OK First thing: OMG That is a HOT 53/4 Studebaker as your mascot…BIG Stude fan. My first car was a 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk which I started to learn auto repair and SWAPING things around, like swaping the automatic for a 3 speed with O/D, then a 352 Packard (in studie) for a 289 Stude engine, adding A/C and swapping the seats etc. All about 50 years ago and at the age of 16 to 19. Now I have crazy ideas on power trains which as you don't really have engines talk might be better posting here: NOTE I play with FI like my 2000 Mercury Grand Marques with I have got to 35 MPG at 65 MPH..so here is my plan: Has anyone done this: I am building a 1990 Caddie 350 changing it to a 383 motor (400 crank) with the early roller cam, early swirl port 192 heads and what many call the Peanut cam which stock makes it peek torque at 2200 RPM which I plan on advancing to shift that down to 2000RPM. I also am running Keith Black “D” Shaped dish pistons and roller rockers, and plan on feeding it with a 1986 TPI with a MAF system, either from a Corvette or a Camaro, (I have both setups). My Aim is a high MPG in a 93 Chevy Van. Then I planthis, only because I REALLY want to use this van for road trips…I plan on 4 speed (4L60E) for either a 8L90E or if I cannot use it then a 6L80E transmission and get the howling rear end rebuilt with a possi with 2.10:1 gears. (I have done a lot of customizing on it all ready...I can post pictures if interested...) Even with such a tall rear gear first gear will be hotter on both transmissions than my stock 4L60E with its stock 3.43:1 rear end, as so will second and third… Here are the numbers: 6L80E Gear ratios: 1St: 4.484 2nd 2.872 3rd. 1.842 4Th. 1.141 5th. 1.00 6th. 0742 8L90e Gear Ratios… 1st. 4.56 2nd. 2.97 3rd. 2.08 4th. 1.69 5th. 1.27 6th. 1.00 7th. 0.85 8th.0.65 4L60E Gears ratios: 1st. 3.059 2nd. 1.625 3rd. 1.00 4th. 0.696 I really like to look of the 8 speed, two overdrives...and the 8 speed is even a deeper over drive good for 100RPMs less. My number show (RPM and trans gears ratio and rear end ratio calculator) that with this setup I will be running around 1500RPMs in 8th. With my custom 383, and its swirl port heads and peanut cam that should be right around 80% of the 2000RPM Torque peak. Which I have read is ideal!!! So feed back?? Real knowledge please... Thanks. Rich