i contacted maddat, and theyre unsure if their tunnel kit will take an auto box, so maybe im better off to take the plunge and make one as i go. ive had a look for 280 struts and they appear to be quiet rare so like you say maybe s13 is the way to go. the fabrication side of things isnt a problem as ive got handy mates (gota love them) and it may work out cheaper than buying a kit but like you say the time is the issue then. but i suppose do it once do it right is the golden rule.