Re: [Amc-list] Good news--maybe. (early six to GM auto trans?)

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

What year is "early" is subjective, apparently. The only AMC to GM auto adapter Novak carries is the one on this page: 
http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/engine_to_trans_adapters.htm.
It clearly states 1972-up. Apparently the guy you talked to thought 1970s models qualify as "early". That adapter WILL NOT work with a 71 or earlier AMC six. Wish it would! 65-70 Kaiser-Jeep FSJs used the 232 also, it replaced the 230 Tornado in US SJs. So maybe they have (or had) something. Make DARN SURE you tell them you have a pre 72 model and the adapter they have on the website won't work! 

You can always switch to a heavier BW aluminum trans or even the cast iron model. You have an M-35 or M-37 since it is air cooled. The M-40/42/44 aluminum trannys used behind 2V 290 and 304 V-8s will bolt right up but will require a trans fluid cooler. The cast iron version (used behind 290/304 4V V-8s and larger engines) would require the same, and may need a deeper bell housing and converter. The M-40/42/44 was used in some of the bigger cars, and was the HD option for those that normally used the M-35/37 stock. 

I run an external cooler only on my AW4 with no problems, but I live in a mild climate. It rarely gets below freezing and doesn't stay that way long. If it did I'd simply buy a thermostatically controlled valve for the trans line. I'm pretty sure I've seen them from aftermarket companies anyway. Fluid being cooled comes from the last place it was used under pressure in the trans -- usually the torque converter -- right before it's returned to the pan. One of the thermo valves may require a second return line, I'm not sure. Even if it does that would be easy to rig up. 

--------------
Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2007 16:14:01 -0500
From: "Clarence Milstead" <cmilstead@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

I've written about my 1971 turbo Gremlin several times and asked if there
was a good replacement for the BW aluminum transmission. Most people say
"no" and one mentioned a TH400 from an ancient Postal Jeep. While
corresponding with a friend of mine he mentioned NOVAK Conversions, he said
he had a Jeep years ago and talked to them about an adapter to install a
Chevy V-8 (BOO). Anyhow I Googled NOVAK and sent them an e-mail, they
responded and said they thought they could help me and several people had
used their kits on "early" AMC six engines. They adapt to GM Hydramatic
transmissions only, they say they are the best ones to use. The main use of
their adapters is in Jeeps. Here's my question, if we can work something out
which is the best transmission to use? To me it looks like the TH700R4 which
would give me the overdrive I want. Also I think all Hydramatics are liquid
cooled and I don't have that kind of radiator, can I use a transmission
cooler or must I bite the bullet and change radiators? I know I'll have to
move/change the crossmember but will that be a problem? Any comments or
guidance will be appreciated. Has anyone ever used one of these adapters? 

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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