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Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) #35994
04/22/07 09:23 AM
04/22/07 09:23 AM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,093
It's beer:30 somewhere
adventurer Offline OP
super stock
adventurer  Offline OP
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I am in the proscess of putting an a518 overdrive trans in my 440 powered 2wd truck. Thought you all might like to know and see how I do it. First let me start off by saying I am no expert on this by no means. This is the first time I have tried this, so I'm sure there will be some problems along the way, but here goes. Thanks to Ric aka 77440se and a few web sites http://www.transmissionsone.com/
http://www.racewithjw.com/
I got all my info and parts.
I have assembled all my parts: Transmission a518 93 2wd with lockup, JW Ultra Bell, vacum switch, etc...
This weekend I have done the first major step which is cut the old bell housing off to make room for the new Ultra Bell.

You see the trans and the bell housing. I made a few reference marks the black dash marks on the trans. for refence. I used a level and square to measure into the pump rail, which is how far you have to cut the bell housing back.

Made my first cut. A lot hard to do than I thought it would be. Used a sawzall with a metal blade. Burnt up two blades before I figured out slow the blade speed down and it cut great and doesn't burn up the blades.


After the first cut I took my 4 1/2" grinded with a grinding wheel and roughed it on back. Then switched to a 60 grit sanding disc on the same grinded to finish. You have to make sure you have clearnce all the way around the outside of the bell or when you are bolting the bell to the pump it doesn't bolt down tight against the pump. Thanks Ric for the tip on that. Down at the trans pan rail is the area you need to watch close for clearence.




And here it is all test fitted. Only snags this day. 2 burnt up saw blades and the bolts that were sent with the Ultra Bell were to long. A few bolts and blades problems solved. A lot of time involved in this step. From what I see of doing this probably the most time consuming and hardest part, but we'll see. I'll keep you posted as the project goes along. Hope you found this useful.

Last edited by adventurer; 04/22/07 10:15 PM.

77 Dodge Adventurer SE 440 2wd SWB
78 Dodge Adventurer SE 440 2wd Utiline
90 Dodge D150 SWB 2wd 318fi 4speed
60 Desoto Adventurer 2dr
67 Dodge Dart Gt Conv. 273 4bbl
04 PT Cruiser GT Turbo
14 Ram R/T
"Life's to short to drink cheap beer."
Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: adventurer] #35995
04/22/07 10:04 AM
04/22/07 10:04 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,043
State of Confusion
hp383 Offline
Just a normal tag again
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State of Confusion
this definately needs to be in the tech archives.

You might also consider sending this to the ramchargercentral.com board as a "How To", I as sure they would like to have this info.

Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: adventurer] #35996
04/22/07 11:02 AM
04/22/07 11:02 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,077
Oklahoma City
Jwilli500 Offline
top fuel
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Oklahoma City
Please DO keep us posted as I for one am VERY interested! Thanks!

Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: Jwilli500] #35997
04/22/07 09:33 PM
04/22/07 09:33 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,512
Lebanon ,PA in the Susquehanna...
70Challengerse Offline
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70Challengerse  Offline
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Nice job Larry,should be shipping some parts your way this week...

Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: adventurer] #35998
04/22/07 11:30 PM
04/22/07 11:30 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,868
Cali S.B
Sub95 Offline
super gas
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Cali S.B
With the ultr bell do they give you the sapacer for the crank? wanting to put my 440 in my ram

Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: Sub95] #35999
04/22/07 11:33 PM
04/22/07 11:33 PM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,869
Carmichael, CA
NotEnufGarage Offline
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I think that's the point of the Ultrabell, versus an adapter plate. You won't need a spacer for the crank since the Ultrabell puts the torque converter and therefore the flexplate at the right depth.

With an adapter plate, you have to make up for the thickness of the plate.


'70 Charger FE5 Daytona Clone 451/727/D60
'70 Challenger FM3 440/833/3.55SG
'79 Ramcharger SE 360
'89 Shelby Dakota
‘06 PT Cruiser GT Convertible
‘07 Charger R/T Daytona
‘10 Ram 1500 ST Crew Cab

Yes, I'm a Dodge Boy. Verstehen?
Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: NotEnufGarage] #36000
04/23/07 12:04 AM
04/23/07 12:04 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,868
Cali S.B
Sub95 Offline
super gas
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Cali S.B
Sweet, if you dont mind me asking how much was the ultra bell? u can pm if you want.

Thanks

Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: Sub95] #36001
04/23/07 12:32 AM
04/23/07 12:32 AM
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Mesa, AZ
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Pat_Whalen Offline
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Quote:

Sweet, if you dont mind me asking how much was the ultra bell? u can pm if you want.

