Manual trans swaps: Cheapest vs Easiest vs Best Performing vs Best Driving Experience

I put an passon performance hemi overdrive into my 340 stroker 67 dart.

Car started as an auto, but when I restored the car I wanted to row gears. Standard a833 went in till I thought I blew up the trans. Turns out I grenaded a sure grip.

I now think I should of made the leap to the t56 and big block. I am currently planning that for the 96 Dakota