Deciding on a transmission
I installed a new silver sports four speed auto the a41. It gives me a hell of a launch and is getting 20mpg on the highway (I have a 392 in front of it). Yes try are costly but it's modern technology.
If money is tight find a 727 and have it rebuilt with some shifter kit and bolt her up. You'll not have an issue with it at all. The sister 904 tranny is weaker.
Installing a four speed or more make the mod more challenging since your not a four speed original car. Linkage, bell housing, tunnel work etc.