I'd be very cautious about converting to stick. I looked into that once on another car and every place that specialized in transmission work that I talked to said either a) they don't do it because WAY too many issues to do it and problems afterward - just wasn't worth it for them, or b) that many of the conversions had a lot of problems after installation, the clutch pedal setup, etc. and many of the conversions came back to go back to auto.

Might be worthwhile to contact some transmission specialist shops and talk it out. Would hate to see all the effort and $$$$$ put in only to have more problems afterward - more than you have with the leak right now.

Check out this site to get a feel for the speed diferences.

http://www.angelfire.com/fl/procrastination/rear.html

So the Keisler rear end will put me at 1500rpms for 78mph in 6th. Is this going to be a problem considering the fact that I have a low hp car?

I'm hoping that the suggested fixes for the threads will solve the problems I'm having with the current transmission(the leaks). Won't cure the gas mileage, but I'm still not even sure if that will be affected drastically by putting an OD transmission into the car. 1500rpms at cruising speed vs 3000rpms at cruising speed. What does that mean in terms of engine wear and tear and mpg? Anything substantial?

I had something else, but I forgot it.

Scot
Looking for all thoughts and ideas!

Well, the only effect on gas milage is the RPM factor, fewer revs, less fuel burned. As far as the hp question, the L48 has enough torque to get the job done, but you will probably want more performance to go with the killer tranny. 250 to 300 would be good, and not prohibitively expensive. Intake, cam, headers, and maybe a carb (unless you're comfy with your q-jet) will get you close, maybe some heads down the line. Remember to buy parts for what you will be spending the most of your time doing. For a driver, don't go nuts with the cam. I hope to be going with an Edelbrock preformer cam and intake and shorty headers and keeping my q-jet by this summer and looking into heads the following year. First up is the tranny, though. I'm afraid mine is on its last leg. Nothing gets parts replaced like necessity. It looks like you do a lot of research before you decide, that is a good thing, and keeps you from wasting time and money.

|UPDATED|12/8/2003 5:40:22 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Well, I've got Hooker Super Competition Headers with 3" collecters and the biggest pipes. Was like..why the HECK do I get no torque now...turns out I need mor ebackpressure for the motor I got. That mistake set me back an extra 250$ or so. I've decided to make sure I get things done right next time.

Speaking of...what can I do to take advantage of these gigantic headers?

Scot

I converted a 78 to a 4 speed. A little better mileage and a lot more fun. It is a tedious project though. I can provide a parts list if requested. It is way more than trans, shifter and bell housing. Good luck.

Paragon75Ray said: Well, I've got Hooker Super Competition Headers with 3" collecters and the biggest pipes. Was like..why the HECK do I get no torque now...turns out I need mor ebackpressure for the motor I got. That mistake set me back an extra 250$ or so. I've decided to make sure I get things done right next time. Speaking of...what can I do to take advantage of these gigantic headers? Scot

The intake and cam will do a lot to let you take advantage of the headers. If you go with heads that will utilize the increased "breatheability" of the headers also. That is one of the reasons I'm going with shorty headers to start, and moving to better headers later.