Thanks




Their catalog lists it at $284.67

Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: adventurer] #36002
04/23/07 12:46 AM
04/23/07 12:46 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,948
British Columbia
C
chrisf Offline
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British Columbia
Larry and Ric,
what have you guys done for the shifter linkage seeing that the ear gets cut off for the bellhousing ?

Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: Sub95] #36003
04/23/07 06:18 AM
04/23/07 06:18 AM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,093
It's beer:30 somewhere
adventurer Offline OP
super stock
adventurer  Offline OP
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Ultra bell was $310.48 plus shipping $326.41. The price in the online was an old listing.


77 Dodge Adventurer SE 440 2wd SWB
78 Dodge Adventurer SE 440 2wd Utiline
90 Dodge D150 SWB 2wd 318fi 4speed
60 Desoto Adventurer 2dr
67 Dodge Dart Gt Conv. 273 4bbl
04 PT Cruiser GT Turbo
14 Ram R/T
"Life's to short to drink cheap beer."
Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: chrisf] #36004
04/23/07 06:23 AM
04/23/07 06:23 AM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,093
It's beer:30 somewhere
adventurer Offline OP
super stock
adventurer  Offline OP
super stock

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It's beer:30 somewhere
Yeah Chrisf the ear is gone. There will have to be a bracket made to fix that. Also the use of a kickdown linkage cable as well. Those items I'll show what I do as I do them.

On new developments of the project worked on other things on the truck most of the day yesterday, but did get the 727 trans out of the truck to make room for the A518. Also needed the driveshaft out to take to the shop to shorten the drive shaft 3 1/2". That will be done today.


77 Dodge Adventurer SE 440 2wd SWB
78 Dodge Adventurer SE 440 2wd Utiline
90 Dodge D150 SWB 2wd 318fi 4speed
60 Desoto Adventurer 2dr
67 Dodge Dart Gt Conv. 273 4bbl
04 PT Cruiser GT Turbo
14 Ram R/T
"Life's to short to drink cheap beer."
Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: adventurer] #36005
04/23/07 09:28 PM
04/23/07 09:28 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,567
Appalachia
RedRam Offline
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Appalachia
Great post. This is something I would like to do myself.
Is there a horse power limit to the bolt-on ultra bell?
Troy

Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: RedRam] #36006
04/23/07 09:38 PM
04/23/07 09:38 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,011
Sunnyvale, CA.
3XCHARM Offline
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It is listed as SFI approved for drag racing, so I would imagine that it is only limited to the amount of power the tranny can handle. But I too am curious if anyone has found any specific info on this.


1975 Ramcharger 6" lift 35" Mud Terrains 8 lug 44 front, 60 rear. (R.I.P.)
1976 D100 lowered 3" & 5" Now with a 440!!! (sold)
On the hunt for another beauty to build.
Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: adventurer] #36007
04/23/07 10:14 PM
04/23/07 10:14 PM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,093
It's beer:30 somewhere
adventurer Offline OP
super stock
adventurer  Offline OP
super stock

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Well for today the drive shaft has now been shortened 3 1/2". And I drilled the new holes to move the cross member back. You have to move the cross member back and you can still use the original mount and cross member but have to make a plate to adapt the mount to the trans. That will happen after the trans is in the truck. This moving the cross member moves it back about 6". Here is a picture of my test fit to give you an idea.

You have to drill three holes two in the lower frame rail and one in the upper. You can't see the upper one in the picture but it is a pain to drill and get the bolt in because the cab is setting so close to the frame. Elongate that back top hole so you can get the bolt in from the top, or use a really short bolt so it doesn't hit the floor pan coming up from the bottom. I chose the elongate method with a bolt from the top side. You can see in the picture the original top front bolt, I couldn't get it out because of the cab being so close to the frame. I just put a nut on it and tightened it up in place so it doesn't rattle around. Well thats about it for today.
As to the horse power limits of the Ultra Bell I really don't know either. You could call JW Performance and ask them. They were really nice and helpful when I called them. I am sure they could answer that question.
Enjoy


77 Dodge Adventurer SE 440 2wd SWB
78 Dodge Adventurer SE 440 2wd Utiline
90 Dodge D150 SWB 2wd 318fi 4speed
60 Desoto Adventurer 2dr
67 Dodge Dart Gt Conv. 273 4bbl
04 PT Cruiser GT Turbo
14 Ram R/T
"Life's to short to drink cheap beer."
Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: adventurer] #36008
04/24/07 01:14 AM
04/24/07 01:14 AM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,300
CA, Proprietor; The "PALOMINO"...
dynotune440 Offline
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dynotune440  Offline
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CA, Proprietor; The "PALOMINO"...
AWSOME!
it is going to be interesting to see what kind of mileage that you end up getting out of it. Are you going to be changing the axle ratio....I see 3.55 or 3.91 in the future......


