Thanks Carl, really great information.
The 48 2 ton had no rear ctossmember to set the rear mount for the automatic on, so I made one. It is bolted to the frame so I can move it forward easily enough. The original cross member for the bell housing mounts (which go away with the automatic) just clears the trans housing/torque convertor by fractions.
I am already sure the 261 just won't be enough of a power increase. So the answer will be a 250hp 283 or 302.
I will probably have other questions, but thanks for now.
