Just procured a 66 Valiant station wagon that has a 883? 4 speed OD behind a leaning tower or power. Anyone ever used this combination to tow a trailer? I am considering a cam change or turbo'n the package., any recommendations?
Never owned a Slant 6 but have towed with a 292 and 5 spd in my '65 Pickup truck. Worked OK as 292 has a lot of torque. Depending on what your towing should be good
a cam change or turbo
Those have almost opposite effects.
A little clarification please. An RV style cam would increase low end torque and a turbo provides top end torque, together it should {theoretically] increase the entire torque band, I don't want to do both at once but I'm not sure which will have the greatest effect.
IMHO RV cams are over-rated as to the added low speed power.
Many mild turbo engines use the original cam.
A turbo with the right controls (size, match, A/R, boost control, adjustable waste gate) can provide additional torque at any RPM, and is far more effective (adding 200 hp is possible, no cam can do that) - but perhaps not more cost effective. Very complex project with much fabrication.
The A833 has a 3.09:1 first gear, which is pretty much what you want for hauling a trailer from a standing start. Fairly wide steps in the gears from there, 1.67:1 second gear and then 1:1 third, it's very much like an ordinary 3-speed box.
As an alternative, a direct top gear A833 from an A-body has that same 3.09:1 first gear, then it has a 1.9~:1 second and a 1.4~:1 third and direct top gear. This might be a better combination when towing and give you greater flexibility while you lose the overdrive top gear, which you might not use a lot while towing.
I think your '66 Valiant still had the ball & trunnion driveshaft originally. This would have gone by the board when the overdrive A833 was fitted as they always had slip yokes. But those B&T A833 A-body trannies aren't too hard to find and aren't in big demand.
One question is whether or not your overdrive tranny is from an A-body or is it the longer B & C-body unit?
I agree. Your wagon may have a 2.93 or 3.23:1 axle. Adding .73:1 overdrive (making 2.14 or 2.36:1 final drive) may reduce torque in high gear and slow the engine down a bit too much for towing, you'll be reaching for direct (3rd) frequently. The A-body 3.09:1 4-speed may be a better choice.
Thanks for the advice Ray and Panic. I just picked up a FI Tech fuel injection unit so that will go on my Clifford intake. The turbo I have is from a Buick GN which is closer to my displacement so I guess the next step is to locate a set of tube headers to cut up and locate an intercooler. The A833 I have is from an A body and I'll check the rear ratio when I get time.
Doug Dutra makes a good pair of iron manifolds, more money but less time.
http://www.dutra.org/doug/doug-sl6-exhaust/dutra-duals.htm