transmission choice

[matts dart]

i was wondering if it is possible to put a 5 speed manual transmission out of an older truck into my dodge dart?

[John Kunkel]

Anything is possible but why would you want to? The truck 5-speed is heavy, bulky and has gear ratios that aren't really suited for a passenger car.

[matts dart]

what can i put in it that will bolt to my 360 and is more then a 3 speed?

[ehostler]

an A-833 4-speed comes to mind.

There are a few aftermarket 5-speed options as well.

How much are you wanting to spend?

[valiant64]

Keisler makes a nice looking kit for man trans

[dodger1]

I would think the (Chrysler) A833 would be the easiest swap, and they can be had with an overdrive 4th if that's what you're looking to get. A company called Passon Performance has all the goodies for them.

[ehostler]

The OD 4th setup really kills any performance. May as well have a truck 5 speed.

The Keisler setup is going to be the easiest solution; however, it isn't the cheapest solution.

[matts dart]

thanks guys do they sell everything i need to make the swap?

[Ray Bell]

I'd dispute the suggestion that the overdrive fourth in an A833 kills performance...

We're talking about a pretty light car here that has a 360 after all. And for a start, the ratios won't be as bad as an 'older truck 5-speed'. Such a unit would have a low gear in the realms of about 4.5:1, while the overdrive A833 has a 3.09:1 first.

Essentially, the overdrive A833 is a regular 3-speed with an overdrive top gear. That top gear is 0.73:1, not a huge jump for a light V8-powered car.

True, Passon make a closer set of ratios... 2.66:1 first gear and a 0.8:1 overdrive, but it's going to be much more expensive and still something of a compromise.

A straight A833 comes with ratio sets that give further alternatives, but all with direct top gear. Widest set is from early A-body boxes (mostly... some were in 6-cyl B & C-bodies), they have the same 3.09:1 first but are closer in the other indirect gears to the 1:1 top.

A lot depends on what you want. For the street, I'd opt for the overdrive, if you want to go to the strip occasionally, get a direct top gear unit.

[dodger1]

Matt, if you already have a manual (3-speed) tranny, all you'll need to do is find the 4-speed of your choice, and bolt it in, along with any driveshaft and shifter changes required. If not, you'll need to dig up either a donor Mopar with a standard in order to get the clutch and bellhousing hardware, and if the 4-speed is the choice, find the right car/truck with your desired trans. as well. Otherwise, Keisler has a complete package including a 5-speed Tremec. That one is spendy, but would be pretty neat if you have the $$$

[matts dart]

thanks guys u all have been alot of help. i'm stil not sure what to do cause my car came with and automatic trans but i would like to convert it. not sure tho might just stick with the 727

[Zach H]

Shifting gears is fun from the drivers point of view but if you want performance I would stick to the auto 727. You loose a 10th of a second with every manual shift on average. In the quarter mile depending on speed. Thats a car length per shift depending on cars performance and driver. With three shifts that adds up.

[Cudafever]

Originally Posted by matts dart

thanks guys u all have been alot of help. i'm stil not sure what to do cause my car came with and automatic trans but i would like to convert it. not sure tho might just stick with the 727

Keep the 727, build it strong, and a manual shift valve body, and shift it like its a "manual"(with out having to push in the clutch)

Then if you fill you need and overdrive........bolt on a Gear Vender(Ya know a nother big pric take.....But tough as nails......even stronger)
with the Gear vender you can creat an over drive in each gear.......If you wanted too
heres the link if you want to dream......................
http://www.gearvendors.com/racing.html#3-speed

[Tarrbabe]

Most fun I've ever had driving was bang shifting a 4-speed with 4:56 gears. Maybe I'd be less gung-ho if I'd ever got a ticket for it. Still remember the first time I took it down the track. Launched at 4000, shifted at 6000 and went through the traps at 5000. I was in car heaven that day and that was 30 plus years ago. Go's to show you what an impact it can have.

If cost wasn't a consideration, I'd be putting a 4 speed in my 340 69 Dart, even though I have a hip that sometimes disagrees. I think I'd get a high out of some City Cop pulling me over and seeing a 60 something man driving a hot rod. When I was young - I loved older men that got into fast cars. I learned a lot from them. I've outrun a number of young guys with my step-side. I love to see their face when they see who is driving the old truck.

Zach, I agree that it depends on the driver, but I never lost more in my life than 1/4 length on my slowest shift.