The Dodge Challenger Message Board

OK, here's one I didn't find using the search feature. I"m looking at a '74 Challenger with a 360/727. It's a former 1/4-miler, now a streeter. The 727 has a manual valve body, i.e. manual shifting only. Is there an easy (read inexpensive)way to get this slapstick auto back to automatic shifting? Or will it require something significant? I'm not a tranny guy, so this is an honest question, and I just want to know what my options are. Won't break MY heart if it's too expensive to change.

l would have thought if you must change sell the box and the money will get you a very good standard box

Doug. If all that has been done to the trans is the manual valve body, just put in a normal/stock valve body back in it's place. It's tough to determine what else you may have to do without further information. Would it be possible for you to get any background from the previous owner.
I'd like to know what the make of the valve body is , is it a reverse pattern valve body, did the previous owner buy just the valve body, or did he buy a complete race transmission.
Get me this information, and I'll do what I can to get you some help.

Graham,
I'm in the process of deciding whether or not to buy the car. The current owner says it came to him as a 1/4-miler. I've spoken with his mechanic, and it is NOT a reverse valve body. The motor was "race built", now "toned down a little for the street", but it may well be a race tranny, thought the shifter is stock. Don't know if that means anything. I'm well aware that the info I have is "incomplete" and any decision I make will entail some risk. Assuming for the moment that it isn't a full race tranny, is a normal/stock valve body a relatively easy swap, or definitely something I should have a trans shop do?

Jay - my original thoughts, actually. But I'm not sure it's a "must sell" anyway.

I do appreciate all your thoughts.

No, it's not difficult. You've just got to be careful and remember how it came apart. You also have to watch where the check balls are located, if you remove the valve body spacer plate.
I'm awaiting some tech information that hopefully will not be aimed at the trans rebuilder level.
When I have this ( should be early next week ), I'll send you the information.

Graham,
Well, in a few weeks I'll be able to give you more information - I bought the car and should have it in my garage in about 3 weeks (needs to be shipped from Toronto, Canada to Utah). I'll know more then.

Graham,
Well, I got the car. Haven't got it registered and on the road yet, as I've got some other stuff I need to do to get it to pass a safety inspection (wipers, a bad tail-light socket, that kind of stuff), but I did drive it about 1/4-mile from the delivery point to my house. I think the manual valve body will be just fine until I get the $$ to change the whole thing for a Kiesler 5-spd. That will probably be a bit of a project.