318/8 Speed Swap

How about just a paddle shifter and a 'full manual valve body' type profile? Would save on the $1000 controller if you could figure out the sequence for the shifting. Probably still take a computer to change gears We got 6sp in our minivan and its in 4th before 40 mph. Still dont like it. 3.8 VVT Motor never gets above 2400 RPM