&00R4 trans install in a Stude Avanti
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There are a million details which make this swap a real
bear.  Trimming the inside corner of the passengers footwell is the easiest
part of the swap.

1. Dave L's adapter doesn't always align perfectly.  Took a couple of hours
of reaming and fiddling to even get it to bolt up two hours labor, $70.
2. A new rear crossmember has to be fabricated, using the GM rear mount.  If
the front motor mounts aren't new, replace them while you have everything
loose, another $200.
3. The stock Avanti shift linkage doesn't really work.  The leverage is
wrong and shift effort is much too high.  Really needs to use a GM shifter,
another $100.
4. You will need about $125 worth of carb to transmission throttle valve (TV
cable) linkage to make it work.  Don't even try to make it yourself, but go
to Bow Tie Overdrive.  You will need a 1/2" 4-hole carb spacer, another $35.
It won't fit the stock Carter, so a new 600 AFB is another $200.
5. Bow Tie Overdrive also has an add-on lockup kit which works just fine,
about another $50.
6. The driveshaft has to be shortened and rebalanced, another $100.
7. New speedo cable and driven gear and housing, another $75.
8. The new starter, another $100, I got from Dave's recommendation has the
hot wire post hitting the steering linkage.  Still not sure what to do
there.
9. New exhaust downpipes.  The stock exhaust pipes won't work, so if the
system isn't new, might as well replace the whole shebang while you are in
there, another $375.


Having given all the problems to be overcome, I highly recommend it, as it
transforms the car into a real daily driver.  If you pay someone to do it
right, better budget at least $1000 and $1500 is not out of sight for a
quality installation.

thx, jv.
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Footwell modifications are not myth...the servo behind the cooler lines 
requires a good 6" square hole.  There is some grinding necessary at the 
very top of the tunnel to ease installation also.

If it wasn't for the shifter issues, that I really didn't have to deal, 
with the whole thing is very straightforward.

There are clearance issues at the pitman arm and some rerouting of starter 
cables.  Nothing a grinder couldn't take care of, though.