18 spline vs 23 spline (833)

by **Brant** » 16 Jul 2004 0:46

I have a 23 spline 833, 340 car. I would love to start building a 440 on the side - for fun. Although the 18 spline was used for 440's, is it possible to use the 23 spline? Do people do this? It just doesn't seem feasable to get another tranni.

Curious, Is this a really bad question. I really don't know! would love some feedback on this, cause I don't see why it couldn't be hooked up with a different clutch plate and what not. If someone were to build a mod 383, they would use the 23 spline, so is it safe to use the same tranni with the 440??????

Is this risky business?

by **Brant** » 28 Jul 2004 20:36

Anyone?

by **insuranceguy** » 28 Jul 2004 22:36

I would call an expert on 4 speeds, such as:

Keisler Automotive Engineering
2216-B West Gov. John Sevier Highway
Knoxville, Tennessee 37920 USA
Phone: (865) 609-8187
Fax: (865) 609-8287

http://keislerauto.com/home.html

They seem to have put a lot of time and expertise into engineering, and may have some bits and pieces to make your job easier.

Todd

by **Christer** » 29 Jul 2004 8:35

Tought I would post some info from one of my books.

No, it souldn´t be a risky business unless you are planning on 500+ hp or something like that. Yes, the 18-spline unit was standard in the Hemi and six-pack cars, but many 440 cars used the 23-spline transmission too.

From the book:"....obviously the 18-spline transmission requires a different clutch disc than the 23-spline units. Due to the larger diameter input shaft, however, these transmissions also use a different input shaft bearing retainer with a larger sleeve on which the throw-out bearing is supported. This means that a larger throw-out bearing is also required. The tip of the input shaft, which rides in the pilot bushing in the rear of the crankshaft, is the same size on both the 18-spline and 23-spline transmission."

Hope this helps.

by **Brant** » 29 Jul 2004 13:20

Thanks a million guys. Exactly what I needed.

by **transman** » 29 Jul 2004 17:19

Ok guys, here is the infomation I got from two different sources, both MOPAR nuts, and both HEMI/440/440 6pack owners, and both work in the transmission industry
Chrysler used the A833 behind the HIGH HORSEPOWER, HIGH TORQUE big block engines only. All the internal parts are heavy duty.
The smaller cubic inch engines, and the lower horsepower/ torque 383's all used the other (23) spline transmission. If you change to the A833 make sure you get the correct clutch for the application. From the information I have, it will be an 11" diameter disc, with 1 3/16 spline ID, and of course 18 splines. Our major supplier that we use at work (an OEM Company) no longer makes the clutch kit, so you will probably be looking at buying a Center Force clutch kit or a similar after market unit.
By the way, the two Mopar nuts, both suggested that you should go with the A833, unless you're just going baby the car.
Graham

by **Christer** » 29 Jul 2004 19:58

The writer Frank Adkins says that the 23-spline input shaft were used in many RB-engine applications. I don´t know if that is true or not, but that is what he says. :roll:

by **roadrunner** » 15 Aug 2004 11:08

I put a 23 spline tranny behind my 440+6 engine and it works fine (for 13 years). Now that being said, I'm also running wide radial street tires. So when I drop the hammer the tires quickly spin reducing stress on the tranny. I was told as long as I run street tires it should be ok. I was also told that if I really want to hook the car with slicks, and come out hard, I would eventially snap the pinion shaft. Seems like this advise has worked for number of years. Guess it depends on what you are going to do.

Hope this helps.

by **Brant** » 16 Aug 2004 13:02

thanks Roadrunner. I needed to here from someone whom has done this. Thanks a million.

440 + 6 - sounds like fun!

by **DanaProsky** » 06 Nov 2008 13:26

I know this is an old post, but I am going to try to do the same thing. Is it Ok to put a 23 spline A833 behind a 440 6 pack 70 Challenger R/T. I do not plan on doing any racing. I can get a deal on a complete 4 speed setup for an E Body, and I think it is a 23 spline tranny.I havent seen the tranny yet.

by **Eddie** » 06 Nov 2008 16:22

DanaProsky wrote:I know this is an old post, but I am going to try to do the same thing. Is it Ok to put a 23 spline A833 behind a 440 6 pack 70 Challenger R/T. I do not plan on doing any racing. I can get a deal on a complete 4 speed setup for an E Body, and I think it is a 23 spline tranny.I havent seen the tranny yet.

I would think it would depend upon how much torque the engine makes. I would also call the man that has more knowledge about this gearbox than perhaps anyone. www.passonperformance.com Jamie will set you straight! :thumbsup:

Maybe that tranny you are going to look at is an 18 spline unit? Hopefully it is Dana. I think keeping with the "OEM school of thought' is wise.

by **fbernard** » 06 Nov 2008 17:40

Better yet, go see Jamie in person, he might not be too far away from you (he's in PA too, 4 miles from the crossroads of I80 and I81).

Passon Performance
309 Turkey Path, Sugarloaf, PA 18249
570.401.8949

I'd say it's OK if you're not racing, but since I have both an auto and a manual trans, I know how I drive both...

A833 TRANSMISSION