Advice on a rebuilt BB 727 vendor

[Moparcoastie]

Hello all,

I apologize right off, because I'm sure this has been covered before. I'm a new member, and I spent some time searching but couldn't find what I need to know., so I'm creating a new thread.

I need to buy a rebuilt transmission for my 67 Coronet R/T. The original is shot (I've got 1st gear and reverse only and there are chunks of rust inside the trans pan when I dropped it to look inside). I am not interested in rebuilding it myself; I simply don't have the time. I want to buy one ready to install and keep mine on a shelf until later down the road. My original 440 is a mild rebuild, with a MP .474 lift cam, headers and basically stock components otherwise. I have a TCI Breakaway convertor (advertised at about 1000 rpm higher stall over stock), and I'm planning to keep my original 3.23 gears, but may upgrade to 3.55s. I know my engine will be making about 400hp and isn't going to win any land speed records, but I want a transmission I know will handle what the engine can put out. I also want to maintain the automatic capability. The car will see 99% street use, but will make a pass or two down the 1/4 mile each year.

I was looking at the TCI Streetfighter Trans (part # 111000) because it sounds like it meets my needs. However, reviews on Summit Racing's website say that the transmission doesn't allow for a stock console shift linkage, which mine has. The solution is to replace the tail shaft, but that will void the warranty. I'm not interested in doing that. Again, I want to remove my transmission and put the new one in with minimal time and effort, and maintain any warranty I can.

B&M offers a transmission (part # 111212) that looks like a stock rebuild and I'd rather have something with upgraded strength/durability even though my engine has only mild mods. I might be wrong about this one though...is it plenty strong for my car?

I found another company, A&A transmissions that has a BB Street Performance trans (part # 22000B), but I don't know anything about the company and its reputation.

Does anyone have an opinion on any of these three transmissions for my application, or do you have any advice beyond these three? Do I need to worry about upgrades such as bolt-in sprags?

Please do not tell me to rebuild my own. I'm simply not interested in doing that right now. I have too many other obligations, and don't have the time.

Thanks!
Brian

 

[67Charger]

A&A is absolutely top notch. I run a bunch of their parts and have spent some time on the phone with them.

 

[GTXperience]

Hey Coastie,

Welcome to FBBO. Although I know many use TCI/B&M transmissions/converters, I'm not a big fan of off the shelf units. Like some others, I have all of my transmissions built by a local gent who was a Chrysler trans service tech when they were new and a Division 7 NHRA guy. He knows his stuff. There are guys like ths around. You just have to find them. As for A&A, I don't have any experiences with them so I can't comment. I would do some research and ask around for a reputable local builder who can build a trans to your specs and use your original (which will handle your engine output with ease). Why get another transmission and have your original lying around when you can utilize it? This also allows you to use your factory linkage.

The same goes for the converters wen it comes to off the shelf units. People have a tendancy to skrimp when it comes to their converters but the old adage "You get what you pay for" really applies here. If you want trans/conv recommendations beyond TCI/B&M, let me know.

 

[Mike67]

Give Cope a call, I haven't had experience with them but have only heard great things about them. They specialize in Mopar.

 

[Car Nut]

aboard!

 

[Crackedback]

Spend around $100 on the book and video, or look on youtube for the rebuild series.

A TF is REALLY easy to rebuild. Anyone with even mediocre level of mechanical ability can do one. There is no black magic in these things.

Northern Auto has a rebuild kit and oregon performance has bands.

It's the give a man a fish vs. teach a man to fish deal.

 

[rrTor-Red]

Welcome to FBBO. Although I know many use TCI/B&M transmissions/converters, I'm not a big fan of off the shelf units. Like some others, I have all of my transmissions built by a local gent who was a Chrysler trans service tech when they were new and a Division 7 NHRA guy. He knows his stuff. There are guys like ths around. You just have to find them.

