maximum power

[BKiel]

what is the max torque and hp could put through the a518 auto transmission behind the cummins? would it be maxed out by lucas injectors, 14cm^2 housing and pump adjusting? if these modifications are done, can the transmission be left alone, or should a performance valve body/torque converter be installed? i'm hoping on bombing pretty soon, but i like to have my bases covered, if you know what i mean! thankyou in advance!

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Even the 1st Gen trucks can easily overpower the A518.

IMO, if you do the mods. you've mentioned you will certainly be loading the trans. at or over its rated max. service. I could look in the manual but if memory serves me I think you would be "over the top".

My modifications (see signature) have taken me to or near the limits as well. There is NO doubt that you would want to uprate the TC/VB and trans. as soon as possible. How many miles on the truck? Has it had regular service?, What do you do with it, towing/dragging etc??

If you keep the trans. cool, service regular, and use power sparingly, you should get decent life from it in my opinion. Remember, I'm NOT a trans. tech.

Most all I've learned about trannies has been in here.

One last point I've read so many times... Its cheaper and easier to run your existing trans into the dirt then buy a new one from Chrysler and have that tweaked with better seals, clutch packs, etc. than it is to repair or re & re a used trans.

I recently sent my list of mods to a well known fellow here on TDR and asked if he could 'guesstimate' my HP numbers.

He went with about 250 HP (flywheel) and 210 at the rear wheels. When I get this thing onto a dyno, he asked me to let him know how close he was.

ps: don't forget gauges !!! EGT, tach, trans. temp very important if your going to uprate like you suggest. Put these in first to establish a baseline of readings to compare too.

Does that help at all???



regards, Bob

 

[BKiel]

thankyou, yes it does help. i'm trying to figure out what bombs to do first, and then i got to thinking "i hope i don't blow my transmission away". my friend's 82 chevy's just crapped out on him. well, maybe i'll just stick with the injectors and turbo, i hope that won't wreck it too much

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Thing is, you can "adjust yourself" into danger if you choose to.

So long as you watch your guages, temps, etc. and resist 'bombItis' you should be ok. It's hard though

You can under-fuel the bigger injectors till you do your trans. uprate. I really recommend the gauges though. You will have absolutely no way to tell what effects your changes have made without them. As for trans. I was very surprised to see how fast and how far the transmission temp. climbed when I opened it up



Good luck



Bob

 

[SGarrison]

BKiel, IMHO, if you you are going to use the truck for pulling anything, I would do the transmission mods. first. It will make a big difference in the trucks performance.

I pull a 20,000 lb track loader on a 7,000 lb trailer for my excavating business, daily, and I can,t imagine backing under that trailer with a stock converter and stock vb. I also ocasionaly race with this truck, it works for me. Just my . 02. MPb