Dinuba, California, Home of the PALOMINO ranch and 440 truck farm, where dodge trucks have a home. Have Four 1979 dodge PALOMINO trucks now.
Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: dynotune440] #36009
04/26/07 01:00 PM
04/26/07 01:00 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 24,562
Brookeville, Md
Mr.Yuck Offline
Not enough dumb comments...yet
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Posts: 24,562
Brookeville, Md
wonder if you could do that say in a 70 charger???


[IMG]http://i66.tinypic.com/pui5j.jpg[/IMG]
Coming soon!!!!
Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: Mr.Yuck] #36010
04/26/07 09:11 PM
04/26/07 09:11 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,011
Sunnyvale, CA.
3XCHARM Offline
super stock
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Quote:

wonder if you could do that say in a 70 charger???





"ANYTHING" is possible, but I think you will have to modify the tranny tunnel area a lot.
Here is another (pricey) choice for an over drive:


http://www.keislerauto.com/mopar/transmissions/automatic-4sp.asp




Not trying to hijack this post. I am very grateful for the pics and info on this swap now that 2 members here have done it, I am probably going to try this one myself.


1975 Ramcharger 6" lift 35" Mud Terrains 8 lug 44 front, 60 rear. (R.I.P.)
1976 D100 lowered 3" & 5" Now with a 440!!! (sold)
On the hunt for another beauty to build.
Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: adventurer] #36011
04/29/07 09:10 AM
04/29/07 09:10 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,512
Lebanon ,PA in the Susquehanna...
70Challengerse Offline
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70Challengerse  Offline
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Lebanon ,PA in the Susquehanna...
What did you run out of pics????

Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: 70Challengerse] #36012
04/29/07 10:19 AM
04/29/07 10:19 AM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,093
It's beer:30 somewhere
adventurer Offline OP
super stock
adventurer  Offline OP
super stock

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Quote:

What did you run out of pics????




No Hadn't been much to show in last while was waiting on some gaskets. Finally had those and started back on project last night. I removed the pump to replace the gasket behind the pump. With taking those pump bolts loose I figured I should replace it.

First thing to do to remove the pump, break the jam nut shown loose and tighten the screw that is shown to keep the trans together when you remove the pump.

Next remove the pump. There is really a slide hammer tool for doing this, but I didn't have it, so I took two pieces of 3/8" all thread a couple of nuts and larger nuts, my 2" & 1 7/8" sockets and made my own slide hammer tool. These screw in at about the 9 & 3 o'clock postitions once you have the pump bolts out. Remove and replace the gasket behind the pump. This gasket only has one direction it will go on, make sure it lines up. Next you need some guides studs to put it back together, I used 5/16" all thread for guide studs. Lube up the o-ring around the pump and place the pump over the guide studs. Install pump.

On the Ultra Bell there are some O-rings that need to be installed place them at the bolt holes as shown. Besure to put a little sealant on the bolts as trans fluid can leak around them. Tighten all the grade 5 or better bolts to 20 ft/lbs. I used grade 8 bolts. Besure to loosen the bolt that you tightened earlier to keep the trans from coming apart as you removed the pump. Loosen the bolt about 1 1/2 turns, tighten the jam nut.
I would have been installing the trans last night but the parts store gave me the wrong trans filter kit. It was to deep and wouldn't let the pan bolt on. I'll pick the right filter up today and be putting it in later on today.

Last edited by adventurer; 04/29/07 11:11 AM.

77 Dodge Adventurer SE 440 2wd SWB
78 Dodge Adventurer SE 440 2wd Utiline
90 Dodge D150 SWB 2wd 318fi 4speed
60 Desoto Adventurer 2dr
67 Dodge Dart Gt Conv. 273 4bbl
04 PT Cruiser GT Turbo
14 Ram R/T
"Life's to short to drink cheap beer."
Re: Big block a518 overdrive conversion (lots of pics) [Re: adventurer] #36013
04/30/07 01:32 AM
04/30/07 01:32 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,788
Hamilton, Ontario Canada
Magnum Offline
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Hamilton, Ontario Canada
The first few pictures looked pretty crazy but after seeing the last ones. Am I correct in seeing it's the pump locating the Ultrabell and not the old case where it was cut?

I had a 518 swapped into my 87 Ram. I also moved the crossmember back but used a 92-93 crossmember with a 3 bolt transmission mount.

I didn't really see much change in the mileage. The overdrive just allowed me to drive faster. Same when I lost the overdrive. I went back to driving slower on the highway and with the slower speeds, mileage didn't drop much if any at all.


69 Super Bee, 93 Mustang LX, 04 Allure Super
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