A 518 Availability

[CUDA JAS]

I am in the beginning stages of looking for a A518 trans for my cuda.

Are these things typically hard to find...or is it just a Canadian thing.

I called a wrecking yard and they say the only one they can find several hours away (Sault St. Marie for my Canadian brethren).

So what's the deal???  Or do I just need to call a big city yard?

Jason

[jimynick]

Jason, call Thorold A/W's 1-800-263-4708X225 and ask for Bump- his real name is George. Tell him you know me and ask him about the trans. He's very well connected in the A/W business as wll as being a very nice guy and if it's out there, he'd be the guy I'd want looking for it. Good luck! Ian 

[72cudamaan]

I searched for a long time to find mine. And now I've been waiting 7 months for a JW ultrabell. If I don't have something by next week
my 518 will be up for sale. Right now it is a stripped down core that my builder has been waiting to finish, so it might
go for cheap.

[72cudamaan]

Oh, and they're hard to find because they haven't used a 518 since around 1997 if I remember correctly.

[jimynick]

I searched for a long time to find mine. And now I've been waiting 7 months for a JW ultrabell. If I don't have something by next week
my 518 will be up for sale. Right now it is a stripped down core that my builder has been waiting to finish, so it might
go for cheap.

  There you go! That's pretty decent of Andy and I didn't know they were that scarce. 

[CUDA JAS]

Thanks Guys.

I guess I thought they were somewhat plentiful, given it seems to be a popular swap.  I never thought how old they were.

Honestly, my dad owns a little body shop back home, so I asked him to check with his guys, hopping to get a good deal on one.  So far no luck.  Might have to look for myself.

Jason

[Cuda54]

CudaJas how many horse power is in motor. I was told they will not hold over about 475hp to 500hp when I had mine rebuild. The shop that did mine cuts the original bell housing off and bolts on the one to fit your car. Mine is a 440 with 525HP and he said it would work fine on lower HP motors but not the high HP motors. So if you have a real high HP small block say 475HP to 500HP it might blow it up too.

[Katfish]

I guess I was lucky, checked online, JY had 20 vehicles that were candidates.
Looked at 18 and was thinking no luck, last 2 both had the 518 I needed.

Son and I spent 3 hrs pulling it, tranny, wiring, lines and cooler were $190.

[72cudamaan]

CudaJas how many horse power is in motor. I was told they will not hold over about 475hp to 500hp when I had mine rebuild. The shop that did mine cuts the original bell housing off and bolts on the one to fit your car. Mine is a 440 with 525HP and he said it would work fine on lower HP motors but not the high HP motors. So if you have a real high HP small block say 475HP to 500HP it might blow it up too.

If built correctly there are documented cases of holding 600 hp easily. Just not in a stock rebuild.

[CUDA JAS]

If built correctly there are documented cases of holding 600 hp easily. Just not in a stock rebuild.

Ohhh, I had not heard that...maybe my 360 will tear it apart. 

At last check I should be at around a 1000hp, flywheel not rear wheel hp, but that is just a guess, taking into account all the performance upgrades  and stickers, oh and the chrome valve covers.











   yeah right....I think I will be just fine with the current engine.

[Cuda54]

When you get to the high HP the over drive tends to let go fast. And then it put debris into the rest of the trans and it goes out fast. They may last a while I have not tried them I have a heavy build 727.

[Katfish]

Does anyone with 500+ hp care about cruising or mpg?