got a tranny question

Ok, im lookin at a '72 with a 350 and an automatic transmission.... the question lies in the fact that im not too much of a fan of auto and usually won't drive anything but a manual- but i can't really go look for one with a manual cause im gettin a sweet deal on this one that i pretty much can't pass up (you gotta love a good friend!) but anyway, just wondering if possible, how hard, and what transmission to swap into for a manual tranny. thanks for any help.

It's realtively easy to switch from automatic to manual in the older cars. The worst part is cutting a hole in the floor. You can go with the stock transmissions of the time and get a Muncie or you can get a 5 speed with o/d. Not too sure which is cheaper.

The worst part is cutting a hole in the floor? You gotta be outta your GD mind! Have you ever swapped a tranny? If so, have you ever swapped one in a 'vette? There's not a whole lot of room to work with under there. First of all, you don't just hook up a manual tranny and slap a shifter on it. Think about all the clutch stuff you have to fit in there. I would agree that a Muncie (M21 or 22)is the way to go, but if you like having the stock exhaust manifold (cuz you can't use headers) I say "Go for it".

I think the hardest part would be removing the automatic tranny from between the pipes. A T.H. 350 isn't too bad, but a 400 is pretty hefty.
At least a Muncie case is small and light weight and easier to bench-press into position (maybe).
I have a 69 Camaro project that has been sidelined for a while. I rebuilt the Muncie that I planned to use (and powder coated the housings) and have a Hurst Verti-Gate shifter to go w/it. I might have an aluminum bell housing and a flywheel in my pile of parts, but I'd have to look to make sure. Camaro parts could be for sale.

If you want to install a crash box then go for it. It's all just nuts and bolts anyway. All my cars (and truck) are automatic, my next muscle machine will be a stick.
---TEX---