I agree with those who say that going with all new parts is the the way to go but having said that here's my story. Wanted a manual car when I was looking for my convertible but setteled for an automatic. I came across a box of parts at a swap meet including bell housing, pedals, z-bar and other parts for the swap (pretty much everything except the trans and clutch) for $75. That started the wheels in motion. Found a 4-speed and clutch. Hardest thing to find was the flywheel which I ended up buying from a guy walking distance from my home. Found a console on E-bay. Put new bushings in the pedal assy. and put everything together and loved the results but, having other cars with 5-speeds, missed that overdrive gear. So, after a couple of years with the 4-spd, I switched to a t-5 five speed. Now I know that the t-5 can't handle real hard driving, but for my style of use, it is just fine. The original console works and looks just fine (it is moved back approx. 2 1/2 "). Over-all cost has been under $1,000. Actually sold the 4-spd for more than I paid for it. For me the car is much more drivable than the original. I did however keep all of the original parts "just in case". I usually put on between 3 and 4k miles a year .