Automatic to manual conversion.

I thought i read on one of those threads that the s10 shifter location was favorable? Maybe that was just vs the camero/transam t5s cause they are on the far end of the tailshaft. Would the s10 work for now if i could get it cheap? And then upgrade later?
Also could i use a standard small block la bellhousing and just drill it to fit whatever transmission i use? That sbm to t5 kit is stupid expensive. Idk how those guys sleep at night. 700 bucks for a piece of stamped steel it cost them 35 bucks to make lol