What options for O/D behind a S/6?

Hi guys,

Trust me, this doesn't have anything to do with drag racing. And a Gear Vendors unit is twice the budget of the purchase of the car itself!

I just wan't to 1) maximize fuel economy, and 2) take advantage of a lower 1st gear ratio for quicker pick-up. There is no reason that this car shouldn't have a solid 30mpg all around.

The Valiant won't take very tall tires. I learned driving the 'cuda cross country last week, that even with the 2.76 gears I put in, it was still turning about 2500 in cruise because of the (only) 24" tall 215/60/14's on it and converter slip. I only averaged 16.5-17mpg with a best tank of 18mpg. I'd hate to think what it would have been if I'd left the 3.91's in for the 3300 mile drive... sheesh!

I know the trans cross member, and maybe the tunnel itself will require surgery to use an A500.

I know that some 8-1/4's had 2.45's and even 2.2's (different carrier required?), but I don't want to sacrifice what little acceleration the car is going to have. An A500, with its 0.69 O/D ratio would give 3.55's an effective ratio of 2.45... 3.23's would become 2.23 in O/D.

Does the 200R4 or any others have a divorced bellhousing? IIRC, the 200R4 is single wire lock-up.

Whatever trans I use, it won't need any performance mods to hold up behind a snarling '74 S/6, LOL!!!

More suggestions?

Thnx, Mike in FL