Anyone keep their column shifter when swapping to a big block?

[Aax]

If so, how did you do it?

This issue is one of the few things keeping me from seriously considering a big block swap into my '76 Duster. Engine mounts, oil pan, exhaust, rear end, suspension, cooling, and transmission issues can all be handled. I need the car to look like grandma's slant-mobile from the outside and the interior, which is why no aftermarket floor shifter is an option.

Is there perhaps some type of cable conversion available?

Help me out with some ideas, fellas.

Thanks.

[75Dart440]

I believe it can be done with the right headers.  I removed the column shift apparatus from my column since I like floor shift, but it looked as though it would have fit with the Schumacher headers on a 440 with some grinding on the shift tab at the column.

[Aax]

I believe it can be done with the right headers.  I removed the column shift apparatus from my column since I like floor shift, but it looked as though it would have fit with the Schumacher headers on a 440 with some grinding on the shift tab at the column.

Yes, but what type of linkage can be used between the tab on the steering column and the transmission?

I'm switching from an A-body with a 904 to a 727.

[73swinger]

Hell yeah, I'm running a reverse shifted column wiith my 496/727. It was a /6-904. I didn;t buy a thing, just fitted the parts as neccesary. It's a handful to drive  I frickin love it. What specifcally do you want to know? I love what you said about Grandma's car too. Although I must tell you that no matter how hard you try, the exhaust will give it away


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwJ6RBvCu7g

[Aax]

Hell yeah, I'm running a reverse shifted column wiith my 496/727. It was a /6-904. I didn;t buy a thing, just fitted the parts as neccesary. It's a handful to drive  I frickin love it. What specifcally do you want to know

#1) What is a "reverse shifted" column?

#2) My car is also a /6 904. I was my understanding that 904 linkage was not really usable in conjunction with a 727? True or false?

[73swinger]

False, I reused all the stock linkage parts. Reverse shifted means my 727 has a reverse manual valve body, Instead of being like this ( PRND21) it's like this (PRN123) and cannot be used like a regular auto anymore. If I put it in 3 or Drive it starts in 3, it will no longer shift automatically. Of course this is my choice and is, in reality pretty old school. The point is though, that I can select every gear as choose

[Aax]

False, I reused all the stock linkage parts. Reverse shifted means my 727 has a reverse manual valve body, Instead of being like this ( PRND21) it's like this (PRN123) and cannot be used like a regular auto anymore. If I put it in 3 or Drive it starts in 3, it will no longer shift automatically. Of course this is my choice and is, in reality pretty old school. The point is though, that I can select every gear as choose

Okay, this just got interesting.

#1) After watching your movie (about 5 times), I now understand what you mean by "a handful to drive". What a frickin' beast.

#2) What does your exhaust system consist of, headers or manifolds? (name brands and part numbers if possible please). My first choice is Schumacher headers, so I'm hoping the 904 linkage will clear them.

If you have a pics of your linkage, it would be very helpful to see them posted.

I understand a big block's exhaust note may tip people off. I'll need a smooth idle cam and some really quiet mufflers.

[73swinger]

I'm running shumachers too, awesome product. I'm currently working on the obvious traction problems with a spring relocation, subframe connectors,  and mini tub. This year will be running 325/50/15s in the rear.


LOTSA ROOM AROUND THE HEADERS for the linkage (but will require a little grinding). for instance, there was a horizontal "ear" on the trans the I had to cut off while it was installed, it would be alot easier to do it first. I have no pics but could take some if you are truly intersted. Trust me though, it will work fine with factory parts

[Aax]

I'm running shumachers too, awesome product. I'm currently working on the obvious traction problems with a spring relocation, subframe connectors,  and mini tub. This year will be running 325/50/15s in the rear.

LOTSA ROOM AROUND THE HEADERS for the linkage (but will require a little grinding). for instance, there was a horizontal "ear" on the trans the I had to cut off while it was installed, it would be alot easier to do it first. I have no pics but could take some if you are truly intersted. Trust me though, it will work fine with factory parts

Yes, I would be very interested in any pics you can provide at your convenience.

As mentioned, this was the only road block that I was not going to budge on and you seem to have provided applied proof that it can be done. Makes me wonder why everyone else said it can't be done without a lot of cutting/hacking/narrowing of the 904 linkage. Thanks, again.

Steve - Aaxmym@yahoo.com

[73swinger]

I'll get back to ya. It's funny though... what someone can accomplish when nobody tells them it can't be done. I gotta work tomorrow, remind me to get some pics for ya...I'm honestly woking so much right now I'd forget. G'night

[krabysniper]

Hell yeah, I'm running a reverse shifted column wiith my 496/727. It was a /6-904. I didn;t buy a thing, just fitted the parts as neccesary. It's a handful to drive  I frickin love it. What specifcally do you want to know? I love what you said about Grandma's car too. Although I must tell you that no matter how hard you try, the exhaust will give it away


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwJ6RBvCu7g

Uhhhhhm, It would most likely be EASIER to drive and steer if you first took the phone away from your ear and put it somewhere (pet pieve of mine is people who drive with a cell phone stuck to their heads). I like your car though, even if it isn't grampa'ish enough in my eyes (I am ALLL about the sleeper look, believe me) I will always take a set of dog dish caps and stock steelies over ralleys or any after market wheels. Those rims are just to sporty to be sleeperish, IMO.

[75Dart440]

Now that's the kind of cellphone-while-driving that I *dont* mind!!  Looks like he had the car under complete control the entire time!!   

Nice video though!  Let me guess.....was that the wife on the phone, asking you to pick up a gallon of milk on your way home??? 

[73swinger]

Now that's the kind of cellphone-while-driving that I *dont* mind!!  Looks like he had the car under complete control the entire time!!   

Nice video though!  Let me guess.....was that the wife on the phone, asking you to pick up a gallon of milk on your way home??? 

Naw, it was a buddy of mine. My other friend already had the camera rolling and it was an important call, had to take it. Yes the car is super predictable and there was no braking involved. Jus  hit the gas and drift it.....just like driving on snow. You shoulda seen the burnout that made those two long lines on the pavement, my buddy hadn't figured out the camera and missed it

[73swinger]

Aax here's the pic I promised, and as promosed it's nothing too special. I Just remembered something very important which I didn't realize until after my transmission was installed. See the boss on the transmission just above the linkage in this pic? Not the mounting ear, but the boss which looks like it's been cut off. Well it looks like that because it was cut off by me using one of those mini (knuck bustin) hacksaws. That is the only part that will cause interferance with the operation, you need to cut it off,  and besides that just a little grinding on the mounting tab to get it to fit correctly and bob's your uncle. The shaft sits at a slight angle but works totally fine

[NYrr496]

I know this may not help not being done on a Mopar, but here's what I had to do once. I had an 80 Trans Am that I installed a 700R4 behind a chevy small block. I wanted to retain the column locking feature since it was beneath me to just disable it or risk having it move and lock the column while driving. I remember fabricating a couple of pieces to make it shift correctly, but then Lokar came to the rescue tying it all to the column. I believe the same sort of part would work operating a column shifter. Sorry I can't be more specific, but I built this car 13 years ago.

73 Swinger seems to have a handle on it.

[jamesdart]

i used the column shifter. i wanted to keep my bench, so of coarse i had to keep the column too.

[Aax]

The bracket (on the trans) that the cross bar enters into - It looks different than my 904 bracket. Is it fabricated or an OEM 904 unit?

[73swinger]

I unbolted it from my 1973 904 trans and bolted it into the 727. This whole BB swap isn't for the timid, there will be some things which will fight you. But this is the best resource on this particular subject, don't be scared