A518 transmission tips or swap to a manual?

[Tony B]

Hey guys and girls; I just bought a 93 D250 with the Cummins and a A518 auto transmission. Knowing a little about transmissions, I'am aware that the torque converter in the A518 does not have lockup. Is anyone aware of any tricks to decrease engine rpm at highway speeds and/or being able to get full use of all that cummins power. Without lockup or some form of direct drive not all that engine power can be utilized. I'am considering converting to a manual(such as a NV2500). Does anyone have info on what is needed to do this conversion, and has anyone done this themselves? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Hi there Tony,

Talk to Bill Kondolay at DTT (Diesel Transmission Technology) he'll fill you in completely. His advice to me was to put in a new TC and VB kit to improve operating pressures. I'll let him do all the details.
I think this is the web address... http://www.dieseltrans.com

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93. 5 D250 4X4,HD Spring Pkg, Rancho 7000's, Rear Swaybar,Dual Shock Front Stabilizer,BD Injectors,31/2" Mandrel bent exhaust,16cm 'Hot End',Modest Pump Tweaks/Timed,K&N Air,Isspro Pyro,Tach,transmission Temp,Auto Meter Oil Filled Boost Ga. , 3:54's, 4 Speed Auto, Clubcab, Aftermarket Reclining Buckets w/ctr Drop Down seat/console, Black over Silver, 21psi,285-65R-16's,American Racing Clear Coat Mags, Amsoil 15W-40HD Marine,12,000 lb. Warn Winch,KC Spots. 101,300 Kms (63,000 mi's).

 

[CBratten]

Can you tell us what the cost was on this on these transmission improvments?Do you have a engine brake on your truck?Thanks,Boss

 

[SGarrison]

Tony, Defineatly give Bill a call. I personally feel from all the mods I have done, this was money well spent. I installed his TC and shift kit. MPb

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92 W350,LE, 4x4, DRW ,4:10 LSD, auto,DTT converter, superior transmission shift kit, 16cm2 exhaust turbo housing, PW injectors, K&N, autometer pro comp gauges, exhaust temp, boost ,trans temp, tach, mild pump adjustments, Skyjacker softride springs in front, black & silver, running boards, stainless wheel covers,
74 Road Runner
69 Dart GTS factory 383 matching no. s

 

[Tony B]

Thanks for the advice guys. I will certainly talk to Bill. This forum is such a good source of information and knowledge. How have your transmission mods helped you?

 

[SGarrison]

Hi guys,
Boss, Give Bill a call about the price and finer details. Things might of changed since I purchased mine in Dec. I do not have an engine brake.
Tony, I haven't pulled much since the trans mods. The shifts are firm. Slight throttle pressure and the truck moves out, it doesn't just sit there like it used to. MPb

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92 W350,LE, 4x4, DRW ,4:10 LSD, auto,DTT converter, superior transmission shift kit, 16cm2 exhaust turbo housing, PW injectors, K&N, autometer pro comp gauges, exhaust temp, boost ,trans temp, tach, mild pump adjustments, Skyjacker softride springs in front, black & silver, running boards, stainless wheel covers,
74 Road Runner
69 Dart GTS factory 383 matching no. s

 

[Bill Kondolay]

When selecting a tc for the first generation trucks, a great deal depends on engine output,while our tc is more than capable of transfering the cummins power keep in mind 1st generation trucks have more turbo lag.

We do recommend that your truck have a 14cm or 16cm turbine housing to fully utilize the converter throughout the full rpm band.

I am a little disapointed with the fuel economy gains with the first generation, i was expecting from 2. 5 - 3. 5 mpg improvement but we have only had reports back of 1-2mpg improvement.

Bill Kondolay
Diesel Transmission Technology

 

[jsimpson]

Bill, how much does the tight convertor help an exhaust brake's performance? Is the 18cm turbo and an intercooler adequate for use with this TC? I don't tow anything bigger than a horse trailer with my Lance 3500 camper in back. Florida's mostly flat. I alos have an early 518 but the BD kit has helped with the rear bearing failure problem.

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http://coffeewithJesus. homestead.com/web1.html 89 1-ton, Amsoil System 3000 5-30,K&N, cleaned-up exhaust with Dynomax straight-thru, rebuilt injector pump, thermostatically controlled twin 14" Permacool electric fans, intercooler, modified 518 OD transmission, Gear vendors OD controler, Reese Titan 2. 5" receiver, R-134 refrigernt, louvered front fenders, 93 aftermarket smoothie grille, new Dupont Chromacolor black, black-and-red rubber rubstrip, black headlights, powdercoated bumpers; 78 35'Avion, 93 Lance 900 slide in with generator and power jacks. To see my truck, Click on: <A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1169022&a=10097213

Jesus" TARGET=_blank>http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1169022&a=10097213

Jesus</A> saves!

 

[Bill Kondolay]

I do not recommend the 518-91 for the 18cm housing,518-89 works better for that application.
As for the exhaust brake on the non-lock up units , you do not get much gains.

An exhaust brake on a non-lockup 518 transmisison in MY PERSONAL OPINION,is a waste of money. And yes i know i do sell exhaust brakes.

When most guys use an exhaust brake on the first generation rams, they are pulling their transmissions into manual 2nd or manual low. By doing so they are producing tremendous amounts of heat. I have found the first generation transmission tend to last almost double the life of the 2nd generation rams with the lock up clutches.

Primarily for 3 reasons.
1) less hp
2)no tc clutch
3)no exhaust brakes

If you feel you need an exhaust brake for SAFETY reasons, that is in my opinion the only reason for having it.

Bill Kondolay
Diesel Transmission Technology

 

[DBF]

Folks curious about a long-term solution for the A518 can see my note in the thread "1st gen TC & shift kit experiences".

Basically, it's a new A518, modified valve body and torque converter from Bill Kondolay.

Great response & a feeling that it'll last a long time...

tx, Bill