Passon 4 Speed Overdrive - anyone have one?

[_Russ_]

G'day all ... just curious, does anybody run a Passon 4 Speed Overdrive in their E-Body?

I'd really like an overdrive manual transmission in my Chally, and with all the options this seems to be the less talked about. I realise the newer Passon 5 Speed, the tremec 5 Speed, the newer Keisler RS etc are popular as they'll give those intending on racing the same gearing, with an added OD gear.

I've read a few threads stating that the Passon 4sp OD basically gives you a 3 speed plus an overdrive gear. This is fine by me as I have no intentions of racing so the shorter range between gears isn't a necessity.


Anybody got any thoughts on this? Experience with the swap?

I'll be going for an auto-manual conversion, so if anybody has anything to add, I'd truly appreciate it.

Is it worth considering? Is it an easier, similar or harder swap? Is the Passon 4sp a decent product or is it rife with Tremec-esque problems?

Thanks for your time!

 

 

[Chryco Psycho]

73EStroker has one & loves it , it is tight to shift but should loosen in time , it has none of the tremec issues & is very strong , you will need to do a normal 4 spd conversion & it fits just like the original A833

[SBDave]

I am looking at switching from my auto trans to a manual as well and love the idea of an OD.  Right now I'm leaning towards a Passon OD 4 speed, but I keep changing my mind about it so who knows where I'll end up.  I haven't heard a single negative thing about it but would definitely love to hear more feedback on the OD 4 speed from people who have it.  I'm considering getting a regular 4 speed now and converting it myself to Passon's OD 4 speed later on.

-Dave

[ShelbyDogg]

I use the 833 OD out of late 80s Dodge 1/2 ton trucks. They are $100 when I find them and several users here use them including Chryco.

I talked my friend with a 440-6pk -4:10 Dana Challenger into installing one and he now drives on the Power Tour with me..

[_Russ_]

I am looking at switching from my auto trans to a manual as well and love the idea of an OD.  Right now I'm leaning towards a Passon OD 4 speed, but I keep changing my mind about it so who knows where I'll end up.  I haven't heard a single negative thing about it but would definitely love to hear more feedback on the OD 4 speed from people who have it.  I'm considering getting a regular 4 speed now and converting it myself to Passon's OD 4 speed later on.

I'm was contemplating the same thing, but knowing my luck the standard trans I buy would have some trouble and need repairing. Probably much easier and cheaper to just buy the complete package direct from Passon.

I use the 833 OD out of late 80s Dodge 1/2 ton trucks. They are $100 when I find them and several users here use them including Chryco.

I talked my friend with a 440-6pk -4:10 Dana Challenger into installing one and he now drives on the Power Tour with me..

That's interesting. I have read they've been known to be weak. Is this the same item? I remember reading somewhere that one of the gears isn't up to snuff. however I'm unsure if this was generally, or when under extreme use (drags in a Hemi etc).

Can you share some info on it?

Gear ratios, part numbers etc so I know exactly what to look for.

And is it the exact same transmission as  the e-body 4-speed, just with OD gearing? same shifter can be used, fits same bell-housings, splines ets etc? Any mods needed?

Cheers.

[_Russ_]

Just found this. Great info.

http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/drivetrain/40618_a_833_manual_transmission_swap/index.html


And also found this. More good reading. Think I've found my new transmission

http://www.slantsix.org/articles/4-speeds/ODA833fourspeed1.htm

[Cooter]

Only problem I have with the 833 OD trans is the Aluminum case that tends to "Stretch" when under big Loads like the Muncie's do...I have sold more MOPAR 833's to Chevy guys than Mopar guys. Aluminum cases and huge loads don't mix. Tries to shove the cluster gear right out of the case.
The other is the Wide ratios...3.09 First Gear? Dang, I'm not driving a dumptruck...
Gear Spread is too wide. Plus, your running THIRD gear which means your running the Cluster gear in OD while cruising at 80 MPH...Wears out bearings QUICK....

Other than that, it's a good trans...

[Chryco Psycho]

All true , the alum case can be bushed but you can still replace it for far less
most of these cars barely get driven 2000 miles / year so even if it wears out brg & countershafts fast it would take decades !!

[ShelbyDogg]

An overdrive trans for $100, which includes the shifter and levers, you can't go wrong. Compared to $4000 or more for a Keisler 4l60E or Jamie Passon's 5 speed.  I have one  behind a 440 and a small block.

The front bearing retainer can be taken off and turned down to fit a 4.8" bellhousing. For my small block, I had the bellhousing's hole also openned up to 4.8". Cost $20 to have the bearing retainer turned down and another $20 to have the bellhousing hole enlarged. You can use all of the same 4-speed stuff as a regular 833 too, if you use a 23 spline clutch disk.

[_Russ_]

All true , the alum case can be bushed but you can still replace it for far less
most of these cars barely get driven 2000 miles / year so even if it wears out brg & countershafts fast it would take decades !!

Hmmm ... I've put just over 7000 miles on mine Chally since January. Don't do any kind of racing though.


What kind of clutch are you guys using?

[Chryco Psycho]

it is basically a bolt in , the 3-4 rod needs to be bent a bit . the input takes the 23 spline disc , I use McLeod 10.95" disc with the B&B / long style Pressure plate 

[cudaized]

G'day all ... just curious, does anybody run a Passon 4 Speed Overdrive in their E-Body?

Yes. I have one.
Great transmission. Jamie does a fantastic job. I used to run 3.23 SG with the 1:1 stock transmission. Using the overdrive, I went back to a 3.91 SG. 26 inch tall tire. 505 ft lbs of torque. Excellent quality in his gear set. I sent Jamie a beat up 4 speed and he shipped back a high quality overdrive transmission, that I am extreemly happy with. Direct bolt in. No modifications what so ever. Everything stock. Well I did have to buy a new 18 spline clutch disc....

Looking forward to the 5 speed transmission...

Ola

[Chryco Psycho]

I am suprised 73 E stroker has not jumped into this thread

[Aussie Challenger]

Russ for what you want to do the A833OD box will be perfect for you as it is basically a bolt in and with the lighter case a bonus, I seem to remember that Neil used one in his racing Charger, the slant 6 thread has good info about all the A833 boxes. Now that the A833 standard box I bought back from America is useless I am considering using the OD box myself with the McLeod Borg & Beck style clutch and the MP steel flywheel I also bought.   

[_Russ_]

Dave ... What was wrong with the A833 you brought in? Completely buggered?

If I can find one cheap locally, i'll seriously consider buying the Passon OD gearset and put it in. If I have to import one I may as well just find an original OD box.