Hi John
>   I have a 78 Corvette and thinking of putting a new engine in. With all
>   this smog shit and fuel cost, hoping to get better gas milages.
> 
>   My question is:
> 
>   a. With the new engine  (350), what about the transmission and
>   rear end. Would like to upgrade the transmission. I want to stay with
>   the auto trans.  What would be a good transmission to have..?
> 
>   b. Do I need to replace or rebuild the rear end...?
It may be easier to get you started economically if you let us know what
your corvette currently has in it.
However, the tried and true Turbo Hydramatic 350 (TH350) is one of the best
trannys out there. And if you where so inclined, a lockup th350 is just as
easy to find.  And I'd bet your vette has a th350 in it right now.
Some people will tout the 700r4 as a great tranny....Welll.... I hated mine.
(In a full size pickup). I replaced it with a non-lockup th350. I'm much
happier with it now.
As for the rear end, you won't need to replace it. Just give it a thorough
inspection (bearings, seals, excessive play in the gears), and change
the lube. When you've got the engine and tranny you want, then you might
want to consider changing the rear gear ratio. If you don't know the current
axle ratio, count the teeth on the ring & pinion while your giving the gears
the once over so you know what you are starting with.
Its a matter of seeing how
what you have now operates for you, and if its something you'd like to
change the characteristics of, make an educated choice based on what *YOU*
want out of the car.  Remeber, what *you* want out of the car. Not what your
friend wants.
 | AmiQWK 2.7 - S/N 0261 |
... Experience is knowing a lot of things you shouldn't do again.
--- OLMS 2.60p.a1+ [EPMAP55A]
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