I want to compile a list of everything I'll need to swap in the new tranny over the weekend of January 12th. I would also like to retard my cam timing and replace all the engine/trans mounts while we're in there. If you all could help me put together a list, as well as best brands and sources for all parts, I would really appreciate it. I want this to go as smoothly as possible.

So far Doug and I have come up with these things:

Trans fluid
Torque converter nuts
Timing chain dampener
Engine/trans mounts (need to know best source/brand... possible solid mounts)
Vaseline (Doug'* idea... something about lubing a shaft?)
UIM gaskets (might be pulling the UIM/LIM for better hoist attachment points)
Harmonic balancer? (mine has 140,000 miles on it)
Coolant

You'll need

A timing cover/water pump gasket kit (Fel pro... Checker?)
Torque converter is 3 bolts..not nuts (GM all the way)
UIM/LIM to lift better...no way..use the stock engine hoist mounts. If you don't have some..I'll get you a pair on the double.
Trans fluid...yup.. what do you want...syn or dino?
While the engine is out..any leaks or seepage that should be addressed?
Heat shrink tubing to better fix the trans wiring that was previously repaired. While you have room.. do it up.
Cleaning supplies. You know Bob'll be cleaning the engine bay while it'* out.
Heater and radiator hoses? How old are they?
Oil change 10 min after you change any gaskets.

Don't forget the 12 pack

Good call on the rear main. It'* definitely been leaking for a while, and this is a perfect time to address the problem.

I'll need the front cover gasket, but my water pump gasket is of the reusable variety from Intense. Shouldn't need another one, but good thinking Boosty

12 pack is a no-brainer, ChaseSmith!

I'm interested to hear opinions on the harmonic balancer. It'* not making any noise right now, but I'm debating replacement due to its age. I would hate to reuse the old one, only to have it crap out in a few months. Don't some of the HBs become problematic with higher mileage?

You don't have to remove the waterpump to remove the timing cover I didn't when I did my cam.
Unless the rubber started to crack or your going to be hard pressed for time to work on your car in the furure I wouldn't bother replacing the HB. I'm just thinking that since it'* relatively easy to remove and replace through the wheel well.

Is your oil pan gasket seeping at all?

I think the HB is cosmetically in good shape, but I'll have to look when we disassemble. And I was mistaken about the water pump

For the oil pan, Doug and I replaced it about 2 years ago. We thought it was the source of leaking oil, which I now believe is a leaky rear main seal. I'll double check it, though. Thanks for the reminder.

Just thought of something. I'll want to bypass the transmission lines in the radiator and install a new tranny cooler up front. Any suggestions for a good thermostatically controlled cooler?

Bill W...... paging Bill W......