those who have done the 4 speed swap...worth it?

[black71]

Those who have done so is it worth it? As I near a little bit closer I am trying to make the choice as to which way to go....I have access to both auto and four speed, only need clutch and bellhousing primarily for a four speed, need converter shift kit linkage etc for the auto. Car will see mostly street at this point, but strip time is a must too, motor is a pretty mild 440 for now,.........

[Challenger III]

You betcha!!! I converted my last one to a stick, and converting the one I'm building now. I find them more fun to drive, and most of my time at the dragstrip was with a manual.

[Grec]

For me there's no comparison to driving a manual vs. an auto. Especially in a toy car that's not used to commute in.

And let's face it, the E Body 4 speed shifter set up is just so bad a$$ looking with a console or without.

I ended up doing most of the conversion myself as the yokels that did it originally had no frickin clue what they were doing (mounted shifter on forward mount, b-body shifter handle, no floor hump, etc.), so I've been through the process and cost. Definitely worth it. It's soooo sweet now. :-)

Not sure if you would get better times out of an auto or a 4 speed at the track. Prob an auto with a good stall converter. <shrugs shoulders>

[74BlueFish]

I'm in the same boat trying to decide.   Want a 5 speed OD but trying to justify the cost and the extra time it will take.  Won't have to make the decision for awhile thou.

[femtnmax]

My auto to 4spd swap cost more than I had estimated, maybe partially due to me being picky about the details.  But sounds like you have most of the parts, and the 4 speed will make the car worth more $$.
I guess I have always liked shifting the gears. 
Years ago I had a 440 GTX with 4 speed and dana 60 posi.  That car was a blast to drive, as long as I avoided too many tickets

[tommyg29]

I wish I had an overdrive.
Car runs about 4000 rpm at 65mph, and it is LOUD

[72rtchallenger]

4 spd is the only way,,dont care about the track myself but a 4 spd mopar is a blast to drive 

[dodj]

4 spd is the only way,,dont care about the track myself but a 4 spd mopar is a blast to drive 

  Take your 'slush box' and 'STICK IT'!

[Cooter]

Just like the 5.0 Mustanks with AOD auto's and 5-speed manuals...The 4-speed puts more of the power to the rear wheels therefore, makes the car ALOT more fun to drive...What's funny today is the fact that back when these were new, the cars with manual transmissions were considered "Base" models. While the ones with the auto's had to be optioned out to get an automatic...Now it's reversed...

[Sleepychallenger]

most definately. I love mine and dont think i will ever change it back.

[vinb]

Do it !!!!

just keep all your auto stuff and put it away...

[Challenger III]

Not sure if you would get better times out of an auto or a 4 speed at the track. Prob an auto with a good stall converter. <shrugs shoulders>

You're probably right, but "back in the day  ", I could beat my friend in an identical Challenger (engine, build, tires, gearing) in the 1/4 mile every time, in the first 30 feet. Then he could  never catch me! The only difference was his auto trans, and he outweighed me by 60 lbs. or so. He really wanted to go 4 speed. I told him to try Jenny Craig first!  I imagine with todays technology it's way different, as far as racing goes.

[ShelbyDogg]

Put in the 4-speed.  That way if you want to put an 833 overdrive in later it bolts right in. I find them for $100 used out of late 80s trucks.  I had a couple of friends put them in, in front of their 4:10 dana gears and now drive on the Power tour with me, cruising at 70 to 80 avg. speed.

[black71]

Put in the 4-speed.  That way if you want to put an 833 overdrive in later it bolts right in. I find them for $100 used out of late 80s trucks.  I had a couple of friends put them in, in front of their 4:10 dana gears and now drive on the Power tour with me, cruising at 70 to 80 avg. speed.

that has me sold right there! What kinda rpm's were they runnin? I thought the overdirves had the t inch retainer, mine has the 4.8...so what do I do ther?

[Cooter]

Just remember when running the Chrysler A833OD trans, that when in Overdrive, it is actually in THIRD gear. This causes some HUGE bearing speeds on the counter gear and therefore, "Looseness" inside the trans if installed after 100K miles in an old truck...The aluminum case doesn't help either when beating on 'em...

First gear ratio is like 3.09:1 and with a 4.10:1 rear gear, will be more like driving a dump truck when in first gear. If your car is a SMALL BLOCK, then you are in luck as far as bellhousings, but if it's a BB then you will have to have some machining done in order to set up the trans to the bellhousing...These things have a HUGE bearing retainer to help with the VERY high speeds the gears are turning when you are comfortable in the driver's seat looking at your tac and seeing only 2200 RPMs in the engine, when your driveshaft, transmission, and ring and pinion are reaching speeds of upwards of 10K RPMs..

Just thought I'd warn you before you install the OD Chrysler trans and back on here in about 3 weeks asking WTF? is up with the first gear and can you swap out your first gear from a regular A833 which you cannot...These transmissions are VERY wide ratio, as when they came out, Chrysler was NOT interested in stop light to stoplight..