Wow! Good info there. Thanks Lugnutz. I'll address some of the main points in order:
-I was actually leaning towards a 0.86 OD trans...it seems to be the best one.
-I will be on the interstate with the truck on occasion...being close to I81 and a 70mph posted speed limit. But I don't think that would hurt the 250 buzzing along around 2500-2600 rpms (73-76mph). I have a new Speedway Mustang II front suspension with tubular arms, dropped spindles, and cut 425 # springs, and 3" lowered S10 leaf springs in the rear with a new pair of 40# coilovers from a Dodge Caravan since I don't have much room for suspension travel (plus I get them for $20). So the suspension should allow the truck to be stable at interstate speeds.
-I think finding an Astro T5 is probably like finding a needle in haystack. I've never even seen one before. But you're right, it would be a good one to find, even with the .72 5th.
-I've seen a couple of F-body T5's around for sale, but I've avoided them because of the seat issue. I'm not using the stock bench seat, but I am using a split (40/20/40) bench seat out of a 2004 Cadillac DeVille. It has the integrated seat belts in it, and it also has power adjusters, heated, memory, and is a darkblue leather. the center seat has an under-seat compartment, flip out cup holders, and the back folds down as an arm rest and also has compartsments. I was looking for a LeSabre split bench, but this one is the same size and has the neat extras. Oh, and I got it all with all the wiring and switches for $100. After, I prep a few spots in the floor, I'll be making the base frame so I can attach the seat points to it...that's the only challenge, as the seat mounting points are a little odd and different from the inside to the outside and front to back.
-That's not to say I couldn't swap tail shafts, but I'm not sure what's the better route, use an S10 box with an adapter, or an F-body box and swap tail housings...decisions...
-I think I'll be using new style gauges from New Vintage USA, Woodward line, that has an electronic speed sending unit. They seem to fit my build.
New Vintage USA Woodward gauges http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nvu-37253-02/overview/-As far as the V6 Camaro T5, was that still a pre '93? I would assume since what I've read is that anything after that has the Ford bolt pattern.
I might head back to that salvage yard soon and see if they'll let me look over the ones they have on their shelf and check all the tags and verify by spinning the shafts.
Lug, I really appreciate the time you took to write down all of that info. We'll keep in touch about this topic.
Wayne
