finally it looks like V-8 time

thanks for the great info so far!!
Wow the intake posted is cool but kinda pricey.
I think I'll probably use the stock 273 exhaust for now but keep my eye out for a set of the Magnum type exhaust off a junkyard Dakota donor. I understand they are as simple as adding a few fender washers under the driver side motor mount for clearance. I'll probably make something a little nicer than washers but the concept is sound.
I'm curious about the 5 speed. I would love to hear from someone who has put one in. my Dad has a Jeep with the same basic 5 speed and it looks small enough to fit without cutting the floor board but I may be wrong. if one of these will fit easily it would be a really cheap junk yard parts swap.
is there another better fitting solution? I've seen an article on putting the 5 speed out of a V-6 Blazer in an early A-body. if that would work better and still use all junkyard parts that might be a solution.
I'm trying to avoid putting big dollars into this for now. so far the V-8 swap isn't costing me anything but a front pump seal for the trans and a few quarts of oil. I have a good 318 and the re-ring kit in stock.