Can someone educate me on 4-speeds

I was thinking of starting to collect some parts for a future small block 4 speed project. My local U-pick it yardhas a mid 70's pickup with a V8 and a 4 speed. It got me to thinking.

1. How can I tell if this 4 speed has a granny low gear?

2. If it does, is it completely unusable for a street mild preformance application?

3. Assuming number 2 is a no, would I need to change the tail shaft to use it in an A-body?

4. If I didn't change the tail shaft, would it work in an E or B body as is?

5. I suppose if the tranny isn't much good for a performance application, I assume I could use the bellhousing and flywheel as a start to putting a project together, correct?

I appreciate any feedback you can provide...thanks guys...

Ken in Pa.