I can agree with GTXexperience. I know a guy who did my tranny. He is a Chrysler tech for 35+years, build his own NHRA sanction drag car including engine, trans, everything. He built mine and I know it will be less stressful when it came to installing it in regards to any unknown variables.

Looking at the B&M you posted: It looks good but for $1,199 + shipping, it might be cheaper to have your original done, saving you some coin in the long run. Do some homework, ask around, and weigh the pro's and con's

 

[MOPOWER871]

Do local research and find a guy that knows TF's. have your unit rebuilt. For the street I run 4 pinion planetary's, Alto high energy clutch packs, kevlar foward band , bolt in rear sprag ,good shift kit, deeper pan ,b&m cooler.Any other goodies ,upgrades are a plus but not necessary.I like to replace the bushings and add needle torrington roller bearings . good luck

 

[HALIFAXHOPS]

Hey just a fyi if you exchange it make sure it has the right rooster comb in it for the NSS switch and the back up lights, just went through this fiasco.

 

[PRND21]

A&A has been around for a long time. Rick Allison has helped develope a lot of the performance parts some of these other companies use.

 

[rrTor-Red]

Hey just a fyi if you exchange it make sure it has the right rooster comb in it for the NSS switch and the back up lights, just went through this fiasco.

I wouldn't exchange it. The OP said the tranny in it now is original

 

[Moparcoastie]

Thanks everyone. I won't be exchanging the trans. I'll pay a core charge if I have to, but good call on making sure I swap my NSS. Mine is the one wire type and very hard to find.

The more I look around the internet, the more it seems most of the guys selling rebuilt models don't provide the tail shaft for a console shift. I'll probably try and find someone local to rebuild my original. The problem is that I move every few years for work and I don't have local knowledge of who is and isn't reputable, which is why I was looking at one of the name brand rebuilders.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[rrTor-Red]

If you move every few years and don't know who to seek is understandable. With that, there might be some members here that are in your area or know someone near to do it. That is why this site is valuable to be a member. Good luck and keep us posted

 

[moper]

Vote #2 for Cope Racing Transmissions. I've sourced parts from him before and he is great with service, and his transmissions are some of the best out there (Google CRT). A&A are also great, but I think they will be more pricey than Cope.

 

[Moparcoastie]

Thanks.

Right now I'm in Mobile, AL, but I transfer again in about 8-9 months. My family is hoping to go to VA, and if I do, I know people there that can help me out. The problem is, I don't really want to wait that long to get my car back on the road.

Does anyone know a trustworthy transmission shop near Mobile?

Thanks again to everyone for the help and advice!

 

[ykf7b0]

I will recommend that you give Kenny Ford a call. He is owner/operator of PTC torque converters up in Muscle Shoals. He is a Mopar man and I'm sure he would guide you to a reputable transmission builder near you. His number is 286 383 6868

 

[Mopars & Missiles]

A&A all the way, Rick is the best! Never again with Cope, I really don't want to go into it, but can provide proof of his attitude and arrogance.

 

[oldbee]

Go with above on PTC; local guys know the right places if you can't wait. Hemi kickdown band and GOOD clutches. Torqueflites could always handle more than they were rated for.

 

[383man]

I agree if you know a good local guy its not a bad idea to have him build yours or build another unit for you if you prefer. That way if you have any problems you could ask him and/or have him look at it if it would be needed just in case you have any trouble. Also it sounds like your car is a mild street car so you dont have to buy the best of everything if your car is just a mild cruiser that you dont race or take to the track. I have been a tech all my life and build all my own stuff and you would be surprised how stock my 727 is thats in my 63 and goes 10.70's in my car. Its been in my car since 2006 with many miles and some trips down the track. Dont skimp either of course but just be sure your builder is honest and sells you what you need and not way more then you need. That said I can say that A & A , Cope tranny's and PTC all are very good places to have your trans work done as I would not hesitate to use any of them as they all do very good work. Good luck what ever you decide. Ron

 

[Outlaw525]

Vote #3 for Cope. They built a killer tranny for my 472 hemi.