Opinions on a plan of attack

You know that 1st gen Neons are one of the best handling cars to come off the line? Since you know what a good early "A" can feel like, with the Cuda, I'd go that way. I've had a couple manual boxes rebuilt by Firm Feel and they do really nice work. Maybe go with a 20 to 1 manual box? I'm rebuilding the front end on our 67 Barracuda and had Firm Feel reinforce a 73 K-Frame for it. But, you can do what you want. Look at some Austrailian sites. Their steering wheel is on the opposite side but they have done what you want.