[Bearhawke]

I recently had my 318 rebuild for mid performance. But, i believe my little 904 isn't quite up to the task. Is there a modern trans (4 or 5 speed) that would work out better? What transmission bolt up to it?

The 904 is a pretty stout piece; you can have them built to handle about anything that a relatively mild 318/360 can throw at it.

 

[dana44]

I can agree with that, I always plan on the rebuild of an automatic transmission with an engine rebuild because it is the next thing to fail within a short period of time when the transmission has equal mileage, but if you really want to upgrade, all the V8 transmissions use the small block bolt pattern. As far as the shifting stuff goes for the overdrive, there are plenty of aftermarket companies that have the needed wiring kit to do it, no computer needed. A couple things you will need to do though is alter the rear transmission mount/support, do some clearance for the overdrive in the floorpan, and shorten the driveline.

 

[TWX]

Worst case if sticking with Automatic, go with a 727 like I did. I changed because I kept finding lockup 904 transmissions when I wanted a non-lockup one, and non-lockup 727s were easier to find. It'll require a different driveshaft as both the yoke and the u-joints are different, and the link that goes between the side of the transmission and the body where the shifter tugs (on column cars) is a little different, but the swap is straightforward.

 

[dana44]

And it is a driveline shortening, so the original driveline can be used, just a couple inches taken out, which saves money on the swap.

 

[stroudtom]

904 has a lower 1st gear than the 727 and lighter internals. Better match for the 318 IMHO.

 

[AC TC]

a500 or a518

 

[Christian Otte]

a500 or a518

Floor-pan clearance may be a problem. I know the 518 won't fit in A-body cars without major surgery to the floor-pan.

 

[MJS73]

Floor-pan clearance may be a problem. I know the 518 won't fit in A-body cars without major surgery to the floor-pan.

Floor will be an issue in B- and E-bodies as well. Keep the 904 and get a quality rebuild. It'll handle anything the 318 can put out. I had a 904 on my 400 HP 360 and never had an issue.