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So, I have wanted to install some type of overdrive in my Charger for many years. I have considered many options and actually had a first generation used Gear Vendors unit in the car for a little while. The GV worked but sometimes the OD wouldn't disengage at a stoplight and I was starting off in 1st gear/OD, 2nd gear/OD, etc. The GV also delivered a resonant vibration that may or may not have been due to the driveshaft design I had. The GV had a fixed yoke which I later learned could have been removed to allow the use of a traditional GM TH400 type slip yoke. A new Gear Vendors unit would be somewhere in the $3000 range. Not bad but this unit only delivers a .78 overdrive ratio. They have been stuck on this ratio all along since they were first released. Other products evolve and improve but they seem to be stuck on that number.
I have considered a Silver Sport Overdrive. Theirs are based on the GM 700R4/4L60E unit. 3.06 first gear and a .70 4th/OD. The level of durability I'd need would necessitate at least their mid-grade unit which runs about $6000. This is supposed to be a bolt in deal with no cutting but a small amount of clearancing is required. No big deal but the price, right?
Another option is Mopar based, the 518/618 models. The electronic versions are called the 42RH, right? These were all built with the LA/Magnum bell housing pattern and were only used in trucks and vans. The preferred way to go is to get an early version with a 2 wire plug so the lockup converter and OD are easily wired to a toggle switch.
Well...
Today I got a call from a buddy. He was clearing out his garage and had a rebuilt 42RH that he had in his 70 Barracuda. He switched to a 5 speed manual. This trans? New converter, new clutches and bolt in sprag. Two things to consider: One is that it is the electronic version that needs a stand alone computer/controller to operate the converter lockup and overdrive. Second is that I will need a JW Ultrabell to make this transmission bolt up to a RB block.
The trans was FREE. I am hoping that the rest of the parts to make this work may be less than $1000. THis means the JW bell, electronics, drive shaft service and misc other bits.
I understand that fitment will be an issue. I'll surely have to cut and patch the floor a bit, maybe reconfigure the torsion bar crossmember for clearance.
I am asking for suggestions and feedback from anyone that has done this. I have a 2 post lift and a transmission jack so that will simplify the repeated in and out for clearance work.
I have considered a Silver Sport Overdrive. Theirs are based on the GM 700R4/4L60E unit. 3.06 first gear and a .70 4th/OD. The level of durability I'd need would necessitate at least their mid-grade unit which runs about $6000. This is supposed to be a bolt in deal with no cutting but a small amount of clearancing is required. No big deal but the price, right?
Another option is Mopar based, the 518/618 models. The electronic versions are called the 42RH, right? These were all built with the LA/Magnum bell housing pattern and were only used in trucks and vans. The preferred way to go is to get an early version with a 2 wire plug so the lockup converter and OD are easily wired to a toggle switch.
Well...
Today I got a call from a buddy. He was clearing out his garage and had a rebuilt 42RH that he had in his 70 Barracuda. He switched to a 5 speed manual. This trans? New converter, new clutches and bolt in sprag. Two things to consider: One is that it is the electronic version that needs a stand alone computer/controller to operate the converter lockup and overdrive. Second is that I will need a JW Ultrabell to make this transmission bolt up to a RB block.
The trans was FREE. I am hoping that the rest of the parts to make this work may be less than $1000. THis means the JW bell, electronics, drive shaft service and misc other bits.
I understand that fitment will be an issue. I'll surely have to cut and patch the floor a bit, maybe reconfigure the torsion bar crossmember for clearance.
I am asking for suggestions and feedback from anyone that has done this. I have a 2 post lift and a transmission jack so that will simplify the repeated in and out for clearance work.