6-cyl 4 -speed

[Dustu72]

What is the difference between the 6 cyl. 4-speed and a small block 4-speed? (besides the bell housings) Can I just find a bell housing for a small block and use the 4-speed off of a 6-cyl.?Thanks for your help.

[jslikness]

I don't see why not. The actual tranny just bolts up to the bellhousing with four bolts, and as far as I know the bolt pattern is the same from the tranny to the bellhousing. Now if you plan on putting any HP or torque or slicks on the car, I would not use a 6 cyl tranny. I think that they are weaker, and some of them were a three speed with fourth gear being an overdrive. Might be nice to have an OD, but just do some research on how much they'll take before they blow.

-Joel Likness

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-1986 Plymouth Arrow
Small block swap in progress

[h_tolley]

The /6 4 speed should be plenty beefy for a smallblock. The guys at Mopar Action put an aluminum housed 4 speed overdrive behind their 500 hp small block with no problems.

[dschumers]

One thing to watch for when buying a trans and bellhousing is that the diameter of the front bearing retainer matches the hole in the bellhousing. Some of the OD 4-speeds had a larger diameter retainer than others.

[amoparguy]

If you plan on using an overdrive transmission make sure the bellhousing is also for an overdrive. (OD 4 speeds have a larger front bearing retainer). Also, keep in mind that the A/F-body extension housing is shorter than the B/E-body and uses a different shifter mounting location. As far as durability goes, I put almost 200K hard miles on my 82 Ram 1/2 ton with an OD without any trouble. The only thing special that I did was to use SMP 80-90w gear lube in place of the recommended ATF.

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my 2¢ worth...
amopargu

[PRO]

My 65 valiant was an original 6 cyl 4 spd(3.09 1st gear)had 85k on it,it now sits behind my 440hp 360 with no problem at all,it bolted up to a 73 318 alum bellhousing.The cast iron A-833 found behind 6 cyl's is the same internally as the V-8 A-833,mine just happens to have the lower !st gear,so did 76RR with 318(Volare body)...PRO...

[MOPARMANJAMES]

Dustu72, there are at least two different 6cyl trannies out there. But I only think you have to worry about the aluminum case overdrive tranny as it's strength is suspect.
The other advice these guys gave is good so make sure you get the right bellhousing, or just buy a scattershield.

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69 Roadrunner
70 Cuda
71 Demon
67 D200
83 Ramcharger