Quick update
8/1/11
Well I figured out the lazy shifting problem. Was a bad vac. adv. can (bent) that did not function due to the guts not moving correctly. So I switched to a Red Stripe small can, that made the trans go 1-2-3 in about 200 feet.
So I switched that out to a "big style" advance. Seems to operate correctly now. Next problem to address is the rear gears. What I suspect to be a set of 2.91 gears, may in fact be a 2.41 gear set. Did some checking on available ratios for '81/'82 G-bodies and found no listing at all for a 2.91 gear. I know it was available on H-bodies in '76/'77 in a 6.5 inch rear.
So, the problem is a soft launch. What I'm considering is a move to a 3.73 or 4.10 gear. Seems the only economical way to accomplish this is by swapping to a Monte Carlo SS rear. This is due to the 26 spline count of the G-body axle shaft (28.437" long, v. S10 @ 26.750).
I do have a gear set & carrier that could be used, but run into the spline issue and the $275 on a set of axles is out of my budget.
Next possibility is to use the 3.73/4.10 gear set, but then would need a ring gear spacer ($55 shipping inc.). This would allow me to set-up and run the 3 series gear with a 2 series carrier. I'm thinking of going this route, but the 26 spline "weak" axles are concerning. Car runs a 235/65R15 tire & open rearend. THinking that the new found torque is gonna bust it right away.
Last option is a GN/442 open rearend. This runs in the $400+ range, so now the budget thing hits me again......
One other thing, I might add a Buick Hood Tach to this ...... THOUGHTS?
8/3/11
Well I pulled the cover off the 7 5/8 rear I've been saving to verify exactly what gear set I have. The number is...... 10:41xxxxxxx or 4.10. I also counted the rotations of the pinion to the ring gear and got just over 4 turns.
So if I'm reading everything correctly I should be able to do the following:
1. tear down both axles
2. swap the complete 4.10 ring, pinion & carrier
3. insure the preload to the pinion is correct
4. insure the wear pattern, pinion to ring gear is correct
5. fill with lube
6. enjoy the new found cajones this will have!
BTW this is an open rear end.