Here are the problems I ran into with the conversion:
Problem #1 The back of the tranny pan was resting on the crossmember Solution: Install 1/2" spacer between crossmember and tranny mount.
Problem #2 Because of the spacer the engine was slightly tilted forward and the driver side header was hitting the lower motor mount bolts. Solution: Took the top of the bolt (thread end) off with a Sawzall.
Problem #3 The aftermarket exhaust from the headers back didn't line up with the header collectors. Solution: Big hammer
What I like about this conversion:
1st gear is amazing. I'm running a 3.08 posi rear and with the 2 spd it was a dog out of the hole. Now I can light up the tires. The spacing of the gearing is perfect. At 55 MPH in OD the engine is at 1200 RPM! I find myself locking out OD below 60 MPH because the RPMs are so low. When you hit the accelerator in downshifts clean, fast and puts you in the correct gear for the speed/RPM. The only drawback I see is that it emphasizes how bad the old suspension pieces on the Bird are. You can feel the leafs twisting slightly when the power hits the rear (never felt that before!). I would highly recommend this swap for anyone running the automatic 2 speed in their Firebird.
