Kickdown options for 440 in 69 b-bod?

[uk-maxie]

Hi all,

Many moons ago we changed the original 318 in our 69 Sport Satellite for a warmed-over 440. The guy that built the engine and did the swap was more familiar with Fords & Chevys race engines and wasn't aware of how important it is to have a fully-functioning kickdown linkage on a 727, so we had to cobble together a full kit of parts by using what we had from the 318/904 set-up and by fabricating a couple of the missing parts ourselves.

Despite our best efforts and also maybe also due to a mis-matched converter, it has never really kicked-down properly.

Now we're in the process of changing the cam and converter to something a bit more 2010's than 1980's, like the parts we still have in there, we're thinking we ought to get the kickdown working properly once and for all.

Now to the question... as we have a 750 vac sec Holley and an Edelbrock Performer, do we need to use a Lokar type of cable to get it to work properly, or should we be able to get an original-style linkage arrangement to work, even with non-standard carb & manifold?

If so, can anyone recommend where to get a good kit that can work with these parts?

Many thanks, Rob

 

[furyus]

After what I went through with my 69 340 Swinger, I would go with either the Lokar setup,or Bouchillon if your not worried about being original.

 

[uk-maxie]

After what I went through with my 69 340 Swinger, I would go with either the Lokar setup,or Bouchillon if your not worried about being original.

Thanks for the quick reply furyus!

We would prefer an original-appearing set-up but I'm prepared to compromise a bit if it's the only way to get it to work properly! The Lokar systems I've seen before have some big ugly bracket around the base of the carb with huge springs etc that would take a dual-quad hemi air filter to hide it. If the Lokar kit for our combination of parts isn't too visible below our stock crinkle-finish air cleaner, I'd consider it. I'm not too worried about having the cable visible as it disappears down between the block and the bulkhead.

I'll check out what Bouchillon have to offer - thanks

 

[Moparparts]

Yes you can use stock kickdown linkage but you will have to use this throttle bracket http://www.ebay.com/itm/222223412631?item=222223412631&viewitem=&vxp=mtr or modify the original factory throttle bracket . I have the correct complete 69 440HP 4bbl kickdown linkage set and also have the correct trans lever if needed. Message me if interested

 

[furyus]

Sound like Moparts has what you want. If you end up going cable, the Bouchillon kit is the bulky looking setup. You can get a black cable from Lokar.

 

[Banzaiii67]

I just went through adjusting my Lokar setup and now it kicks down. Honestly it's a whole different beast now, no more manually shifting.

This article I found was particularly helpful especially towards the bottom of the article http://www.hotrod.com/articles/the-lowdown-on-stock-torqueflite-kick-down-linkage/

 

[CoronetDarter]

When I converted from an Eddy carb to TB EFI I went with Lokar. There is a bracket that attaches to the carb base, however it replaces the original throttle bracket, bell cranks, and forward return spring. I think its a cleaner look. Easier to adjust too if you make any future changes to the manifold or induction system.

 

[miller]

Like that article mentions, when using stock like linkage parts, one key thing is using the right levers. Both at the carb linkage, and on the trans. Should be one to one ratio, to get the full range swing at the trans lever.

 

[forphorty]

My favorite kickdown option is the installation of a manual valve body.

 

[uk-maxie]

Yes you can use stock kickdown linkage but you will have to use this throttle bracket http://www.ebay.com/itm/222223412631?item=222223412631&viewitem=&vxp=mtr or modify the original factory throttle bracket . I have the correct complete 69 440HP 4bbl kickdown linkage set and also have the correct trans lever if needed. Message me if interested

Hi Rick - thanks yes, very interested! I'll be in touch

 

[uk-maxie]

Thanks for all the other replies too. I had already seen that Hot Rod article - very useful. I did look at A&A's website but they don't list a complete linkage kit for a 69 / 440 / b-bod.

 

[Lionized]

Yearone has what you're looking for...but it's spendy.

 

[uk-maxie]

Yearone has what you're looking for...but it's spendy.

Oh yes, forgot about that! you're right about the price - $492 !!

We'd need to incorporate the throttle bracket that Moparparts Rick has tho, to work with our manifold... I think...

 

[Moparparts]

Hi Rick - thanks yes, very interested! I'll be in touch

Sorry i am not Rick but sent you his auction for the throttle bracket, i have the original linkage but he has the replacement throttle bracket

 

[uk-maxie]

Sorry i am not Rick but sent you his auction for the throttle bracket, i have the original linkage but he has the replacement throttle bracket

Doh, sorry about that! Doesn't take much to confuse me

I have pm / messaged you (or 'started a conversation' as it now seems to be ) so please just ignore the reference to the throttle bracket

 

[69Runner]

We would prefer an original-appearing set-up but I'm prepared to compromise a bit if it's the only way to get it to work properly!

Got the whole original setup if interested.

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopar...ission-linkages-extras.116659/#post-910498842