Will my 904 last?

[Jacksboys]

My 71 challenger was originally a 318/904/7-3/4 combination.  Now I have a 360 with close to 400hp, 400+tq.  When I had the 904 out the last time, my trusted tranny mechanic said the it was a four band version and he only had to replace a couple of clutchs.  Well, until I get some more money to replace the rear with a 8-3/4 my father gave me, I will have to take it easy.  Once the new rear goes in, I will be doing a bunch of videos like Goody has done.

My question is: do you think that the 904 will hold up to the torment of the 360?

Thanks in advance.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

My 71 challenger was originally a 318/904/7-3/4 combination.  Now I have a 360 with close to 400hp, 400+tq.  When I had the 904 out the last time, my trusted tranny mechanic said the it was a four band version and he only had to replace a couple of clutchs.  Well, until I get some more money to replace the rear with a 8-3/4 my father gave me, I will have to take it easy.  Once the new rear goes in, I will be doing a bunch of videos like Goody has done.

My question is: do you think that the 904 will hold up to the torment of the 360?

Thanks in advance.

A properly put together 904 with good parts will hold up. Get a shift kit to help clean up the shifts (transGo)....but wth is a four band version?  i've only put together two so i dont know it all, but they ALL have two bands, maybe he meant clutches? (but still something a trans mech shouldnt mix up)  And who would have one apart and just change the clutches? might as well go through all the seals, give it new bands and such...

[Jacksboys]

A properly put together 904 with good parts will hold up. Get a shift kit to help clean up the shifts (transGo)....but wth is a four band version?  i've only put together two so i dont know it all, but they ALL have two bands, maybe he meant clutches? (but still something a trans mech shouldnt mix up)  And who would have one apart and just change the clutches? might as well go through all the seals, give it new bands and such...

Sorry, I was not thinking straight, I meant clutches.  The mechhanic went through the whole tranny, I just told him to make sure nothing was broke or wore out and to put it back to stock specs(lack of money) because I had to have it driveable for the Power Tour.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Sorry, I was not thinking straight, I meant clutches.  The mechhanic went through the whole tranny, I just told him to make sure nothing was broke or wore out and to put it back to stock specs(lack of money) because I had to have it driveable for the Power Tour.

I'd throw a shift kit in it and run it. Just my 2cents. Also if you have a aftermarket converter (which you really should) make sure you have enough of a cooling setup to keep it cool

[Jacksboys]

I'd throw a shift kit in it and run it. Just my 2cents. Also if you have a aftermarket converter (which you really should) make sure you have enough of a cooling setup to keep it cool

Interestingly enough, I am using the original converter, which works great with my setup.  I guess it helps to run 10:1 compression.

[tactransman]

The 904 will probably hold up, a 727 will!

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Interestingly enough, I am using the original converter, which works great with my setup.  I guess it helps to run 10:1 compression.

Have you ever seen the difference between a stock/cheap converter and a high(er) end converter? Night and Day difference between my cheap '3000stall' to my $650 9 1/2" Dynamic. Money well spent, needless to say the 'cheap converter' worked ok. The Dynamic works AWESOME. 3,900flash, 3,500stall....drives 100x better from a light to cruising on the freeway than my cheap "3000" that i only really got about 2500 out of.

sorry, its our job to get you to spend more money on your mopar. My car is an example of suggestions like this over the past year. 

[vinb]

The 904 is just as strong as a 727. It is alot lighter in weight and will last just as long on the street as a 727. You will see a difference in E.T. at the track. (Actually free horsepower). Everybody's combo is different , but you could see as much as two tens of a second quicker. Definitely get that 7 1/4 rear out of there. Because that is like a accident waiting to happen. 8 3/4 is more than enough for the street and bracket racing your ride....

[GoodysGotaCuda]

If you compare launches

After the Dynamic, 1.9 60ft, on slicks.



Before with the 'cheap' converter, on radials (not even spinning, it'd just ignite them now), this was the bad run of the night just from trying to figure out what works and what doesnt. My best with that converter was a 2.1 60ft, usually 2.2/2.3 due to it beind so inconsitant. 

[tactransman]

The 904 is just as strong as a 727.

OK slow down here, if a 904 was as strong as a 727 it would be available with a big block bellhousing.The parts in a 904 are half the size of a 727. To make a 904 hold up behind a healthy motor ( 450 to 500 HP-up) you have to put some aftermarket /modified parts in it. You do not have to in a 727.

[vinb]

Yes , you are correct if your going with a higher horsepower car especially with slicks. But a street car 300 to 400 h.p. you should not have any problems with a good rebuild. I ran a 904 in two of my old race cars, one low 11's 3400# and the other mid 10's at 3550 # cars with no problems. But we are talking a 300 hp street car. Either way there both excellent transmissions..

[Jacksboys]

Thanks for the info everyone.  I think I will hope for the best and run the 904 until something breaks.

Goody, I will always think of your car when someone mentions a 318.  I cannot wait until you say you have hit the 13s.  Good luck.

[Carlwalski]

Jacksboys - I'd keep the 904 for now, why spend money buying another trans?
If you brake the 904 then invest into a new trans. 

The TF-727 is without a doubt a lot more of a heavy duty transmission. Yes the 904 is lighter and is 0.10 on average quicker in the same car set up than a 727 in a 1/4 mile, however, if you spend the money to build a 904 up to a stock 727's level that money could be used in engine and drivetrain mods to gain double the time back.

In any of my cars I will always use a TorqueFlite-727, it's the peace of mind I have knowing what I dish out can be-handled and still ask for more unlike the manual trans or 904's. Though, 904's IMO will take 400hp without too much of a worry and are lighter, great trans just the 727 is the big boy.


 

[422STROKER]

Thanks for the info everyone.  I think I will hope for the best and run the 904 until something breaks.

I agree that's what I'm going to do, it's easier for me to justify replacing something if it's broken.


Tom