Picked up a couple of 727's, one is a 1976 the other is a 1977 one from a van the other is from a truck,,my question is are these good year's of core's to use for racing purposes? I would assume that since they are from trucks then would be a little heavier built than from passenger cars.

It is hard to say. Just being from a van/pickup doesn't assure anything.

But on a positive note, I have gotten 727s from big block vans (400 CID) that turned out to be good for racing. One was a '77 and the other a '78 and were for non-lockup converters.. Both had the solid front servo with two springs like the pre '71 transmissions, rather than the oil cushioned servo of the newer transmissions.

Check the front drum, it might only take 3 clutch discs, but that can be changed to 4. There really aren't too many variations in the later 70's transmissions; the lock up input shaft and associated parts typically are not used in racing builds. And the front planetary spline angle is different than the earlier transmissions (newer is stronger, but not interchangeable).

Thanks Jim, the one for my car is going to have the steel front clutch drum and some other upgrades just wanted to know if what I have is worth working with, done a lot of 904's and only a couple of 727's so I don't know as much about them as to good or not so good years. Oh and these are both non-lockup

Your aftermarket steel (not factory cast) front drum is a nice improvement and depending on the valve body can use more springs (maybe all 15). I don't recall any changes to the rear servo, so an aftermarket one (billet) won't crack like a factory one, and they typically eliminate the cushion spring too. In general, I like the '76 and newer 727s with some aftermarket race parts.

Make sure input shaft doesn't have a smooth machined end, that is a lock up ans would require parts changes. The newer front servo can be made solid by dissembling it and shimming with a couple of input to output thrust washers. Depending on whose front clutch clearance, valve body and KD lever ratio you use will determine the number of front springs needed. I use 15 springs, .060" clearance with 5 clutches (Alto thin), old style servo with inner and outer spring, 4.2 lever, solid red band, stock rear clutches, with a turbo action valve body. This combo wears well behind close to 900hp.
Doug

Stock kickdown/band apply lever ratio is only 2.something:1 on late 70's 727's so you will need to change this for a performance build.

Kevin

Some '72-later truck 727's have the heavy tail housing...other than that they're not much different than their HP passenger car equivalents.

Thanks for the reply's guys, it appears that I will be good then.