v8 with manual trans.

I bought a 2000 Lincoln LS last summer for my son (he was to pay me back) but does not want the car now because it is not FWD; he doesn't like driving it in the snow. Therefore, I have since taken possession of the car.
Learning about these cars I discovered that during 2000-03 they made them with manual transmissions but only for v6. (I'm a v8 manual transmission and RWD kind of guy.)
My question is: how hard would it be to change this car over to a manual transmission? I have checked with the Ford dealer and I can order the peddle assembly and all the interior goodies for 435$. I also found a web site that sells manual console. I am sure that I would loose the shift indicator on dash unless it works the same for either manual or auto.
Or would a better route be to sell the car; buy a v6 manual and change the engine to a v8?
I love the look, the accessories, the ride; just need v8 manual to be happy!
Thanks for reply.

I bought a 2000 Lincoln LS last summer for my son (he was to pay me back) but does not want the car now because it is not FWD; he doesn't like driving it in the snow. Therefore, I have since taken possession of the car.
Learning about these cars I discovered that during 2000-03 they made them with manual transmissions but only for v6. (I'm a v8 manual transmission and RWD kind of guy.)
My question is: how hard would it be to change this car over to a manual transmission? I have checked with the Ford dealer and I can order the peddle assembly and all the interior goodies for 435$. I also found a web site that sells manual console. I am sure that I would loose the shift indicator on dash unless it works the same for either manual or auto.
Or would a better route be to sell the car; buy a v6 manual and change the engine to a v8?
I love the look, the accessories, the ride; just need v8 manual to be happy!
Thanks for reply.

Replacing the auto with a manual would be cost prohibitive because of the electronics, the computer. Replacing a V6 with a V8, same electronic problems. If you have to have a V8 manual you need to look for a different auto.

I seem to recall a thread several years ago where a person was proposing swapping in a Mustang drivetrain into their LS. I don't recall any follow-up posts bragging about how great that made their car, so I suspect it never happened, probably for the reasons gcwimmer mentioned above.

I thought the reason a manual was not offered with the V8 was due to reliability concerns with the Ford manual transmissions, but that might have just been the story with the FWD manual transmissions. The manual transmission offered in the Mustang and trucks should be solid enough and probably would even bolt up relatively easy if it wasn't for the electronics. Basically the same 5-speed auto is used with the V6 and (post-2002) V8 Explorers. The V8 Explorer I would expect is very similar to the V8 Mustang.

I agree with the comments above though, unless you really want a difficult project riddled with potential headaches, if these are really requirements for you your best bet is to go car shopping with a decent trade-in.

-Rod

I would consider selling, and buy a used Mustang GT for a discount,
a Y2K10 Ford Blue Cobra shelby would be better.

I had a feeling it was a swap with obstacles but I needed to close the door. Thank you all for your reply.