Auto vs. Manual Tranny Predicament

[wmhjr]

First of all, you're right in that a Muncie will NOT survive behind a 550rwhp/tq engine. The Muncie was designed to handle barely half that power.

I would also agree that you talk to some local, reputable shops with demonstrated experience. Know your budget up front so that you can set clear expectations. You've got 2 issues. First is just the purchase cost of the drivetrain combo you want. 550rwhp/tq is nothing to sneeze at, and that power level immediately restricts you to just a couple manual trannies. You need to realize that not even the TKO600 is rated for that, and neither is the Keisler RS600 IIRC. So, you need to start with the drivetrain so that you know what you're asking.

As for the actual conversion, you're really talking about a few things.

1) Possibly tranny tunnel modification to fit the tranny in the tunnel.
2) Crossmember positioning for an aftermarket tranny to keep the driveline angle correct, and then fitting a new custom driveshaft.
3) Shifter placement and installation/modification of the shifter hump
4) If it was a column shift car, nicely correcting the removal of the column shifter. If it's a console car, making sure the new shifter fits the console.
5) Pedal installation and linkage.
6) Clutch selection, fitment and adjustment. Hydraulic clutch can make this a bit easier.
7) Bell housing/scattershield alignment.
8) Speedo calibration.
9) Neutral safey switch, clutch safety switch, backup lights (any or all of these).