Installing new Tremec 3550 - a few questions

[302 LX Eric]

I just sold my T5 today (actually it will be sold this Friday), and am looking at purchasing a Tremec 3550 in the next couple weeks.

First, is the Tremec a quality piece? I have heard good and bad from a local transmission shop and now they've got me reconsidering. They said something about the "older" models were much stronger and built better, while the "newer" Tremecs (3550's) don't have the same quality snycros, gear sets or input shafts. Has anyone heard of this?

Second, how difficult is the 3550 install? I have heard that I will need to break a couple welds somewhere and then re-weld. I am not totally sure what needs to be cut and re-welded, so any additional information/details would be appreciated. Plus I don't think I have the tools to break the welds and would have to take it somewhere for re-welding.

Third, for those of you who have Tremecs, how do they shift? Do you like them? Reliable?

I plan on adding a ProCharger (at some point - you guys are probably sick of me saying that one! ) but the car will remain on drag radials with 2.0 60's I'm sure!

Thanks in advance for the input.
E

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1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 38,000 miles

13.17 @ 106.14 mph w/ 2.138 60'