If you want to go with an automatic, go with an automatic. I will never ever own a manual trans again. I no longer street race. I'm a cruiser now. I have too many jumps and training on my knees and body and it hurts. I have a C-4 on my flathead. Got my kit from Speedway. But I didn't have X members to cut or a frame that needed any modifications or is it in a heavy car. So, do it in a heavy car if you want to keep the flathead in it. Cruise it. Don't race it. It'll get you from point A to point B.