what does it take to lock up a 518

[TFaucette]

wanting to build a trans and wanted to know if its necessary to swap for a 47rh or if you can just make the 518 lock up, as far as i know you just have to swap flywheel housings, starter, torque converter and flex plate. what does it take to control the lockup in the torque converter after that, and what else is needed.

 

[Simplysmn]

Don't believe it's possible with a 518

 

[cerberusiam]

IIRC, its possible. You would need VB, front drum, input shaft, and the pump to make it work.



The circuit is controlled by the solenoid on the VB to tap the line pressure, routed thru case, then the pump and pump hub to the correct port in the front drum, then thru the input shaft to apply the clutch.



I don't remeber if the port is already there or it has to be drilled in the case. Been too long since I looked at the cases and routing. I seem to remember at one time there were builders that would do the conversion.

 

[TFaucette]

so definatly cheaper to buy a core 47rh to build than buying parts to convert a 518 i guess? aren't the v10 47rh's the same as diesels?

 

[cerberusiam]

Depends if you can FIND a 47RH in running condition. They are getting harder and harder to find in one piece and good shape. I believe the V10 units are the same as the diesels. I think the 47RH is also a bit stiffer than the 46RH to handle the power better.



The demand for parts has gotten steep enough you may be better off just buying the parts you need while using the case and internals you have. If you know what you have and how good it is thats a plus. Trying to buy unknown quality is iffy.