LagondaNet

[JohanB]

The 727 Torqueflite transmission in the Lagonda is a standard Chrysler unit however as some may have found out, not any 727 Torqueflite fits to the AM engine in a Lagonda. A bit of searching around revealed why: there are 3 versions. One for the Chrysler slant 6 (very rare), one for the small block V8 and one for the big block V8. Internally they are all the same but the bell housing is different and this is an integral part of the transmission housing.
The version Aston Martin used is the small block version (273/318W/318/360 cu in engines). The main visual difference between the small block version and big block version is that on the small block the starter motor sits below the center line of the bell housing where as for the big block version the starter motor sits at the center line. The other difference is that the small block version has a flat spot on the bell housing opposite the starter motor where the big block version is round there.
So now you know, if you happen to shop for or come across a 727, check whether it is a small block version as otherwise it won't fit.

[david]

Hi Johan,

Yes, I came across exactly this issue when trying to decide whether to fit an alternate box or rebuild the original and the second hand box did not fit for the reasons stated.

It's not a case of will not quite fit, it is very different indeed between the big and small block versions.

David

[feniks]

And Davids "did not fit box"" even came from a small block 360'....

[JohanB]

360 or 361? 360 is small block (LA engines), 361 is big block (B/RB engines). At least according to internet...

[feniks]

360 (looks like 340) small block