Hi guys, I am swapping a V8 into a 1983 previously 2.8 Firebird. I am going to use a 305 or 350 engine and start with a TBI setup to keep it cheap, and eventually go multiport if the car ever sees more use than daily driver status. The 2.8 setup is currently 5 spd manual but I am going to use a 700R4 auto with the V8. I have an automatic shifter assembly and console from another 1983 automatic car. Two questions:

1. There are 2 cables that go to the shifter. I know one shifts the gears on the trans. What does the other one do?

2. Do the iron duke, 2.8 V6, and V8 all use the same shifter cables, or are they specific to the engine/trans combo?

 

the second cable prevents the steering wheel from locking in place when the tranny is in any gear except park.

is the shifter out of the '83 auto a 3spd auto or a 4 spd auto. if it is 3 spd auto(no overdrive), you will need a different shifter and coverplate. if it is a 4spd auto, it should work fine with the 700r4. the 700r4 is the overdrive transmission that thirdgens came with.

 

Thanks! The iron duke 83 Firebird was a 700R4 as well. Good to know the cable will work. What does my manual trans 83 2.8 Firebird have to prevent the steering from locking? Will it be a big deal to switch it over to the auto lockout cable?

 

that part i do not know as i have never had a manual tranny. it is something i learned when i installed my b&m shifter cuz i had to make sure it stayed in a certain position. as long as you don't turn your key to the off position when you are driving down the road, it will not be a problem either way. but then again, who would take their key out of the ignition while driving? wait.....someone has tried it or they wouldn't have made that feature....lol.