603S Engine

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by GREG

The turbo cars had the 440 engine prop shaft and torque converter ...

Greg, I'm not sure what you mean by "440 engine prop shaft and torque converter". Care to expand?

Kevin

[GREG]

"The additional torque required not only a heavier propeller shaft: the Torqueflite 3 speed automatic gearbox was uprated with the 440 cubic inch engine's torque converter and internal clutches."

Instead of the Chrysler standard 360 propshaft and gearbox.

But I have heard of uprated engines running fine without upgrading. I guess it depends if you are drag racing or not.

I think P. Wilson's drive train was upgraded to BF spec when Bristol did the superb restoration.

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by GREG

"The additional torque required not only a heavier propeller shaft: the Torqueflite 3 speed automatic gearbox was uprated with the 440 cubic inch engine's torque converter and internal clutches."

I could be wrong, but I don't think the 727 had specific internal clutches or a special torque converter for the 440, or for any other engine for that matter.

Maybe the 603S didn't have a 727 transmission! Maybe it had an 904 or a 998. Now those would need beefing up, but surely you would just use a 727 instead...

[GREG]

Lot's of Torqueflite upgrades available from companies like this one, for different applications.

Torqueflite Conversion KIT: Hemi 426, 440-6, Six-Pack | eBay UK

Some explanation of different Torque converters available for 360 to 440 engines

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Torqueflite-72...item3355013bbd

[will7262]

Well a lot to absorb in that lot from that conversation. Guess I need to find out what gearbox I have as a starting point and go from there. Trust me I will not be drag racing or sitting with foot on throttle and brake just want enough power to keep up a little respect for Bristol.
Surly others out there have taken this route with a 603 and it's variants
and all these questions have been answered before if nothing else than by trial and error.
Looks like only a small band of enthusiast use the Forum ......pity.
Still onwards and upwards.

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by will7262

Looks like only a small band of enthusiast use the Forum ......pity.

Will, I think you need a bit of perspective.

Bristol have made less than 9000 cars in 55 years. There are probably about 2000 still in on the road. Over 500 "enthusiasts" (most of whom are owners) are a member of this forum. Some of them own more than one Bristol (some own several).

As time went by Bristol made fewer and fewer cars, and the 603 was not one of the more popular models.

How people on this forum have put a 400 HP engine a 603? probably none.

[Kevin H]

I'll just throw this into the mix and let others form their own opinions.

The legendary torqueflite automatic transmission
TorqueFlite - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

As for Will, I suggest you install your 400HP crate engine and if any part of the drive train breaks, upgrade it!

Or, you can save time and worry now