Hemi 291 transmission options?

[rkldesign]

I've picked up a complete 291 hemi from a 1955 Desoto with a powerflite trans attached.  If I decide to use another trans, does anyone have any first hand knowledge in this aspect?  Manual or automatic is fine.  Any past experience is helpful as well.

I am putting the hemi in a 1949 Dodge Route Van, better power and gearing to achieve better highway speeds.

Thanks, Richard

[rkldesign]

Here are pics of the hemi

[Sniper]

No first hand knowledge, but I know where there is some.  Wilcap makes a bunch of adapters to fit various transmissions of both the manual and automatic variety to your DeSoto.  Your choice of manufacturers too.  Got a Ford/GM/Chrysler trans lying around?  Wilcap probably has an adapter to make it fit. 

 

http://www.wilcap.com/Hemi.html#Hemi Adapters

 

 

 

 

[Adam H P15 D30]

Contact Wayfarer here on the forum (73RR on the HAMB), he has what you need.  Either way an adapter is in your future.

Edited March 31, 2020 by Adam H P15 D30

[rkldesign]

Thanks for all the info, contacted Wilcap and Wayfarer, will see what options I have and post some answers.

 

One thing for sure I will need to replace the ring and pinion to something more realistic.  My current ratio is 4.89 or higher.  Its a 9-5/8" ring and it looks like my only option will be a 4.30 ring from Vintage Power Wagons.  Unless there is any suggestions for another source or third member.  Most don't know this but the Routevan has a IRS , Dodge Brothers Style.  This is a pic of the last Route Van chassis that i restored in 2014

[Sniper]

Wow, learn something new every day, neat setup.

[Merle Coggins]

What about adding an inline overdrive gear box, like one from Gear Vendors

Edited April 1, 2020 by Merle Coggins

[Adam H P15 D30]

With 4.3 gears, get an adapter and use a 518 OD or a 200 4R.  

[kencombs]

8 hours ago, Merle Coggins said:

What about adding an inline overdrive gear box, like one from Gear Vendors

Or, one of these.  They were made in several configurations.  My favorite is the one that attached to the front of a Ford 9".

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HONE-O-DRIVE-/293441117695

[wayfarer]

  The 4.89 would work well with an od trans that has a reduction around .7 or so giving a final around 3.2 or so.

 

I make adapters for the TF if you want to use an A518.

 

Gary

[Sniper]

Pretty sure an A518 is way overkill for a flattie, an A500 is more it's size.  Smaller than the A518, meaning easier to fit, lighter than an A518, meaning easier manhandle about when fitting it up plus saving weight on a car is a good thing.  The A500 has a lower first gear ratio for quicker off the line starts.

 

 

[Adam H P15 D30]

16 hours ago, Sniper said:

Pretty sure an A518 is way overkill for a flattie, an A500 is more it's size.  Smaller than the A518, meaning easier to fit, lighter than an A518, meaning easier manhandle about when fitting it up plus saving weight on a car is a good thing.  The A500 has a lower first gear ratio for quicker off the line starts.

 

 

I believe he is running a HEMI

[Sniper]

Dang, you are correct, as you can tell I have my mind elsewhere, like on flatties, lol.

[Doug&Deb]

Just out of curiosity, why not use the powerflite? 

[Adam H P15 D30]

2 hours ago, Doug&Deb said:

Just out of curiosity, why not use the powerflite? 

My guess would be the unique rear axle and only a 4.30 or 4.9 ratio available.

[Boody]

Boy is that a sweet looking motor ! I also noticed  the rear bumper on the frame . Looks cool !

 

[mrwrstory]

On 3/30/2020 at 10:47 PM, rkldesign said:

I've picked up a complete 291 hemi from a 1955 Desoto with a powerflite trans attached.  If I decide to use another trans, does anyone have any first hand knowledge in this aspect?  Manual or automatic is fine.  Any past experience is helpful as well.

I am putting the hemi in a 1949 Dodge Route Van, better power and gearing to achieve better highway speeds.

Thanks, Richard

I believe there are adapters Hemis to Mopar TorqueFlite automatics.  I had a small version of that trans w/overdrive called an A500.  I believe it was frequently used in the 5.9 l Dakota pickups.  I also believe those Dakotas also had a 5 spd manual.

I love that IRS.  Never seen one. That be too heavy a unit to go under a car?

[wayfarer]

Just a note of clarification. The smaller A904/A500 trans is not suitable for use with the EarlyHemi engines due to the higher starter location. It simply doesn't fit; yes, that includes the Dak starter.

If you really really need/want to use an A500 with an EarlyHemi then plan on buying someone's adapter and then rotating the transmission bolt pattern CCW 1 or 2 degrees to lower the starter. No, I don't do it.  The trans will work fine, just like being on a high crown road.

 

And yes, The A904/A500 is the unit of choice for the L6.