Hugger, we're talking the whole kit and kaboddle. got the unit, ring gear and pinion. the gentleman that sold me the unit was restoring the 76' monte carlo his dad bought new to bring him home from the hospital in when he was born. he is not into speed. being a rookie at car restoration he was lead to believe that any newly restored classic needed gears. so the restorer recommended the 342's. which he gladly installed for him for a considerable sum. Monzaz, i greatly appreciate your input. i will be taking a rear end housing from a 71' parts car to a local engine builder, one of the best in our part of country to have these gears installed and set up. this gentleman builds competition engines and race engines. has built many race engines street/strip and marine. one of the best in gear set up. my son-in-law and i are in the process of finishing the restoration on the car. i began over 4 years ago on this skylark. he, his dad and his uncle restore classics as a business. he also has a body shop at his home where he works at night doing the same. it is almost a frame off restoration. well, not quiet, i left the emergency brake cable attached when i lifted the body. now the bad news. as Hugger said, keep it under 400 horses. this 455 engine was sonic tested and had good thickness. i had it bored 40 over and installed a kit, Mike at Ta recommended; cam Ta 310, Ta roller rockers, Ta intake single plane, recommended valve springs. 73' model heads on a 75' block with 3 angle valve job on the heads. i'm afraid this will be somewhat over 400hp. also have 700 R4 already built to go behind this engine. now the good news this is my wife's car. she doesn't like one that jerks when it changes gears. lol. she'll get over it. Thanks gentleman for all the help. will keep everyone up to date on this restoration. i'd tell you the color she chose but it would start another debate i'm afraid.
