5 spd to auto swap -a few newbie questions

[86Shelby]

In all 8 years I've been around these cars I've rarely ever dealt with an auto. The cost to rebuild my free auto trans is about the same as a quality clutch & rebuild kit to build a 520/555 with my spare parts. I'm gathering up parts to swap a lockup auto and 2.2 TII combo in my GLHT. It's my daily driver, so fuel mileage and comfort is important; nothing crazy going on like a RMVB. Plan is a quality rebuild kit(no Alto pieces- not that flush) with a simple shift kit(lose some check balls and drill the seperator plate) and the diff pin retaining tabs.

Can I use one of my sets of flywheel-crankshaft bolts with the flexplate? Would they be too long? I realize I'll need to grab a set of flexplate-converter bolts since they are specific with slimmer heads.

Would it be worthwhile to find a set of .91 transfer gears? The trans came out of an '91 Spirit ES turbo; should have the 3.05 FD and 1.06 transfer gears, right?

On the note of trans coolers do the bar & plate style work better than the traditional style?


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Do the auto cars have a specific seperator plate between the engine and trans? Can I reuse one of my plates from the manual parts stash?

Anyone have suggestions for an intercooler? I've read many time on Team Omni the stock style intercoolers won't work in an L-body with the auto since it hits the bottom of the cooler.

Thanks for any insight you have!

[turbovanman²]

What year is the engine? This is important and is the crank 6 or 8 bolt?

Bar and plate is better.


Do all the mods listed in the various FAQ's.

You will need axles if using an 87 and newer trans.

Yes, find some .91 transfer gears but with the lockup, it might not be needed so much but it sure can't hurt.

[Clay]

this is must my opinion, but if your going for gas mileage, stick with a manual trans.

[86Shelby]

What year is the engine? This is important and is the crank 6 or 8 bolt?

Commonblock TII, not for certain on the casting date. 8 bolt crank.

You will need axles if using an 87 and newer trans.

Got that covered. This is replacing an intercooled 2.5 w/+40s on GLHS electronics and a very tired A555 rounds out the combo.

Yes, find some .91 transfer gears but with the lockup, it might not be needed so much but it sure can't hurt.

Picked some up today at the salvage yard.

this is must my opinion, but if your going for gas mileage, stick with a manual trans.

True. I'm simply tired of driving a stick every flippin day. Auto with lockup is the best alternative available right now. ...atleast until I can hire a shouffer(sp?).