Les Paul --
I did the conversion in my '76 a few years ago (I was basically given a T5 manual, my old T350 was leaking badly, I needed a project.... what the heck), and if I had it to do over again probably would not have done it.... at least not with the T5 for sure. I just recently swapped back to an automatic (700R4).
IF you are serious about this, especially if you're going to a non-stock engine, I'd look at one of the Tremec transmissions (if they can take your HP), a beefed-up BorgWarner T-10 (which was the 'stock' manual back then), or some of the other heavy-duty aftermarket manuals.
Check your transmission tunnel for a shifter opening. Prior to '76, there was a shifter hole all the time, I believe. The hole was blocked off with a plate for automatics. At some point they eliminated that hole for cars with automatics..... My '76 is a late production (one of the last few built... and in fact has a lot of '77 parts) and did not have the hole.
Whether a hole is there or not, you'll have to figure out where the manual's stick will come through. With the 'stock' T-10, the shifter mounts to the body/crossmember, not the transmission. The T-5 shifter was integral to the transmission tailshaft housing, but ended up in the exact same spot as a 'stock' shifter.
Also be aware that if you want to use the stock-style clutch linkage, you'll have to weld-on a bracket to the frame, approx. below the master cylinder to hold the 'z-bar' / cross-shaft.
And make sure your engine block has a threaded hole just above the oil filter boss to accept the other end of the shaft.... but it sounds like you're considering an engine swap anyway.
Look through the parts illustrations of any of the cataolg houses (ZIP, Corvette Central, etc.), they have pretty good exploded views of the clutch linkage and associated parts.
Driveshaft will have to change, maybe the outputshaft yoke as well depending on what trans you go with. You'll have to fabricate or modify your transmission mount. Installing the clutch and brake pedals, neutral safety switch wiring, and such is no picnic, but isn't that hard either once the parts are gathered....and the driver's side interior is gutted.....
Like I said earlier.... if I had it to do over again, I probably wouldn't. I'm much happier with the 700R4......
Hope that helps. If you have any other specific questions don't hesitate to ask !
Pancho
