A518 Overdrive Questions

[brads70]

Ultrabell is ~$400.  NOt bad IMHO plus it will help strengthen the unit.  Looks pretty straightforward to install:

http://www.banningcohen.com/buick/th400/index.htm

Cool stuff! Do they make one for a Mopar BB to the 4L60 Od tranny?

[ShelbyDogg]

Cool stuff! Do they make one for a Mopar BB to the 4L60 Od tranny?

That is what Keisler makes.

[brads70]

That is what Keisler makes.

  Ya I know... just seeing if they were the only game in town or if someone else makes them? That way I could price out my own "kit" The Keisler set" looks" pretty good but WOW ...

[ragtopdodge]

Find out if 4l60E or 65E is the same as a TH350/TH400.  If so, looks like they offer one:

http://www.campbellenterprises.com/automatic-transmission-parts/jw-performance-transmissions/ultra-bell-bellhousing.htm

[tactransman]

You not only need an adapter bellhousing (big block Chrysler to 4L60-E Trans) but you need a custom converter also. (Chrysler on the front half and 4L60-E on the rear)

[RCCDrew]

A couple of pages back they were discussing rotating mass. I remember reading in a chassis book that said that removing 1 lb. of rotating mass is equal to removing 7 lbs. of non rotating mass in general terms of performance.  This is the reason a 904 or powerglide would be desirable over a 727. Also a trans turning a 1:1 ratio loses less power than a trans running od through gears.
Don't know if I'm helping or just stirring the pot.

[roadrunninMark]

I am having a little difficulty in determining if this trans is the right one to use, as the speedo housing looks like an electronic plug goes there.  Can you guys tell me if this is the RH trans, the one I can use?
Thanks,
Mark

[tactransman]

Looks to be a 42RH (A500) hard to see on my iPhone. If the yellowish plug in has three pins, it's a 42RH.

[ShelbyDogg]

Save that little electronic speed sensor. you can use it to drive an electronic speedometer.  If you want to use your mechanical speedometer, thou just replace that adapter and gear with your old one. Make sure that you line up the marks with the correct # of teeth needed for your car before locking it down.

[ntstlgl1970]

Related to the 727/518 JW bellhousing - they don't mention it in the catalog but they recommend a 10" torque converter. A 10" lockup torque converter - figure about $600 and up (Hughes) cheapest I could find. I actually had a hard time finding a 10" lockup for a 518/618, a lot of companies don't even make (or want to make) one.

[roadrunninMark]

Terry, is there another way to tell between 500/518?  I haven't picked up the trans yet, want to make sure b4 that it is what I am looking for.  I want the 518, not the 500.  here is better pic:



Thanks,
Mark

[ShelbyDogg]

The 518 is like the 727. The 500 is like the 904.  Look on page 1 of this thread. I have a picture of my 518 next to the 904. Does your trans look this big compared to yours? if not, it is a 500

[ntstlgl1970]

Terry, is there another way to tell between 500/518?  I haven't picked up the trans yet, want to make sure b4 that it is what I am looking for.  I want the 518, not the 500.  here is better pic:



Thanks,
Mark

the A500 has the big rib on the side and a pan like a 904. The 518 has no big rib, but the main part of the case is larger in diameter in that area. The 518 trans pan is the same as a 727 in shape. Look in the for sale section, a buddy of  mine has a 518 for sale, there are some good pictures of it.

[tactransman]

Terry, is there another way to tell between 500/518?  I haven't picked up the trans yet, want to make sure b4 that it is what I am looking for.  I want the 518, not the 500. 

Thanks,
Mark

That is definitely an A500

[ragtopdodge]