I want to build a good drag race automatic transmission and am seeking advice. I'm asking the engine questions in that section and the rear end questions in that section. I know my choice of camshaft and rear gears will effect which torque converter to choose. I will refine that as I get this sorted out. This is going in a race car that will never see the street. Drag race only for now, but we may take it autocrossing later. I want to do most if not all of the work myself. I've rebuilt one 904 with some help so far. Here are some basic questions, but any and all advice is appreciated. I am looking for some Race Proven advice from people who have actually raced and have opinions on what works or doesn't work. I will take everything you all have to say along with articles from the forum and whatever I can learn from the racers that don't frequent this forum and develop my plan. I appreciate the help.

1. What year transmission should I look for to build (early versus late pilot bushing, etc)?
2. What brand manual valve body do you recommend (I want to completely do away with the kickdown linkage)
3. Is there a preference between reverse or forward pattern?
4. What shift improver/rebuild kit do you recommend?
5. If I get a seperate manual valve body do I skip the shift improver part of the rebuild that modifies the valve body and just put in the 5.0 kickdown lever and heavier springs elsewhere in the instructions?
6. What brand/type/size torque converter do you recommend?
7. What shifter do you recommend?
8. What else have I forgotten to ask or what else do you want to share?

Thanks in advance everyone!

Rob