Brad, Wade is right! Hugo, Al, Andy, Brady Bob, Jon, Steve and quite a few others are in the South Bay (Santa Clara/San Jose) and Hugo in particular is a great contact, and has a few Firebirds on his own...
He's done the Over drive tranny swap a few times, and will be able to give you some good tips on just the straight tranny swap in general! If Wade puts you in touch with him, by all means contact him... He's a great guy, and hosts the local F-Body list there in the Bay Area!
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Good luck, and I hope you enjoy the bird as much as we all do!
Brett - 67 Drop Top 455! (Originally from the Bay Area, now in Seattle)