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How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation?

Posted By: ChickMaggot

How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation? - 07/11/11 12:11 AM

Guys,

I'm wondering how many obstacles there were during your Keisler 4spd Automatic installation into your A-body. I'm thinking of putting one in my Duster behind a small block.

Please share the trials, tribulations and joys of installing one.

Thanks,

Magott
Posted By: deansrr

Re: How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation? - 07/11/11 12:22 AM

I installed one in my 73 RR 340, just adds some time because of shifter cable, carb hook up and electronics, but really was pretty easy!!
Posted By: ChickMaggot

Re: How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation? - 07/11/11 12:50 AM

Quote:

I installed one in my 73 RR 340, just adds some time because of shifter cable, carb hook up and electronics, but really was pretty easy!!



How do you like driving your car with the new trans? What gear are you using in the rear?

Any A-body guy out there? I'm trying to get a handle on installing one into a smaller car like a Duster.
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation? - 07/11/11 01:53 AM

I am not sure about installation, but I did hear the automatic trans does have quite a few problems with it. I believe STU has one in his RR.
Posted By: ChickMaggot

Re: How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation? - 07/14/11 03:59 PM

Wow I guess Keislers aren't very popular.
Posted By: DAYCLONA

Re: How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation? - 07/14/11 05:28 PM

Quote:

I am not sure about installation, but I did hear the automatic trans does have quite a few problems with it. I believe STU has one in his RR.







Hmmmmm ....Stu's problems were a bracket that fell off, and the computer needed to be programmed, other than that I recall him being very happy with his Keisler AOD4......


I've only done the AOD4 in a B body, so I can't comment on an A body install, other than the bellhousing of the transmission is the same as a Mopar design, just that it's modded to adapt the GM AOD4, the transmission is no bigger than a 904/727, the transmission required no floor mods other than the routeing of the shifter cable, you'll have to add a TV cable to your throttle bracket, but that's included in the kit, if your using the factory shifter, a new detente plate is in the kit, so that you have an OD shift detente located in the factory shifter, the transmission lines supplied (braided SS) exit on the passenger side, you'll need to locate the computer shift module somewhere of your choosing, flex plate is a SFI unit, talk to Keisler regarding your Torque converter choice/requirement, their AOD4 kit is about the only true bolt-in kit they offer, with a minimum of fuss to install,....now if you were contemplating a TKO 5 spd in an A body, that's a radical install (floor wise)....but IMHO I believe you be happy with a Keisler AOD4 install, the OD ratio is .70, Keisler also offers a computer upgrade for better programming, to rely on just the preset limits, dosen't do the transmission justice, in the performance you can extract from it

Mike
Posted By: MuuMuu101

Re: How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation? - 07/14/11 06:17 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I am not sure about installation, but I did hear the automatic trans does have quite a few problems with it. I believe STU has one in his RR.







Hmmmmm ....Stu's problems were a bracket that fell off, and the computer needed to be programmed, other than that I recall him being very happy with his Keisler AOD4......


I've only done the AOD4 in a B body, so I can't comment on an A body install, other than the bellhousing of the transmission is the same as a Mopar design, just that it's modded to adapt the GM AOD4, the transmission is no bigger than a 904/727, the transmission required no floor mods other than the routeing of the shifter cable, you'll have to add a TV cable to your throttle bracket, but that's included in the kit, if your using the factory shifter, a new detente plate is in the kit, so that you have an OD shift detente located in the factory shifter, the transmission lines supplied (braided SS) exit on the passenger side, you'll need to locate the computer shift module somewhere of your choosing, flex plate is a SFI unit, talk to Keisler regarding your Torque converter choice/requirement, their AOD4 kit is about the only true bolt-in kit they offer, with a minimum of fuss to install,....now if you were contemplating a TKO 5 spd in an A body, that's a radical install (floor wise)....but IMHO I believe you be happy with a Keisler AOD4 install, the OD ratio is .70, Keisler also offers a computer upgrade for better programming, to rely on just the preset limits, dosen't do the transmission justice, in the performance you can extract from it

Mike



Here's an thread from ForABodies.com:

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=47903
Posted By: DAYCLONA

Re: How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation? - 07/14/11 09:39 PM





Here's an thread from ForABodies.com:

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=47903






I see that, 1 person with some issues, but I also see 2 posters in this (Moparts) thread that didn't have any issues in the B body application as noted, by both our comments,....perhaps the OP in the A bodies only thread has some genuine issues, or perhaps he's all thumbs when it came to his install?, who knows, I can only relate my experience, or my Customers experience using Keisler products, but I can tell you I've never had the issues that some have said to experience, I have corrected quite a few mistakes on customers cars that they have inflicted on themselves, usually due to ignorance in basic mechanical applications, or when fabrication is required, they don't have the skill sets, or equipment required to facilitate a proper installation,....some guys are all thumbs?, if it don't jump out of the box and install itself, then they have major issues........you know the expression, "some people can Frick up a free lunch",...even if it's spoon fed to them

Mike
Posted By: JohnRR

Re: How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation? - 07/14/11 09:46 PM

I find it funny that the OP over in that thread called it OVERPRICED , it's a KIT , not just a transmission , and if he's priced a transmission REBUILD lately he would see it's not that bad actually.

