Transmission Swap From Auto to Manual?

[Shadoobie]

Hello everyone! I have a 1979 2.0 that is a fantastic car, with one flaw.. automatic transmission I found a guy on Craigslist willing to sell me a car with a complete engine, 5_speed transmission, differential, and all the important pieces for 150 dollars! What all would it take to swap the transmissions on the two? I know the diff ratios and center console pieces are different, but is there anything else I should be aware of?

[So Cal Mark]

getting the whole car for that price is a bargain and should give you everything you'll need including the front driveshaft, pedal box, flywheel, etc

[Shadoobie]

Well I have some bad news ladies and gentlemen.. I picked up the $150 spider today only to find that it is a February 1970 model which is unfortunately equipped with a 4 speed however, it was stuffed to the brim with spare parts (many of which I will be posting for sale soon) that made it more than worth the purchase. My question to you all would be is it worth swapping in a 4 speed over an automatic? I understand that an adapter plate is necessary for the 2L block, but is there anything that would prevent me from making the switch? I'm interested in what you guys think.

[So Cal Mark]

don't use the 4 speed.

[Shadoobie]

don't use the 4 speed.

Well Mark, in another interesting twist I found as I was parting the car out that someone stuck a 5-speed transmission without the bell housing in the trunk.. so where does that leave me in the parts that I need?

[So Cal Mark]

bell housings aren't hard to find, but I believe you will still need the front driveshaft from a 5 spd car

[Shadoobie]

I have two driveshafts included in my purchase, but I don't know if they're for a 5 speed. Do you happen to know what the length of a driveshaft for a 5 speed is?