I'm thinking about rebuilding my old 904 for street use. The videos make it look doable, and I plan on purchasing the manual by Tom Hand.
Question: > I can't seem to find good info about valve bodies. Is it typical to replace the valve body or rebuild?
> I don't see valve body rebuild kits online - I assume there are at least some seals that need replaced - do those parts just come with the transmission rebuild kit?
> What is a forward vs reverse vs manual, etc valve body (everyone seems to know but me)?
> Looking on Cope Racing Transmission website, they have racing, stock, street HP, and street kits. Should I stick with stock or upgrade? My teen is probably making 180hp, but I hope to upgrade and plan on ~300hp someday.
Back story:
I have a 75 Duster 318 that's pretty much all stock. 25 years ago, soon after I bought it, the transmission left me stranded - just sat there slipping and wouldn't go. Dad and I installed a used lock-up tranny and converter from an old Cordoba and off I went. It has started to slip in reverse, so I'm thinking about rebuilding the original transmission, which I still have sitting around. It has lived outdoors, etc., and I don't know the condition - only that it worked until it didn't and it's been sitting ever since. I use my Duster as a daily and I'm most interested in drivability and mileage, but I'll probably do a heads/intake/cam/carb job on it at some point.
Appreciate any advice or insight.