That's your problem. Pick a direction with the car and go with it. If you wanna drive it on the street, set it up for that. If you wanna race it periodically, go that route.

Plus converter differences Bill. It can add up.

Then you really need to define periodically. Every other weekend? Once a year? Etc. That may define what street manners you need to be happy, and define the compromises in setup you are willing to live with. It can be even costlier down the road if you choose wrong now.

Matt, you just have to be real honest with yourself on the intended usage. Once you know what you want and what you must have, what would be nice to have, and what you don’t need, make a plan & stick to it. You are already way ahead of the game that it is not your DD.

Exactly what I am saying. We all have different opinions on this and that. It really comes down to what HE wants.

Indeed

Just to add for the poor souls following this, this is a cut I would have to make.
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/orionspl/holecut1.jpg

Into structural metal, seems legit.

Well the idea is that rather then smashing it in with hammer, you weld in plates to gain room for harness plug.

box it up it will be ok. that is not a lot of cutting. I assume you have welded in sub frames connectors

what hits there that needs clearance?


Guys notch 1st gen subframes to clear LS AC compressors all the time

Here you can see a notch near the RF UCA, boxed in and welded. Guys who routinely beat the snot out of their high hp cars in more than one direction.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e.../MYDC03171.jpg

Harness into the trans

Yup. Especially with sfcs and maybe a roll bar. You oughta see how much frame you have to cut to do a dse mini tub.

which way is forward in that pic --->>>?

that is child's play, no problem

The cut is towards the back of the car.

Just because everyone does it, doesn't make it right :-P

Please let us know what YOU would do then. :bertstare:

T56

Which of course, would entail a hole cut in the firewall.

You sir, are hypocritical and making my head hurt.

For what? Firewall isn't structural metal like you wanna cut. If you do it right, I'll be ok with it.

Well unless I just like idling and not in gear driving, I would assume I would want a clutch pedal? :lol:

I am not sure there is a level of "right" to this, its not a swap thats done a lot nor is it close to what should be there.

So, meh, I gotta get the current POS trans out and figure it out.

You really want him to stay in the 12s don't you?

Another option for the cut.
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/orionspl/plughole1.jpg

And another.
http://home.koping.net/u3243a/tillfalliga/DSC02272.JPG

Matt,
I think I have a way for you to decide which trans to go with.
Obviously your car is not a D.D., but you will take it out for the occasional cruise or late night runs :shifty:..(if u want to play w/the big boys,lol) so there is 2 ways I would go about this.

Turbo 400 w/3:08's :
Cheaper & more available parts/build labor
no harness & tuning to deal with (shift points,line pressure, etc.. for the nitpickers)
less modifications to chassis
overall easy of install
3spd but will run down GSP with ease & will rip around town

4L80E w/ 3:50's :
More expensive to build parts/labor
wiring of harness & tuning the ecm for shift points,line pressure, etc..
possible failure of solenoids internally
modifications to chassis
less room for custom exhaust routing
more difficult of an install, more down time due to wiring tuning etc..
4spd and can run down GSP @ 90 (allthough not for long til popo write you)

I personally would go the 400 route due to it being cheaper & less involved and being that your car is not a D.D..
If you plan on driving it to florida than maybe you should go w/4L80E and mite as well toss in a LS motor while your at it for reliability and some real HP..:kneeslap:

Start in gear, clutchless shift.

I agree with all of that. Assuming the 3.08's work well with whatever motor setup you are going to have. You could proabably even a bit higher numerically. I had a TH350 & a 3.27 rear in my 3rd gen and it was a good compromise. Can add GV later if you want more gears.