A518 vs 727

RustyRatRod said:

You're basically asking to compare the same transmission to itself. The 518 is simply a 727 with an overdrive unit. They are actually better than a 727 because they have a bigger direct drum for more clutches and more pinions in their planetaries along with several other modern upgrades.

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Yep, I realize that now Rob, it was a dumb question to ask really but it provided a lot of info for the swap in the future.

RustyRatRod said:

Right. But the reason Mike wants to use an overdrive is the same reason it's built.

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Yep, so I can actually get on the highway and make long distance trips a lot more bearable.

You obviously know the reason I chose the 727 was because it was what I had on hand and I just needed to get my truck back to running and driving as I depend on it. I kinda regret not going to the 518 but not really. I'll make up for that when I can though as I will build my own 518:supz:. For now though, the 727 is still a very fun and able transmission, just wish I could see more highway time but slow cruising the backroads has it's perks:cheers:

draginmopars said:

trucks and vans
all you need is the donor cross member

car hauler
we used a ultra bell to adapt to the 440

we then decided to change it to cummins power
used the same 518 cross member

then finally decided on on a 5-speed, because the cummins 518 we used was not a lock up convertor

Our RV (swat mobile) is a 360,was a bolt in
using the cross member from a 92 van

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Thanks Howard for the info. maybe this thread will help someone out with their A518 swap as much as it'll help me in the near future as there really isn't a huge amount of info on the A518 swap into the D-series trucks versus how much there is on it for W-series trucks:glasses7:

[QUOTE
Thanks Howard for the info. maybe this thread will help someone out with their A518[/QUOTE]

your welcome
just trying to contribute

Another thing i like to grab at the salvage yards

is the VAN dipstick and tube (don't know why people leave them)
works on 904 and 727 also

you don't have to reach behind the engine to check the fluid level

on our Satellite its mandatory, being the engine is set back 12"

draginmopars said:

Thanks Howard for the info. maybe this thread will help someone out with their A518

your welcome
just trying to contribute

Another thing i like to grab at the salvage yards

is the VAN dipstick and tube (don't know why people leave them)
works on 904 and 727 also

you don't have to reach behind the engine to check the fluid level

on our Satellite its mandatory, being the engine is set back 12"

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That's way better than the location of the stick on my 727 which is in the "open the hood and pour water straight in me" position

famous bob said:

anyone know what the h. power limit on the 518 is, before it becomes un reliable. or who can build one to take 700 h.p. ?
thanks, bob

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Ask the diesel boys, they modify the diesels and get unreal HP and Torque.
Parts are available to make the A518 take a ton of HP but not cheap.

I realize this is a old thread, but just to bring it forward a little. I have a A518/46RH in my hemi powered 2003 Ram replacing the 545RFE. It is as close to plug and play as it gets using the Ram cross member and driveshaft..

famous bob said:

anyone know what the h. power limit on the 518 is, before it becomes un reliable. or who can build one to take 700 h.p. ?
thanks, bob

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The diesel guys are getting these behind 1000+ HP and a ton of torque. Cheap to build NO, but I've never seen cheap horsepower either.

Love to bring this thread back and see some pictures...