Has anyone seen a 727 with an overdrive? I know a later version, the 518 could come with one. I am working on a 40 Desoto and want to have an overdrive tranny. Any recommendations? I posted about the 54 hemi and it turned out to be a complete rust bucket. Electrolysis for a week and it has holes in the cylinder walls big enough to put my hand in. Now I am trying to find a 331 block that I can pick up.
You have a DeSoto but are looking for a 331 block ?? The DeSoto 330 is NOT the same as a Chrysler 331 so tell us exactly what you have and want to accomplish so we can offer help. Yes, the newer A518 is the same as a 727. You will not be able to use the A500 should anyone mention it as the starter sits too high in the case.
You might want to consider an A500, it's basically a 904 with overdrive. Plenty strong for a street car, smaller than a 727 . I believe they have a lock up converter also. You can set them up with an on/off switch for the overdrive. They have a small block bolt pattern - don't early hemis share the same bolt pattern as a small block? (The ones without a cast on bellhousing)
I have a beefed up 518 behind my bombed Cummins in my 1 ton tow rig. I can not believe the abuse that it handles, pulling 22,000 lbs up grades with the cummins at 30 lbs of boost.
Thanks George... The 904 series transmissions will not fit. Yes, same block bolt pattern but, the starter sits higher than it does in a 727 and hits the block.