strength of the Passon 4 speed "Hemi" OD?

[Beach Goat]

I've been day dreaming about the Passon 5 speed 833 for a year now, but financially it just ain't gonna happen. A much more likely purchase would be their 4 speed Hemi OD gear cluster. Car is a 100% street driven 580" wedge, ~700hp, four speed/Dana w/4.10s.

Number one, they still offer this, right? I can dig up all kinds of articles and reviews on it, but I can't find it on their website.

Number two, I've heard of the weakness of the 3rd gear in the Hemi 833. What I've heard and seen is, if you spin and then hook in third gear, the gears can seperate too much and break teeth. I've personally seen this happen first hand, but is it really a common Achilles Heel? And if it is, does the OD cluster fix this problem?

Third, I see that Passon offers several aluminum outer case parts. I would probably want to keep the case iron, as it's helping the gears hold together under 650-700ft/lbs (right?), but can I switch the cover and the tail housing to aluminum without impacting longevity or torque capacity? I'd love to shave a few pounds but not at the expense of durability. I drive the car in a "spirited" manner, and it makes a lot of power.

 

[Dennis H]

A friend has one in his 70 'Cuda and reports no problems. 700 HP Hughes built motor. He may take it to LA and Willow Springs. The roadtrip and drag racing should answer lots of questions. I think it's called an 883 now. My concern would be wait time as his was years. Also, research the break-in time required. Extensive.

 

[Beach Goat]

Are you talking about the OD gear cluster, that still uses 4 gears but makes 3rd 1:1 and 4th OD, or are you talking about the whole 5 speed 855 overdrive transmission?

 

[Dennis H]

Are you talking about the OD gear cluster, that still uses 4 gears but makes 3rd 1:1 and 4th OD, or are you talking about the whole 5 speed 855 overdrive transmission?

Sorry. Disregard. I think it's the 855. He has romped on it without a problem and the highway 5th is perfect with the 3:54 Dana.

 

[Beach Goat]

Ah, thanks anyway.

 

[NJRR]

Call Jamie Passon directly. He's a straight shooter and will tell you his honest opinion on your questions.

 

[Darter6]

Great product.We installed one in a 73 big block 'Cuda (the 4 speed od) back in 2007. Still on the road today.A 17 year old learned to drive his first stick car. Believe me when I say it has been driven hard. Jamie Passion will do anything to please you and is good to his customers. I will be his customer as long as he is in business.