I have had manual trans cars before. They are okay for something different but the novelty wears off quick for me. The "FrankenDuster" was a 360 with an 833 4 speed. I liked that car at first but grew tired of stop signs, red lights, etc. This truck functions perfectly as is but I will readily admit that the 1st gear ratio feels too low. Carrying a load, starting in second feels too tall. Regardless, I've owned several 74-78 Dodge trucks with 727s and I just prefer them that way. I have a 78 Trail Duster with a 440/727. Much easier to drive, text, eat chinese food with chopsticks and juggle chainsaws while driving on snowy, curvy roads.