A manual trans (Read "Driver")will also put more strain on the rear end than a auto transmission.

Back in the 90s my daily driver was a Olds with a 350 chevy and a Th350 and a 10 bolt in the rear, it did at best 14.6 and had around 400 HP with a more or less stock Th350 only a shift kit was installed, used it every day for over two years without any problems.

The engine did die late at night during a vacation, racing another guy for nearly two hours (still remember my X ask what that smell was, I did replay NOTHING... 2 minutes later we where standing on the side of the highway with two cracked heads..)
I think I got the most expencive taxi ride ever that night...