Yeah, I got one reply from an inline builder near Bellingham, but that shop has a 10 month waiting list. I found a shop in Tacoma that will actually gold plate my valve cover and make my truck tap-dance with hydraulics, but they won't rebuild the inline.
I can either operate the clutch or brake, not both. I have power brakes, so I feel confident slapping it out of gear when I need to stop completely. Starting on hills (which is all we have in Seattle) is a three handed operation, getting the 4L60 installed would make it much safer.
Money is the one thing I'm not permitted. If a disabled person receiving benefits has more than $2K in cash it causes an automatic audit, and if I earn any money they will raise my rent and cut my benefits to compensate. I know a 270 or 302 will fill the hole, but unless you're going to donate a running engine it's not really useful info. I haven't considered the 270/302 for the same reason an LS is out of the question. I have to work with what I have, there is no budget for a wish list. Ironically, a tax subsidy will help pay for installation of the lift (modification for medical purpose), but the van itself is my problem to solve.
My friends and relatives moved out of Seattle when they got old enough to know better. Within minutes of retirement, they were packed and gone. If I didn't have a subsidized apartment and a cadre of medical specialists to support, I would have led the exodus. Seattle car clubs don't answer email, except the Greenwood Knights who informed me where to send membership fees. As a result, I have little info on local clubs beyond their webpages.
