Hank, Welcome aboard.
What are the odds, two guys named Hank with first gen Firebirds that have transplanted t-5s in them?
I have an original console in mine and the only difference is that it is located less than two inches to the rear. I used the shift lever that came with the tranny but modified it a bit by rotating it 180 degrees so it slants to the left and forward then I attached an original style round lever to the stump. I can send you pictures if you would like. I have also heard that a ford t-5 tail-shaft will move the shifter to the more correct position.