hi dan- the 2.45 might be ok with a 318 v8 and a stick, but never a 225 and there goes the gas miles. i remember a first gear multiplication of at least 9 was needed to reasonably launch a stickshift sedan (a or f). a 2.45 times the 3.09 first inthe mopar stickshifts(3 spd or od), wouldnt even give you a multiplication of 8 so maybe that would even be tough on a 318 although i recall 318s with sticks had a stronger hd clutch than a /6. 2.26 would be too far over the top and probably good for nothing, even though you could somewhat get away with it because the automatics torque converter slips a lot. i think thats why the automatics always get worse mileage than the sticks(the extra weight and the converter slippage suck gas). regards bob fisher

Hey, Bob, I know its your car and you already know what you are gonna do with it but I think I'd keep the 3.2 and swap in an OD trans instead. (if it were my car, that is) My 79 D 100 came with a 1 bbl /6, 3 0n the tree and 3.55 gears and readily got 22 MPG @70-72 MPH, but was at the point that had I wanted to go any faster, it would run out of steam. W/65 MPH on the freeways here that was plenty as it was also at the high limits of what the cops were willing to "give", too w/o costing me $$$$$ in court!

hello don- i agree with you. going to leave the 3.2 alone inthe 80 volare and may put the extra od trans i have in place of the 3 spd. but first have to find a factory hurst 4 spd od floorshifter for it. surprised you get that good mpg with the 3 spd and 3.5 diff in the pickup truck. bob fisher