 Before the bellhousing was...  Before the bellhousing was fully secured, the (stock) flex plate was aligned with the converter and the two tightly bolted together. A little Loctite doesn't hurt, either. |  Our only main fabrication...  Our only main fabrication issue was the rear tranny crossmember. The new mount was roughly 3-4 inches off, so the easiest solution was to make up a new piece rather than modify the old one... |  ...When performing this, always...  ...When performing this, always reference your tailshaft angle against the yoke on the rearend in order to keep the driveshaft on par. |
 Once the transmission was...  Once the transmission was secured, it was time to literally shift into gear--with the Lokar shifter, that is. As mentioned in the story, we obtained the 700-R4 version, but quickly found out that with the absence of a removable tailshaft housing, its bracketry won't work... |  ...The solution was to get...  ...The solution was to get the proper brackets from Lokar! |  Don't forget the neutral safety...  Don't forget the neutral safety switch hookup, unless you like living a little dangerously. |
 On the left side of the transmission...  On the left side of the transmission you'll find the pre-wired lockup control switch. Phoenix clearly notes on the wiring to tap into a keyed 12-volt source for proper operation. |  Not having to get the driveshaft...  Not having to get the driveshaft modified was a blessing. Nevertheless, now is the opportune time to check your U-joints and replace them if necessary. |  While Phoenix supplies you...  While Phoenix supplies you with a stock-style trans fluid dipstick, if you're tight for space, there's always the option of using a Lokar style that mounts directly on the firewall. |
 As noted, the TV cable system...  As noted, the TV cable system requires proper adjustment and setup to ensure the livelihood of the transmission... |  ...Of the various options...  ...Of the various options out there, we chose the intricate system from BowTie Overdrives, which incorporates a carb-baseplate-style bracket, as well as a unique cam throttle linkage adapter for cable hookup. |  Without the cam linkage adapter,...  Without the cam linkage adapter, you can still set up the TV... |
 ...but for optimum performance,...  ...but for optimum performance, we chose the entire setup, including the braided cable. |  Before hitting the road for...  Before hitting the road for the real test, we pressure-checked to 200 to ensure we had the correct band pressure--which is right around 100 pounds... |  ...It's a bit more involved...  ...It's a bit more involved that simply hooking up a kick-down cable on a disc-style trans, but the overdrive is well worth it! |