I boxed in the cross member open ends and welded the remaining cross member solidly to the floor (instead of just the spot welds). My plan was to have the shifter come out of a factory console with a factory looking shifter in the original place. Although I got my LGT 700 from Keisler just before they went away, I needed some support after it was in, in the way of what parts it took. Silver Sport wouldn't help, Legend Gear wouldn't help (we don't deal with the public), Bowler Transmission no help, Jody's Transmission (oh we've never had one of those apart, don't know.)
Yes I'm happy with having the 5 speed and the MAN peddle behind my 400 HP 340 but the aggravation was high for quite a while.
Back to your ratio question,,, IMO don't get a low first ratio,, you'll be shifting at the first cross walk with the 3;91's
My #'s are 2.66/1.78/1.30/1.0/0.69 with a 3.23 rear for now. It pulls hard with 2.45/60/14's, that's barely enough tire. 105 kmh /65 mph = ~ 1900 rpm I think. I built a torque motor and the splits seem about perfect with the close ratios.
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