Big investment for the "keeping a while now." But you already know that I am sure......
I have done 2 TF to Factory 4 speeds. It's easy actually if you have all the parts. The most time consuming part IMO is the metal work on the floor. It just takes time to make it all fit right and not look like crap...
In your case I would ditch the mechanical bearing and go Hydraulic. It's also a good time to upgrade your driveshaft unless that's been done. Past that talk to the Vendor who can supply you everything (Brewer's?) and that will build a relationship so questions can be answered when they come up....
Would I do it personally? Nope. But in the much earlier years of my life it was all about 3 pedals in a hot car and there is nothing else like it. Definitely a project that is not that complicated IMO...
