ever swap an auto for a stick in a 2.8 firechicken. i already have most of what is needed for the swap, i was just wondering what the hardest part of the swap is. drop me a line if you have successfully done this...thanks

 

well..im going to be doing it soon too...basically from what i learned is 1)removal of the tranny...u actually have to somewhat "tilt" the engine to remove the tranny..and be careful not to bust ur distributor cap...(the bolts on top are a bitch)2) installation of the pedals...BITCH in one word...everything else is direct..just be careful on the cutting of the floorboard to fit the shifter...umm..i have a swap article i found i can send u..lemme know..hey how much u pay for all urs? i found a complete swap kit from a guy in my car club for 225 bucks!! 1k clutch, then a new rebuild t5...=)

lemme know

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88 Firebird 2.8
MODS (either coming or on):
Flowmaster Cat Back, Random Technologies Cat, 3" intermediate pipe, Accel 8.8 wires, MSD Coil, MSD Ignition Module,MSD 6a, B&M Shifter, Transgo Shift Kit, Cold Air Induction, NEXT MOD: 5 speed...(torque convertor going so 5 speed a better idea) ..Then peeling and cracking paint..

 

As someone that dropped their 700r4 out and put it back in on the garage floor, I gotta agree, those top bolts suck. Here's your formula for success: Buy a long (2 foot?) 1/2" (thick) extension. Buy a 1/2" socket to fit the trans-to-engine bolts, I think they're 18 or 19 mm. Then use your 1/2" breaker bar to get them loose. This way you will be turning the breaker bar by the tailshaft of the trans, and when the trans is tilted down enough, you have all the room you need.

I was using all of the above, except with a long 3/8" (thin, normal) extension. The extension was actually "twisting" under my power, and absorbing it all. I fought those bolts for hours with that thing. I asked my dad to take me to Sears to get the long 1/2" extension, along with another (I think 10 inch?) 1/2" extension. The damn top bolts loosened up right away!

And there I was for those long hours with the 3/8" extension, thinking I was puny & weak. Stupid extension!


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards