This has probably been discussed on this forum, but I couldn't find much on the A500. I'm changing to an overdrive tranny in my '74 Challenger (318/A904). I'm hoping the answers to a few questions will help me make up my mind.
1. I understand the A518 is based on the 727 and the A500 is based on the 904. Will the A500 require less modification than the A518, or are they both about the same externally? How about weight differences between them?
2. From what I read, it looks like most people picked the A518 based on it being stronger. For my purposes, I'm sure that either one is stout enough. Is there any other factors that I should consider?
3. It looks like all A500's use the lockup torque converter. I've heard it only drops about 50 rpm when it engages. That seems like a lot of complication and extra expense for a small benefit, so maybe A518 without the lockup would be better for me. Am I missing something?
4. Whatever I decide, I'll probably need to get it rebuilt. Are rebuild costs about the same for either?
Thanks for any input.
-Stu
1. I understand the A518 is based on the 727 and the A500 is based on the 904. Will the A500 require less modification than the A518, or are they both about the same externally? How about weight differences between them?
2. From what I read, it looks like most people picked the A518 based on it being stronger. For my purposes, I'm sure that either one is stout enough. Is there any other factors that I should consider?
3. It looks like all A500's use the lockup torque converter. I've heard it only drops about 50 rpm when it engages. That seems like a lot of complication and extra expense for a small benefit, so maybe A518 without the lockup would be better for me. Am I missing something?
4. Whatever I decide, I'll probably need to get it rebuilt. Are rebuild costs about the same for either?
Thanks for any input.
-Stu
