_3.htm

[RAD1229]

Thanks for the link ragtop,  I am just looking for the best thing to do.  I think that in the long run, I will get any money I put in back on gas?

thanks again for the link could end up being helpful!

[DodgeFreak]

it'll be expensive and alot harder than you think......i've tried locating a 518 for my dads truck and they want anywhere from 600-2000 for a USED tranny.  also...wireing that thing will be a pain...but if you like wiring it wouldn't be to bad for you i guess...also the flex plate is different for 518 tranny is what i've been told..i haven't measured but i could if you really wanted to do the swap..

[EFI-Cuda]

I currently use an A-518 transmission and 3.91 rear gears in my Cuda.   It is a very nice combination for performance and road manners.   I got the transmission new directly from Chrysler.   There are two kinds of A-518 transmissions.   One electronically controls the engagement and disengagement of the overdrive gear with a button.   No other wiring necessary.    The other needs wiring to connect the lock-up converter in adddition to the engagement and disengagement of the overdrive gear.    This A-518 needs two buttons.   The A-518 that I have just requires a single button for the overdrive.   The wiring is a piece of cake.   It is just one button.

I put a transgo shift kit in the transmission which greatly improved it's feel.   I have posted info about the transmission's installation on the board already.   If you can find this post, it will answer a lot of your installation questions.   

[ragtopdodge]

Hey 1974Cuda,

I understand you got the 518 in.  Did you modify the trans or modify the tunnel/x-member to get it to fit?

Also, got a pic of your slapstick mod?

Thanks,

-rob

[tactransman]

also the flex plate is different for 518 tranny is what i've been told..i haven't measured but i could if you really wanted to do the swap..

Flex plate is not different necessarily because of the 518, it is different because the magnum engine takes a crank sensor and an exciter ring (part of the flex plate) to run.You can use a 518 behind a 318/360 with the stock early model flex plate,converter bolt pattern is the same till you get to '96 and later then the bolt patttern is 90 degrees on the pads.(they moved the 5.9 liter balance weight to the flex plate)

[tactransman]

 There are two kinds of A-518 transmissions.   

There are three kinds: non lock up (common '90 to '91 1/2)
                                    Lock up ('91 1/2  up)
                                    Computer shifted ('96 on)