Alright I just want some opinions I am pulling my motor to do some work on it while I am there I am going to be installing a "hot cam" and some stock aluminum heads that I have laying around since my current motor is Iron heads. Also installing 1.6 rr, 30lb Injectors, and having the PCM tuned.

Question is I am having the tranny re-built while I am down since it is starting to slip. I have a 2000 stall converter I was going to use but everything I am reading says the LT4 Hot Cam needs a 2500+. I really don't have the money for a Yank right now so would it be fine to run the converter I have? My rear end is 3.42

 

My setup is close to yours.. I ran a little over a year with LT4 hot cam kit and stock converter. The stock converter is 1500 so your 2000 is a little better but not really enough. It will run, but I don't think you will be totally happy. I went from stock to yank SS3200 it's like day and knight. Of all my mods the rear (2.73 to 3.42) and the stall were the most seat of the pants improvements. $800 for the yank is a big investment for a DD car budget, so I had to wait a while. It would be easier for you while it's all apart, but w/o the cash you can ride the 2000 stall for a while, and do a bigger stall later. Nice winter project if you have a heated garage..

 

Bob, how did you make the switch to the 3.42? Did you switch out the carrier to a 3 series or use a thicker Richmond gear? What did it cost you to do it?

 

There are two things I do not work on 1-A4 Transmissions and 2-Rear ends. I left the gear install to a local shop. He said he has done dozens of these and races a couple of cars on the side. Richmond makes a street/strip set of 3.42's for a series 2 carrier. Cost to me was a bit high $600.00 for parts and labor including axle seals etc.. but he ended taking two days and had to tear it apart twice to get it right. Looks like the series 2 pinion/gear (49-0005-1) are going for around $220.00 for parts now. Most shops are at least $85.00/hr now so I guess the $380 labor was estimated for 4-5 hours..