Auto or Manual in my van: Need advice!

[freudie1]

Ok guys,

Here is the story:

I am building my 89 turbo Caravan with a goal of 400-450 hp.

Before everyone says "Yeah right", keep in mind we are building this as a promotional vehicle for my company and sparing little to no expense (think DFI system, relentless stage III heads, etc).

Now, the dillemma:

What tranny is the most bulletproof setup we can obtain?

Currently it has the a413. I have two issues with it:

1.) No Quaife lsd. I believe fwd motion told us they had a kit to "convert" the neon Quaife lsd for use with the a413. However, we were told it was $1500 and may void the Quaife warranty. Also, does anyone know if this exists yet??

2.) RMVB: Usually people run an automatic for drag racing if they want high levels of consistency. However, with the manual valve body isn't that negated?

My current thinking:

Install a 568 manual tranny, revlock clutches, quaife diff. Will this hold up? (Keep in mind we would have Cliff Ramsdale do the rebuld/etc on this).

Thanks in advance guys.

[mtrainVR6]

From what I have seen, yes. I am doing the exact same thing. You will be into it for half again as much if you fortify the auto for drag strip use. The diff pin WILL self destruct.

I am going 568 (swap is going on right now) on my van with a Stage II clutch. Supposedly its good for around 400 reliable horsepower with no diff issues.