I don't have any experience with Kiesler products.
Posted By: Evil Spirit

Re: How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation? - 07/15/11 06:25 AM

Quote:

Quote:

I am not sure about installation, but I did hear the automatic trans does have quite a few problems with it. I believe STU has one in his RR.







Hmmmmm ....Stu's problems were a bracket that fell off, and the computer needed to be programmed, other than that I recall him being very happy with his Keisler AOD4......




Calling it an AOD4 is a little confusing - an AOD is a Ford O/D trans; the Keisler kit is based on a GM 700R4/4L60 style trans. I haven't done any of the conversions into Mopars, but I have done quite a few in GM cars with mixed owner satisfaction. The 1-2 gear spacing in a 700R4 causes a larger RPM drop than a T350 (or a 904/727) which some owners didn't like - they would end up using a looser converter than usually needed to cover it up. Lockup converters are inherently heavier at the cost of throttle response. I've been considering putting an O/D trans in my Spirit and I'm leaning towards a GM 200R4 - ratios are more evenly spaced, non electronic, and a smaller package.
Posted By: 62BT409

Re: How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation? - 09/04/11 12:47 AM

A little late here on the post, but I was searching for the same thing. I want to install a Keisler 4-speed system in my Demon. As of Sept 1, 2011 the 550 lb unit is $4599.00 plus $200.00 to ship and requires a little modification. But I can not find out if the floor tunnel has to be cut as it does with a 727 to 518 and/or the gear-vendors kit does require cutting.
And then what are the end results. I read people saying in the B body it' OK....but the question here is A body.
Posted By: ChickMaggot

Re: How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation? - 09/04/11 01:14 AM

Quote:

A little late here on the post, but I was searching for the same thing. I want to install a Keisler 4-speed system in my Demon. As of Sept 1, 2011 the 550 lb unit is $4599.00 plus $200.00 to ship and requires a little modification. But I can not find out if the floor tunnel has to be cut as it does with a 727 to 518 and/or the gear-vendors kit does require cutting.
And then what are the end results. I read people saying in the B body it' OK....but the question here is A body.



When I wrote to Gene at Keisler to ask about floor tunnel mods for my Duster, this is the pic that was sent to illustrate what was needed. He also said a template comes with the kit to help execute the cut.

Attached picture 6809513-TUNNEL%20CROPPED.JPG
Posted By: patrick

Re: How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation? - 09/07/11 07:00 PM

Quote:

Quote:

A little late here on the post, but I was searching for the same thing. I want to install a Keisler 4-speed system in my Demon. As of Sept 1, 2011 the 550 lb unit is $4599.00 plus $200.00 to ship and requires a little modification. But I can not find out if the floor tunnel has to be cut as it does with a 727 to 518 and/or the gear-vendors kit does require cutting.
And then what are the end results. I read people saying in the B body it' OK....but the question here is A body.




When I wrote to Gene at Keisler to ask about floor tunnel mods for my Duster, this is the pic that was sent to illustrate what was needed. He also said a template comes with the kit to help execute the cut.



that looks like about the same size cutout a 518 would need....
Posted By: JohnRR

Re: How hard was your A-body Keisler Auto installation? - 09/07/11 08:37 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

A little late here on the post, but I was searching for the same thing. I want to install a Keisler 4-speed system in my Demon. As of Sept 1, 2011 the 550 lb unit is $4599.00 plus $200.00 to ship and requires a little modification. But I can not find out if the floor tunnel has to be cut as it does with a 727 to 518 and/or the gear-vendors kit does require cutting.
And then what are the end results. I read people saying in the B body it' OK....but the question here is A body.




When I wrote to Gene at Keisler to ask about floor tunnel mods for my Duster, this is the pic that was sent to illustrate what was needed. He also said a template comes with the kit to help execute the cut.



that looks like about the same size cutout a 518 would need....



I think with a 518 you have to cut into the floor itself , that is just trimming one side of the torsion bar crossmember.
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