i thought i heard a question about the relative placement of the rear of the 617 and the rear of the 280. i think they are the same position so if you have a 280 five speed ds i think it should work with the 617 too.

you need to be cautious about the balance of the flywheel. mark your fw onthe 617 before removal then check it for balance. if it is neutrally balanced that is good. then you just have to be sure the fw you put on is neutral too.

if it is not neutral you need to balance the new fw to match it. this proceedure is described precisely in the fsm. check skinnerbox.

a five with the 617 will make a very sweet combo. actually a five with any of the motors is sweet.

good luck

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.