Pushbutton Overdrive?

[HorryMorry]

I have a 1964 Dodge 440 with a pushbutton setup that I love. Does anybody know where I might be able to find an automatic transmission with overdrive that can handle 600+ HP and will bolt up and work with my Pushbuttons?

I was going to go with a Stage 3 from Keisler auto but they just emailed me stating that theirs will not work with my Pushbutton setup.

Thanks in advance...I just started the planning stages so I'll be trolling for more info soon!

 

[Deleted member 214]

Could you add a Gear Vendor overdrive to your existing tranny?

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Could you add a Gear Vendor overdrive to your existing tranny?

That would be the only way and keep the P/B's.:happy1:

 

[lewtot184]

i'm almost certain a gear vendor won't work. park is in the tail housing on a cable trans and the tail housing is replaced when a gear vendors is used.

 

[HorryMorry]

Thanks for the reply's guys. I sent an email to Gear Vendor to see if they have anthing that will work. I'll keep you guys posted when I hear back from them.

 

[HorryMorry]

What are your thoughts on a 518 swap? I don't know why I didn't think of it before but if I'm not mistaken the 518 was based off the 727 but includes an overdrive. Has anybody done the swap or know if it will work with my pushbuttons?

 

[lewtot184]

518 has a small block bolt pattern (adapter is available for big block). push buttons won't work. i think they need some floor pan/ cross member mods to fit.

 

[64Belvedere]

Give Imperial Services a try. They do lots of stuff with push button setups including converting them to work with non pb transmissions. They might have the answer. Worth a shot. http://www.imperialservices.net/. Maybe you can get an early - mid 90's 518 with the adapter, use the pushbuttons for 1,2,D and use a hidden electronic switch to turn on the overdrive.

 

[HorryMorry]

Gear Vendors got back to me today:

Hello,
Yes, we can work with the push button but can not be fitted to a 727 with a rear pump. As long as it is a front pump 727 then call us with the axle ratio and tire size when you are ready to order and we will discuss the kit further.

Kind Regards,
Mitch Yow
Gear Vendors, Inc.

So this email makes me ask whats the difference between a front or rear pump 727? How do I check the one I have.... It's amazing how under every stone I turn over I find more I know nothing about.

 

[lewtot184]

all cable 727's have a rear pump. the housing and tailshaft are different than a '66 or later 727, which a gear vendors fits. i've danced thru this before with my 65 coronet. its a lot of money to build a newer 727 with a gear vendors overdrive. i estimated between $3500-$4000 for a complete job.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Sounds like you will be doing some engineering and fabricating to adapt a late tranny to the early cable shift.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

The pushbutton trans can be updated with with the 66 & up front shaft & pump.Depending on how much power you ultimatley want to use would determine how the unit should be built:blob1:

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

The 5 pinion steel and billet steel drum are logical up grades for higher hp and torque.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Another thought,with a good E/brake you could do without "park" and still be able to use the gearvenders unit:happy3:

 

[HorryMorry]

Ok all I think I have compiled the answer:
To add an overdrive to a '64 440 (or pretty much any '62-'65 pushbutton) all you have to due is use a Gear Vendors unit attached to a '66 or newer 727 and send the pushbutton control unit, shift cable bracket, and park lever to Imperial Services for modification. They call it the "Pushbutton modification package" for around $600, ON SALE NOW!!

Special thanks go out to (in order of appearance in this thread):

gregs70 - Turning me onto Gear Vendors
HEMI-ITIS - Enlighting us on 727 pump movement
64Belvedere - Turning me onto Imerial Services

After much thought, lots of phone calls and emails for several weeks...nothing. Bring the problem to the B-Body Collective and it only takes 5 days. Thanks Guys!! :VB toast:

 

[wedgie]

just a thought...........I believe that deep first gear ratios are available for 727's. That would allow you to use a more highway friendly rear gear and still have good torque multiplication in first as well. Of course you would still have a three speed trans, but it would be a bunch cheaper and you would not be cutting anything up. Again, just a thought.

 

[64Belvedere]

Best of luck. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[moperformance]

Yes please let us know how this turns out! I pulled the pushbutton 727 on my 64 Fury and installed a trem.5 speed conversion which I'm more then happy with "now", but as me and my Knees get older in the future I sure would consider it.
Bill

 

[Darter6]

O.D.

Good luck with Imperial Services. Ordered a conversion at the Carlisle event 2 years ago and still haven't got it. They got my money though. About 8 months ago when I was able to get ahold of someone from there I was told that "Your on the hot list and we will get it out to you ASAP" I'm sure I'll never see it,,, or my money.

 

[HorryMorry]

Thanks for the warning Darter6.....with every good plan there comes a nice sprinkling of doubt.