Cheapest route, you could probably score a used LT1-style T56 for pretty cheap. You just have to frequent for sale boards looking for them. I am sure you could fab up a cross member pretty easily or get the parts from Tyler at ATS. He's really good with answering any questions you have, the only cutting would be for a shifter hole about 4" further back than a factory manual.
BTW, killer car to have at your age.
