Moparts

Should I switch to an automatic

Posted By: MadMez

Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 04:16 PM

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
Posted By: sshemi

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 04:22 PM

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?
Posted By: Mr.Yuck

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 04:29 PM

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.
Posted By: MadMez

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 04:53 PM

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!
Posted By: dustergirl340

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 05:16 PM

Keep the 4-speed!!!
Posted By: LAR_414

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 05:26 PM

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.
Posted By: Mr.Yuck

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 05:34 PM

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

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 05:39 PM

Quote:

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



I'll have you know I would look fabulous in a skirt. My legs are strong and well formed. But thats only because they are responsible for dragging the rest of my fat @ss around.
Posted By: Hot 340

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 09:44 PM

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.
Posted By: MR_P_BODY

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 10:06 PM

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
Posted By: Runner

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 10:15 PM

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.
Posted By: mickm

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 10:41 PM

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.
Posted By: RUNCHARGER

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 11:29 PM

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
Posted By: D-50

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 11:52 PM

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.
Posted By: 68shifter

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/20/13 11:53 PM

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

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/21/13 12:58 AM

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.
Posted By: gregsdart

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/21/13 01:48 AM

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.
Posted By: all spooled up

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/21/13 02:57 AM

NO NO NO NO
Posted By: '72CudaRacer

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/21/13 04:00 AM

Quote:

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.



All this plus a flex plate, a drive shaft and a trans/flywheel shield.
Brian
Posted By: MR_P_BODY

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/21/13 04:23 AM

Quote:

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.



For all you hot shot 4 speed guys.... you think a
conv makes a great stand.. a conv also DOUBLES your
engine torque.... they have a 2X multiplier at the
line.... does your clutch.. or trans do that
Posted By: toddd

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/21/13 01:54 PM

The reason I posted that is because , depending on your converter mfg, it can take up to 3 TIMES to get the converter "right", hence the "Umbrella Stand" remark.

Each to his own, but I want to get the most out of my car.

I would thing the 4 speed trans would, as it has a deeper first gear....am I wrong?...maybe not 2X's but not far off.
Posted By: 68LAR

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/21/13 05:29 PM

Quote:

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.



My Keep the 4 speed. A couple of things to consider: At launch, something has to slip, either the tires or the clutch. Your decisions. I choose to slip the tires.(cost and labor) When it comes to a 4 speed car, think "overkill". Make it bullet proof from the start and you'll save a lot of time and money in the long run. With a stick car there are a few things that are essential. First and foremost is a rev limiter. Second is a line lock with a 2 step.
Again, I suggest that you keep the 4 speed. You can have the best of both worlds, race and street cruisin' and still have a respectably fast car that's allot of fun to drive.
Posted By: MadMez

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/21/13 06:11 PM

Lots of 4 speed love here!

I appreciate all the input. With all the talk of skirts and man card revocation one thing stands out from the responses, 4 speeds are fun.

Fun is good, I need more fun. I'm keeping the four speed.

Automatic guys look out, MadMez is coming.


Posted By: MR_P_BODY

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/21/13 06:27 PM

Quote:

Lots of 4 speed love here!

I appreciate all the input. With all the talk of skirts and man card revocation one thing stands out from the responses, 4 speeds are fun.

Fun is good, I need more fun. I'm keeping the four speed.

Automatic guys look out, MadMez is coming.






LOL.... bring it... I use to be a 4 speed guy years ago
Posted By: 383man

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/21/13 08:39 PM

I like both and have raced both. I bracket raced a 4-speed Dart with a 340 some years back when I was younger. I loved bracket racing it and I can bang some gears pretty good. That car ran high 11's back then and it broke alot of parts. But I ran it hard as thats what racing is about to me as I would bring the rpm's up to about 5000 as the lites came down and then put her on the floor as I let the clutch out. And then it stayed on the floor until I crossed the stripe. It ran good but it did break some parts.
Now my 63 is much faster and has not broken any parts from racing. I use a manual valve body and enjoy driving it on the street. The auto with a good converter will launch as hard as the stick car but it does not shock the drivertrain as the stick does. Dont get me wrong as I love a 4-speed as much as the next guy but money wise its cheaper for me to run the auto. Course I build my own tranny's so I save money there. And I have heard all the things like..................a real man races with a clutch and all that. Which I have done but for me at my age and budget I am glad I have an auto in my 63. You just have to weigh out how you plan to use the car and then go from there and make your decision. Ron
Posted By: Leigh

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/21/13 08:50 PM

If you just want to play with the car and have fun, the stick would be ok. Just don't let me hear the throttle dip between the 2-3 shift. Once you launch, the loud pedal stays on the mat, no if's, and's or but's about it. If you want to seriously bracket race, and turn on the win light, an automatic is the answer.
Posted By: 69B3GT

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/21/13 11:41 PM

Quote:

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.



I'm dead from that.
Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/21/13 11:43 PM

Quote:

Lots of 4 speed love here!

I appreciate all the input. With all the talk of skirts and man card revocation one thing stands out from the responses, 4 speeds are fun.

Fun is good, I need more fun. I'm keeping the four speed.

Automatic guys look out, MadMez is coming.




I've raced both types of tranny, including a bunch of slick shifted and Pro shifted 4 gears years ago. Lots of maintenance on them I have a 383 4 speed 1969 Dart GTS for driving on the street now, I use to race it with a 440 and a 727 I'm in the begining of making a 1966 Dodge Coronet Custom 440 powered NP833 O.D.4 speed car for street entertainment. I sold my Duster, ran low tens at 134 MPH through the muffs on pump gas motor only with a good Pro Trans 727 and good converter, it was fun also. I never had to do squat to that trans other than cleaning it out after breaking a converter. I did blow up a 10 inch street and srip converter and ended up putting a T/A 8 inch race converter in that car. That was one of the the best thing I did to that car That car would 60 ft in the low 1.40 and high 1.30 Not so on the four speed cars, 1.47 best on nine inch slicks with 5.13 rear gears Your choice, I have both now but the current race car has a Powerglide in it, it runs low nines at 143+ MPH with 1.27 60 ft. times BTW, I love the 1963 and 1964 Plymouths 2 door sedans as race cars
Posted By: rowin4

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/22/13 12:10 AM

Just remember, 727 is lower than 833 , what's a automatic
Posted By: MR_P_BODY

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/22/13 12:21 AM

Quote:

Just remember, 727 is lower than 833 , what's a automatic



What about the 904.... oh... ya didnt think of that one.. LOL
Posted By: rowin4

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/22/13 12:32 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Just remember, 727 is lower than 833 , what's a automatic



What about the 904.... oh... ya didnt think of that one.. LOL





Oh Mike , ya got me on that one but I didn't think the used 904's behind big blocks. Heck I don't know , never raced a automatic.

Posted By: Digger73

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/22/13 01:13 AM

OK how about a compromise?
Run a clutchflite. Best of both worlds.
Launch with a clutch and never miss a shift.
Just a thought.
Digger73
Posted By: 68 HEMI GTS

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/22/13 01:20 AM

well i run a automatic in my dart now...., and i don't work on it. that being said i can't wait till i can pony up for a Jerico and use that clutch pedal again...
Posted By: MR_P_BODY

Re: Should I switch to an automatic - 09/22/13 01:22 AM

Quote:

OK how about a compromise?
Run a clutchflite. Best of both worlds.
Launch with a clutch and never miss a shift.
Just a thought.
Digger73



I owned one years ago.... with the new high stall
conv that thing isnt needed anymore.. thats why it
died
© 2024 Moparts Forums