Saw this advertized in Corvette Fever and checked out the site. They are not cheap but it could be worse. Sounds like it might even really be a direct bolt in.
http://www.keislerauto.com/Corvette_5Speed.htm

It sure does sound like the hot set up, I was talking this exact same thing this weekend with a guy I know, The price dosn't sound that bad seeing as everthing is included, stock looking, and you don't have to fiure anything out. But I have pretty much come to the end of spending that kind of money, the 4 speed works well, for as much highway driving as I do, it makes it very hard to justify, and I can't even imagine having a lower ration in 1st gear, heck I can't stay there now for 1 second.........

Dave
Mr69vett

I have thought about this transmission as an alternative to a built 4L60E (i have a 4L60E in the car right now) to stand behind my LT1 once I start hopping it up. It looks great, but is expensive! It does look like a sweet setup, though.

I have actually talked to the owner there and they do some pretty amazing stuff. I know for about the same price, for cudas and challengers they have a COMPLETELY bolt on auto to manual kit that uses a hydralic clutch system and they supply a titanium bell housing/scattershield. This kit uses existing bolt holes in the car!!! They also have a kit for Dakota R/T's.

5 Speed conversions can now be a bolt in. But if you want something ultra cool. How about a t-56 6 speed conversion.

You can visit this website and see someone that did do it on a c3

http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/

or

http://www.mantrans.com/t56.html

Now that would be cool. If someone would make a true bolt in kit.

Keisler replied to an email I sent with word that they are developing a 6-speed 650 HP kit for our cars. No word on price yet.

just pick up a 5sp O/D from keisler in knoxville,tn if any one want one they is 6-8wk wait time cost$2800.00 ready to bolt in our 78with a ZZ4 355hp. 4;11 gears they is more too it then just bolt in the biggis problem is the croos member

|UPDATED|9/24/2003 4:05:31 PM|/UPDATED|

I drove a friends 78 with that same 5 speed backing his ZZ4 and I must say it worked like a charm. I can't wait to do a little Richmond Vs Tremec comparison soon.

Here's a Richmond vs TREMEC 5sp comparison:

http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/5sp_comparison.html

It's intended to be an unbiased comparison.

StingrayJim directed me to this site. Wow! really impressive!

I just picked up my Keisler 5 speed last week at their warehouse. Two boxes with everything inside. Driveshaft already shortend with u-joints installed. New output shaft. New speedo cable. New tranny mount and pad. All the bolting hardware. Shifter handle and shifter ball. Backup light harness. I just need to get some time off from work to do the install. I am excited about getting it installed and doing some driving.