So I've got a hookup for a free 700R4 out of an '86 firebird with more than likely a 305 under the hood (its 8 cylinder for sure). My '88, also a 305, has a blown 700R4 so I'm looking to swap. I didn't see anything definitive on the subject so I'm wondering if the trans from the '86 will hook up to the driveshaft without any issue? Also, any other compatibility issues I need to know about?

 

It should be a direct swap, only difference may be the speedo housing. It's held in with one bolt and pops out.

 

your '86 has 27 splines on the input ('89 has 30). as long as you use the torque converter from the appropriate transmission you will be fine

 

the 1986 might also be a "30" spline..... not a 27!, it depends on the build date. checking the input shaft will tell, not a definate 27. might be able to re-use your torque converter if it worked and the 86 is a 30 spline.
I've rebuilt many many 30 spline 86's without the aux. valvebody......etc.

 

Since the whole car will be mine I'll just grab the entire setup to be on the safe side. Thx for the input

 

As a followup, does anyone have any good links for a transmission remove/install howto? I've recently discovered the power of cinder blocks for safely raising my car on my slightly slanted driveway, and will be swapping this myself. I've got a haynes manual somewhere but I'm sure it'll be more along the "step one, remove transmission. step two, put new one in" lines...