Performance 904 Trans Questions

[Reggie]

I'm planning a 318/390 stroker in a 3600 + lb car - a 1987 Gran Fury. I'm thinking about keeping a 904-series transmission behind it instead of a 727 to save weight and take advantage of the lower first gear ratio.

The transmission in the car should have lockup, 5 clutch front drum, and 2.74/1.54/1.00 gears.

I rebuilt a few stock 727's years ago and thought I might tackle a 904 using a Trans-Go shift kit and a performance rebuild kit.

Questions:

Can I swap the low gear set/drum into an earlier non-LU unit, or should I swap a non-LU input shaft/valve body into the present case to make it a non-LU? What's the best approach, pros/cons, production changes?

Any recommendations/experiences for a performance rebuild kit?

Thanks. - RR

[5thAve]

You want to keep the 904?? Good luck with it

[six pack]

I would not recommend the 904, I have broken and seen lots of broken converters. They crack around the drive lugs and cause leaks past the front pump seal or just a no go condition because the pump is not turning.

My 2¢:

[Reggie]

Thanks Six Pack. Hey Mike - I already know that this isn't your favorite tranny. I haven't given up on the 518 idea - especially since Hubert (Farley's) has done one. Just exploring my options until I get my ducks lined up. I know the 904 won't hold up like a 727. I was just thinking about taking advantage of the lower first gear and the weight savings until I can do the 518 and rear gears. That's why I was thinking about keeping the cost down and rebuilding one myself with boneyard hard parts.

When I go the 518 route, I'm going to check out CRT:

http://www.coperacingtrans.com/chrysler.htm

I read good feedback on them. They sell a rebuilt 518 Heavy Duty Street unit with all the good stuff for $1095 US and they offer the low gear set as an option. - RR

[5thAve]

Yeah, I should have figured you'd know my opinion