RodKnock... Yes, Panavia's thread was one of the first references I found but thanks for bringing it up.
Panavia... Thanks for creating that thread... great information. Maybe it's time to try it again, only using a big block this time. Let me know when it's finished
joyridin'... I don't have EFI but do have a 3.73:1 rear gear ratio. Funny you should mention 1st and 6th since that's the problem I have now... only with 1st and 5th. 1st (3.27) is too low, great for casual driving but worthless otherwise. 5th (0.68) is too high for 70 mph on the interstate. Since I need to replace the trans anyway, I figure it would make more sense to choose a more appropriate 1st and 5th gear to accommodate the 3.73's in the rear.
Pman1961... Thanks for the info.... especially in your second post since I wasn't aware of those particular changes. Obviously I can't do the same thing with my big block, so cutting and moving the trans mount would be my only option. Not what I wanted to hear, but definitely better to find out now instead of during the installation.
In my younger days, I would have likely tackled it head on, but between my age and other projects, I'll be passing on this one... so it will be a new TKO instead. However, and this is one reason I began looking into the Magnum, I plan to have the TKO upgraded... i.e. carbon blocking rings... for smoother shifts up to 8,000 rpm since the new motor will handle 7,000+ rpm shift points.
Thank you all for chiming in. Really appreciated it.