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Torqueflite 727 Build



When the Challenger was originally restored back in 2005/6, I wasn't heavily involved with the choice of internals and the shop who did the restoration built the Dodge back to near original specs with the 727 receiving I can only assume, similar treatment. In short, I had no real idea what work had been done with no invoice or anything stating the work, it was just sent out to be built and returned in a "beefed up" fashion.

The Torqueflite had the pan dropped and received a forward pattern manual valve body (FMVB) prior to installing the Hemi which really made a difference in drivability, but while in traffic, getting from 3rd to N to let her idle or a quick rev, or even hopping in every time going from [P] to [1] (furtherest apart on a FMVB) was a rigmarole in a ratchet shifter. I had always wanted to rectify this at some stage by installing a reverse manual valve body (RMVB).

With the Hemi having to be torn down due to several issues from what my local machinist and engine builder have described as a questionable / poor build, now was the perfect time to get the 727 back to Chuck Mann, and have the RMVB installed, this time with me delivering it and in control what goes into the build and customising it to suit my tastes and driving requirements.

A lot of research was completed on parts and what was, or wasn't required. Between my own experiences, Chuck Manns knowledge, A&A Transmissions, Andrews Racing Transmissions (ART) and Cope Racing, an entire arsenal of upgrades was ordered to create a bulletproof street weapon. Exciting shit! 

Chuck Mann tore the 727 right down to the case, cleaned all the internals and confirmed it was built by him and that all the parts were in excellent shape, basically only a few thousand miles on them. There was one issue however... 

Sadly, the inner race from the sprag had come into contact with rear of the transmission housing causing a decent "groove". While not super rare, it does pop up often enough with the 727s. About their only little issue. The inner race is pressed on to the rear drum which is free to float back or forward on the rear support, some make contact, some don't. It is however something that definitely needs to be addressed.

Thankfully, Sonnax make a bearing case repair set specifically for this problem. Part # 22556-BRG. It's a fairly cheap fix, just the part which cost me $120.00 NZD landed from the U.S.A with express DHL air and having a machine shop install it. It requires a milling machine and good engineering knowledge to get it seated perfectly. The instructions look like schematics for a NASA build. 

In the photos below, you'll see some of the parts used in the 727 build, the inner race groove, the machined finish and the end result.  

Torqueflite-727 Build Specs:

Cope Racing Transmissions Reverse Manual Valve Body (Race / 180psi)
TCS 10" Torque Converter (2,400-2,600rpm Stall)
TCS Billet Steel Front Planetary Gear Assembly
A&A 16 Roller, 6 Bolt "Ultimate" Racing Sprag
A&A Billet Dual Ring, 2nd Gear Front Servo
A&A Gaskets, Seals & Rings Kit
ART Billet Low/Reverse Servo 
ART Billet Dual Ring Accumulator Piston w/Blocker
ART Billet Steel Band Strut
ART Billet Steel Anchor
ART Billet Steel 4.2 2nd Gear Apply Lever
ART Snap Ring Access Plate w/O-Ring
ART Reusable Transmission Pan Gasket
Eagle Red Racing Grooved Clutches (0.61”)
Steel Kolene Plates (0.68")
Deep Transmission Pan


(Build in progress...)
of 50
The freshly removed 727. In excellent shape from the outside, worked perfectly when removed and only receiving some upgrades while the Hemi is being worked on (otherwise I wouldn't have touched it). Can't wait to add a RMVB, bold in sprag, and other upgrades!
of 50
The freshly removed 727. In excellent shape from the outside, worked perfectly when removed and only receiving some upgrades while the Hemi is being worked on (otherwise I wouldn't have touched it). Can't wait to add a RMVB, bold in sprag, and other upgrades!