A855 - 5 Speed

I'll chime in again.
My B-Body 855 is GREAT. A little noise in the lower gears (1, 2) which I expected given it's "conservative" 700 Ft Lb continuous torque handling claim. I intend to test that with a 541 cu in Bill Mitchell Products aluminum RB block.
Behind my warmed over 440 6bbl, on the street, highway, or quarter mile it performs like a champ.
I'm glad I didn't experience what the OP did.