Looking to get my first F body shortly and I need to know what exactly I'm looking for. No cars came in the proper configuration but here's what I want to end up with

350 TPI with 5 or 6 spd manual.

Now, would it be cheaper to buy a 305 with 5spd and swap a same-era 350 in, or would it be cheaper to buy the 350 and swap a same-era T5 in?

Would either one take considerably more time or be excessively more difficult than the other?

If buying the 350 and swapping the manual in is the better route, if I go with a T5 now (because they're super cheap) when it goes out or I want to go to a T56 what all will I need to make that swap besides the actual transmission?

I searched, and read, a lot, but I didn't find what I was looking for.

Thanks in advance.

 

GM never offered a T5 behind a 350. They knew it wouldn't last. Many people have converted to a 350/T5 and have made them live but it all depends on your driving habits. If you want a strong tranny behind a 350+, you'll have to upgrade to a T56. Since third gens never came with a T56, it's probably better to find a car with a 350/700R4 then convert it to a manual transmission T56.

Check the transmission board on T56 conversions.

Welcome to TGO

 

I'm sorry I should have specified, I want the car to do well in autoX (I know, it's 90% driver), run 13's in a straight line, and be a daily driver. I'll be autoXing hopefully once a month and doing the quarter mile...rarely. I'm not looking for obscene power.

It looks like I'm settled in on hunting down a 87-92 350 TPI Auto then. Thanks for your input.

 

Personally I find the engine swap way easier then the transmission swap. I've built a 350 5-speed car that used a stock truck 350, tpi setup, and a stock WC t5. Most fun I've had in a car until I blew the motor.