I asked this before but now I have more options. A friend is Ls swapping his 87 Iroc. It has a low mile 305, which he added a aluminum intake, small cam, and holley carb, it came with a T5. He's offering me this combo at a very good low price. He now also has a 700r4 auto transmission. my choice. my camaro has a 2.8 v6 with auto. he is including the complete pedal assembly also. Im on a tight budget so even though it's not a 350, it's better than what I have. I'm wondering if an auto is a better deal for me, long term does it allow easier use with a future 350?

 

If the t5 setup is complete I'd go w that. The th700 will need some kind of controller for the lock up and potentially other things, depending on the year. A t5 will handle a 350 fine if you don't abuse it. But I've always had a manual and these cars are much more fun in a manual.
Swapping to a 5 speed is easy

 

^That...and ^That. 100%.