Hey all,

So I've been thinking about how I can have my cake and eat it too. . .

I have a 68 Dart going together with a healthy 440 ( 11.2:1 , .588 solid roller, stage 6 heads etc. ) and I'm thinking I'd like to have the ability to drive it here n there without listening to the motor scream all the way. I'm planning on a 3.91 or 4.10 gear and at least a 28" tall tire. I figure with the 727, a good converter, and some hook, the car should be able to rip off low 11s to high 10s, and I'd like to keep as much of the performance as possible

I know there is the Keisler 5-speed set up, but I don't think it will stand up to the occasional drag strip abuse I plan on putting to the car ( even with the TKO 600 ).

I've seen the Gear vendors unit and I think it may be a great option since I already have a built 727, but I'm concerned about how much power it'll rob and I hear they can be a pain in the but with the gear splitting (even though I really don't know how that works).

I've also seen the article in Mopar Muscle ( I think) where Keisler makes a kit to put a GM 4L80E behind a big block, but haven't seen a follow up as to how it held up so I'm a bit skeptical there.

So, what do you have? What are your opinions? ( Ho boy that's a loaded one ) Lets see some pics of your installs and hear what's good and bad.

I've heard reports both ways about the GV units. Some say they've had no problems but I've also heard stories about them grenading.

You won't want to use gear splitting. Pretty much the way that works is you run in 1st with o/d off, then first with o/d on, then second and third in the same fashion. It's not worth the time it takes. You're better off just leaving the o/d turned off while you're going down the strip IMO.

we run a GV unit. The '6' speed auto is a pain to try and do. We run it TF 1-2-3, GV-4. Thats it, we click it on whenever we hit the highway. No complaints as far as that goes. Not a huge fan of the 'auto-drive' setup, i rather control that myself.

Seems to be a good unit, doesn't lag or hesitate, doubt much power loss out of it.

A500 here.Works like a 904 until you flip and the OD switch and then I also have a lock-up switch. 4.56's and 2400rpm at 60-65mph...Might loose a little power, but the od more than makes up for it. The A518 would be the bigger cousin you would want, or GV or a st1200 Lenco.

You can use an Utrabell on a Mopar SB auto. There is a nice thread in the truck section. I know a guy in TN that has the UB and had to get it machined to properly fit the starter.

Thanks! the GV seems like a good way to go. The st1200 would be the ultimate, but $$. I know one guy who has one in a Fairlane and beats the ever livin snot outta it! Isn't the 518 just like a 727? I don't know too much about them.

Anyone have any input on the Keisler 4L80E deal?

OK, I just heard somebody say A518 and an ultrabell. Why didn't I get that when I asked the same thing? Everybody and their brother was trying to steer me to a GV TF.

The 518 IS a 727 with the same OD they put on the A500 which is a 904 with OD. Either can have an ultra bell put on them. The only problem with them is, you will have to fab your own cross memmber. The stock one will get hacked apart to use it. Mine has worked very well.

I have had a lot of experience with the GM 4L60E. It is a steaming pile of you know what. They keep blowing up behind stock 350's in trucks, what makes you think it will live behind a 440? Stay far far away from that pile.

SMR trans is a good source for A500 and 518 parts, convertors, or the whole trans...

And the ultra bell requires your stock bell to be cut off and the UB bolts to the front pump on the trans. No welding. I will warn you though, the starter pocket needs to be trial fitted with the starter first. I had mine in and out of the car a gazzilion times to get it all to fit togather right.

My recollection is that the mopar OD automatics (518 in your case) have the OD section where the tailshaft is on your current 727. They require a lot of cutting and rebuilding of the torsion bar crossmember to fit. If you have test fit the trans, you should have a good idea of the area where the tailshaft fits.

ive gone through these same questions. i am steering towards the 727 i have and a GV unit behind that. its everything i want and need.

steve

IMHO, I wouldn't use an overdrive unless you're planning on driving it a LOT on the freeway..........as in at least 3,000 highway miles per year......

Since you already have the 727, why not run a 3.55 gear with a PTC 3,800 converter? With a 3,800 converter, you won't need the bandaid 4.10 gears anyway.........The car will still haul the mail and be freeway friendly...... If you decide that you still don't like that, sell the complete 727 with converter and switch over then.....

The car below has a 10.9 to 1, pump gas, stock stroke, 440 with RPM heads and runs 10.70's @ 124 with 3.55's and a small roller cam....... The car runs and drives great on pump gas, but we raced it on race gas just to make sure we didn't have any detonation issues.......

Here's some more info about it........