Hi everybody!

I am considering putting an automatic where the 4 speed lives in my 64 Dodge. The reasoning behind this is hopefully lower maintenance and less parts breakage when bracket racing at GLD. Talk me into, or out of it. If into what sort of stuff does a 727 need to do this keeping in mind I know nothing about automatics.

The car is old school with a 383, ported 906s Torker intake, 750 dp, .557” 296 duration solid DC cam and 4.56s in a 9”. It has run as quick as 12.82 and as fast as 109.5 mph.

Thanks very much for any and all opinions and information.

Tim

What parts are you braking?
It should live long at that hp.
I have been 95 mph in the 1/8 at 3800 lbs with no brakeage.
It will probably run faster with an auto but whats the fun in that?

What makes you think an auto is cheaper? A GOOD race 727 is going to run you $1200 or more a converter another $500+ Then you'll need a good shifter $200+, trans lines, trans cooler $150 or so... it adds up. What are you breaking and why? at those speeds a 4 speed should be fine.

I have not broken anything since I replaced all the Ford parts in the 9". But now I'm paranoid about it probably for no reason. Your talking me into keeping the 4 speed

Thanks!

Keep the 4-speed!!!

Your wardrobe will have to change too. Think of the expense for your high heels and skirts alone!


4speeds can be very consistent. The Autos are just more boring.

Sure if you want to try and win a bunch of money, get rid of some the fun, then put an auto in.

FWIW if this cars body was in better shape , it would of had a 4 speed.

Four speeds add charisma and make the car a hoot to drive, till the guy with the greaseball 318 and $1200 converter drive past you laughing.

If your good with the shifter then keep the 4 speed
since that is a more efficient way to go... but if you
tend to miss the 2-3 shift(and I'm not talking granny
shifting)... go with the auto

i say if you have a high 12 second 4 speed car and want a more race friendly automatic then keep the 4 speed car and buy a cheap a body. no way would i convert a car from a stick to an auto.

i said this in another thread. if tomorrow my only choice was an automatic, i'd sell the road runner and quit the hobby.

if you are breaking parts at that horsepower level, something else is wrong.

I'd sooner lose with a 4 speed than win with an automatic, especially in a 10 second or slower car. It's about having fun.

Sheldon

A stock 727 trans with a manual valve body would work forever in a 12 second car ,that would not be no where near $1200. Put a 9.5 PTC convertor in it.

Four speed all the way! Breaks my heart revoking man-cards, but sometimes it has to be done.

Torque converters make great umbrella stands.

There is NO way I'd go back to an auto after racing a 4 speed, I'd probably give up the sport.

If you plan on keeping the four speed, check to see if there are any clutches available that would work for your car that will slip a certain amount off the line. Just a thought, I figure if there is, it ought to add some consistency (given the clutch isn't heat sensitive) and save a lot on parts. A rev limiter tied into the linelock would help also.

NO NO NO NO