Anybody put a 518 trans in an E-body?

[PLUM CRZY]

Im wondering if anyone could provide information on what it would take to put an OD 518 trans into a small block E-body. I've seen magazine cars that have done it, but the articles are NOT very specific. I know the mount and drive shaft are different. Whats involved in the fabrication end?

[72Challenger]

I called Mopar Performance tech support to ask those very questions. Please note that I have not done this, so I can't verify how accurate this is.

You need the crossmember that comes with the trans, and will need to drill new bolt holes to mount it. You will need to modify your tunnel, as the trans is wider at the back than a 727, and longer. Unless you are putting it behind a complete magnum engine swap, including computer, you will need to wire a switch to cause the shift to overdrive. And you will need the shorter driveshaft.

[jimbo7074]

I have done this swap on a 74 Challenger, and depending on your fabrication skills, it is not to bad.First of all, I re-used the stock crossmember by reworking it to fit a Chevy transmission mount, then I had to reinforce it with some mild steel.The driveshaft had to be shortened , although I can't remember how much.The stock speedo cable still bolted up,as did all the linkage.Use 3/8 cooler lines.Use a shift kit,I found the shift pretty mushy.Make sure the tranny is the 95 and down model with the regular valvebody,identified by a two pin connector on the side of the tranny.Good Luck.

[BThompson]

jimbo7074. What was the chevy mount for? How much modification did you do to the tunnel? Did the center console still lay flat with tunnel mods? Thanks

[jimbo7074]

The chevy mount is too replace the stock mopar mount that comes with the 518. I believe the mount was off of a S-15, this bolted up to the 518 well. I did only a small indent on the tunnel to provide clearance, no major work there! Just beware this trans is much heavier than a 727 be careful! Good luck!

[PLUM CRZY]

WOW!! Jimbo you dug this one up from the archives! This post started like may of last year! But I ABSOLUTELY appriciate the info. This is on the to do list. I have a '93 518 sitting in the shed waiting. Gotta put cash together to have the trans rebuilt though. THANKS!

[BThompson]

Thanks for the reply Jimbo7074.

[jimbo7074]

Your welcome guys, I hope it works out well! Go roast some chevies for me.

[louis]

How did you handle the Slap Stick shifter in the challenger ? Does the 4sp auto have the mounting boss for that shifter ?

This would be a nice conversion for my 72 340 challenger....I have 3.23 gears and I bet trips on the interstate would be a bit more economical......13 mpg is a bit tough when you want to go somewhere far.....

Thanks !

Louis Young
Hattiesburg MS