Jump to content

Hemi 291 transmission options?


rkldesign

Recommended Posts

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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

rear.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  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

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Terms of Use