I wouldn't think you would need the low band apply valve body unless you are going to race the car frequently. I have a forward manual valve body with low band apply. I really like it because it prevents low gear overrun. I start my burnouts in 2nd gear and shift to 3rd at about 5000 rpm. This is easier on the transmission than beginning a burnout in low gear. I, like you, don't mind the manual shifting at all. You just have to remember to manually shift the car down at stop lights. I don't know whether you need a bolt in sprag or not. I don't have one and I haven't had any problems with my transmission.