Re: [FWDLK] 56 v/8

[Dave Homstad <dhomstad@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I converted my 56 Dodge D500 from a PowerFlite to a TorqueFlite. There is no difference cruising rpm, which is at 3000 rpm @ 70 mph with a 3.54 axle, because both trannys have the same top gear ratio of 1:1. If you want lower rpms at cruise, use a 518/618 overdrive tranny. 

You can still use the original PF pushbutton cluster with a TF. It just won't hold the trans in 1 st gear. I did use a 57 Dodge truck TF button cluster because the cover bezel looks just like the 56. It will also fit 56 Chrysler, DeSoto, and Plymouth, except the PLymouth bezel is much different. Some late 56 Chryslers did have a TF cluster but have a different bezel than Dodges. 

The tranny I used is a  62 - 65 Pushbutton 727 TF from a "A" series engine (318) and the drum brake equiped tail section from a 1962 Chrysler 727 TF from "B" series engine. 

The main difference is in acceleration. Ist gear in the 727 is 42% deeper than 1st in the PF. Combined with a 2200 rpm torque converter, the launch is VASTLY improved. Using a PF is like starting in 2nd with a TF. 

All the details of this PF-TF swap are on my web page at: 
http://webpages.charter.net/dhomstad/TransmissionFrame1Source1.htm  

Dave Homstad 
56 Dodge D500 

---- Gary Pavlovich <glpavlovich@xxxxxxx> wrote: 
> Neil,
> 
> I have not "plumbed" the pushbuttons that way but I have heard that you can 
> and the result is full auto operation in "D"rive and the "1" button 
> operating "2"nd gear.
> 
> Gary
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Eastern Sierra Adjustment Svc" <esierraadj@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: "Gary Pavlovich" <glpavlovich@xxxxxxx>
> Cc: <L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 11:29 AM
> Subject: Re: [FWDLK] 56 v/8
> 
> 
> > Gary, when you connect a T/Flite trannie to a Plymouth P/Flite pushbutton 
> > console, can't you just
> > continue to use the P/Flite's pushbuttons' D and the '1' buttons, with the 
> > '1' button (now-) controlling
> > the T/Flite's '2' button's operation---and, just, not using the T/flite's 
> > '1' gear-button?
> >
> > Neil Vedder
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Gary Pavlovich wrote:
> >> The '56 Ply with 277 is a good combo and can take any rpm up to 5200 
> >> easily.  Your rpm preference should be the noise factor on a highway 
> >> cruise and not a concern of durability.  3100rpm at 70mph is about what 
> >> the average person should expect with 3.54 rear gears; and with stock 
> >> mufflers it is just fine.  I ran my '56 Ply (which I still have since 
> >> 1968) ran nicely through the desert at 80mph constant speed with the 
> >> stock engine and 3.54's w/Powerflite.
> >>  My suggestion is to switch from a 6cyl. to a 62-66 Poly 318 for stock 
> >> OEM look but tons more power and less expense/hassle of finding early 
> >> Poly trans/certain engine parts.
> >>  I have set my '56 Ply up so it looks 100% stock with the alum. case 
> >> Torqueflite utilizing the original pushbutton dash pod location; I can 
> >> give you all the specifics later as I need to get to work; e-mail me 
> >> off-line if you like.
> >>  Thank you,
> >> Gary Pavlovich
> >>
> >>     ----- Original Message -----
> >>     *From:* Jan & Roger van Hoy <mailto:vanhilla@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> >>     *To:* L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> >>     <mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> >>     *Sent:* Friday, February 12, 2010 8:40 AM
> >>     *Subject:* Re: [FWDLK] 56 v/8
> >>
> >>     Yup, I've got a '56 Plymouth Belvedere with 277.  Don't have a
> >>     tach, but it' not "screaming."  [Sometimes the wife,
> >>     She-From-Whom-The-Receipts-Must-Be-Hidden, old Indian name, does
> >>     scream.]  There are several of us '56 Plym owners here on the list.
> >>      The 277/301/318, erroneously called the "wide block," is a very
> >>     good engine.  Last installed in 1966, but you should be able to
> >>     find one.  The newer ones will be set up for aluminum TorqueFlite.
> >>      It could be a challenge to set up pushbutton for a TorqueFlite in
> >>     a '56 Plymouth.  IIRC the '62 Chrysler T-F is sought after because
> >>     it has the aluminum casing with tailshaft parking brake and
> >>     pushbuttons.  Finding a pushbutton unit that will fit your dash
> >>     pod will be a challenge.  Some Dodge trucks used a T-F pod that
> >>     will fit exactly in a '56 Dodge, but Plymouth is a different housing.
> >>      You didn't mention what transmission you have in the car now.  If
> >>     it's a three-speed you might consider adding overdrive.
> >>      What you do depends a lot on how stock appearing you want the car
> >>     to be.
> >>      --Roger van Hoy
> >>
> >>         ----- Original Message -----
> >>         *From:* drt-rdr@xxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:drt-rdr@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> >>         *To:* L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> >>         <mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> >>         *Sent:* Friday, February 12, 2010 6:54 AM
> >>         *Subject:* [FWDLK] 56 v/8
> >>
> >>         Anyone on the list running a 56 plym with a v/8. Wondering
> >>         what kind of rpm's your turning on the highway.
> >>         And if the motor is screaming going down the road. Debating my
> >>         next step in my car, whether to replace the 6 cyl with an oem
> >>         277 v/8 or a later model small block and a torqueflite trans.
> >>         ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >>    

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