About 15 yrs ago, I had a '76 Ford E150 short bed van with a 351W and C6. I rebuilt the trans myself, using a B&M kit, and the clutch pack from a 1 ton. Altho' I've built many engines, this was my 1st (and so far only) auto trans. B&M's instructions were crystal clear, and it wasn't that bad of a job. Just take time, think, and be patient. When complete, I used the 1st stage of performance. As I recall, there were 2 stronger, or firmer stages. Stage 1 was plenty. At 1st, shifts were like dropping a pail of rocks on the end of a chain. BANG into the next gear. Flooring it to pass was a mistake. The huge BANG down into 2nd scared me for the drivetrain. I cussed it pretty strongly, but after a few 1,000 miles it eased up and just felt solid and good. I drove that van hard, using it as a work truck for over 120,000 miles, and the trans was still going strong when I sold it. I'd say go for the kit.

Lar.