Help determining if my BM is original

[82blackmagicRS]

I folded the rear seats the other day, and noticed that the little bit of floorboard that was showing was painted an orange-y color.. were they all like this, or did my BM used to be orange, and someone just painted it up and threw some BM rear seats in?

How can I tell if my motor is orig.. the prev. owner says it may have been replaced with a later one, but he doesn't know.

My tranny is also bagged (4spd SROD). I would like to replace it with a T-5 but I don't want to destroy any collector value this beast may have. Was a T-5 available in 82RS..

And the last thing, how can I tell what my Rear end ratio is without pulling the cover? any ideas?

[Anonymous]

I don't think the T-5 was available in 82. In theory you could undo a t-5 swap fairly easily if you wanted to sell the car.

[agbulit]

I would go with the T-5, it is a much better transmission. Any alterations that you make the car when installing the T-5 can be undone if you ever want to switch the car back to stock. Just make sure to keep all of the original parts.
As for the rear end, put a mark on your driveshaft with some chalk, and also put a mark on your tire. Roll your car forward until the mark on the tire makes 1 full rotation. the number of times that the driveshaft rotates is your rear end gear ratio.

[H.T.'s83]

:twisted: For that matter, the SROD bellhousing just happens to fit Tremecs. I have seen 3550's for about 100 bucks more than a new t-5!

[82blackmagicRS]

I think I'll go with the T-5 and just keep the old SROD around. Any ideas on how to check the trans at the junkyard before I pull it, or before I take it home?

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure, i know a lot of places will gaurantee their transmissions for 30 days. That should be more than enough time to get it put in and see if it is going to work for you.

[82blackmagicRS]

I think i'll try bucks. How are the prices as compared to pick your part?
I also have never got a good part from allen and sons.. every last one broke within 2 months.. they must have a policy of removing parts with a sawzall and a forklift..