198 numbers matching or 340 clone...... opinions?

My 64 is a 225 3/tree.
It had 97,000 on it when I got it. I did the column adjustment per the FSM to take out some of the slop. I also replaced the rubber linkage bushings at the trans and shimmed the other pivot points. Bottom line is I can't shift it fast or it jams and have to pull over, open the hood, reach down at the end of the column, and unjam it. And the trans is non-synchro in first, just like yours. Brewers and Passon do not deal with these baby trannies so if you need parts, good luck.

It is unique though. Nothing like driving around with the top down, stopped at a light and having people in their SUV's watch as I row through the gears in my fishbowl. I always hole shot em and give em a blast from the modified exhaust just for good measure though. I can easily smoke the right rear tire but that's kid stuff. And the shifter is my first line of defense against theft.

You could, for not much money, collect the parts to convert to a 3 on the floor. You'd need a slightly newer A-230 which was available in the early 70's. It's fully synchronized and is very similar to the A-833 4 speed. The 230 was the standard trans in 340 Dusters for awhile.

On the other hand, you could do an exacting bolt together 340 clone and it would be more valuable than your stock car. You could keep your original drive train and swap it back in a weekend but you'd have to deal with the floor hump.

This is a case where you have to go with your gut and do what'll make you happy.