I have a 77 L82 with the automatic trans in it (it needs work) and was wondering what sort of transmission would be a good, economical (relatively) swap.
Its not a numbers matching car, engine wise, so thats not a big deal. Im also open to autos or manuals but kinda want it to be as cheap as possible so all the extra stuff for a manual may put it out of my range.

Glenn
There are many choices and I am sure that you will get many great responses for your question from the guys that have different set ups. I can only offer you what I have experience with. If budget is a concern your least expensive thing would be to pull yours out of the car and have it rebuilt. You can probably find someone that will do it at a very good price. If your looking for a nice upgrade that will allow you to get better gas mileage then your options would be either a 2004r or the 700r transmissions. Both will fit into your car with some modifications. I went with a 2004r in my 72 which replaced the 400 turbo and the biggest change I had to make was the front Trans yoke on the driveshaft. Either one of these trans will give you an overdrive trans and will reduce engine RPM when running at 55 mph and up. Also would save some fuel mileage. But along with either one of these you will have more expense. As for going to a manual transmission setup I can not comment on what costs or modifications are needed. I am sure one of our follow members will be able to shed some light on those things.
Either way you decide to go, good luck.
Rodney

Hey, Glenn, as Rod said, your cheapest option would be to rebuild the trans you have. That is what I did in mine TH350, 79. If I would have known about the OD conversions at the time, I probably would have went for it. But mine works great now so no changes until something happens. Good luck in what you decide.

Glenn, I agree with all mentioned. I too converted to an OD - went with a 700R4. Went with an after market cross member and had to shorten the drive shaft 3". Other than that, accompanying upgrades were for preference - cooling, pan types, TV cable kit, new shifter lens, etc.

I replaced my old tired TH400 with an OD trans too. I bought the 200-4R trans from Bowtie Overdrives. It was not the cheapest way to go but I have had no issues with it and the setup was very easy. It did not need a new crossmember or to have the driveshaft shortened.

I think the 2004r may be what Im looking for. I just checked their wedsite and it looks like what I want

Glenn i also went with the bowties trans and they are great to work with. i had to replace my crossmember because i went with 2 1/2" exhaust. but at first i used the original crossmember with original exhaust. i havent driven the car yet since the change. the good thing is that warranty dont start till you call in all your pressures even if its almost 2 years after the purchase like mine! Rodney