Hey Bob - thanks for the confirmation. Car was a basketcase when I bought it so there are some things that I just don't have a reference on. The offset question was an important one to answer.

It was originally an auto and I don't have any issue opening up the hole, but going down the whole side of the tunnel didn't seem right. Looks like the correct Hurst Comp has a bracket mounting between shifter and the shaft which moves the handle over a few inches. I'll fab or order one and my only issue may then be opening up the rear just a touch.